Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects

The Division of Physics (PHY)supports physics research and the preparation of future scientists in the nation’s colleges and universities across a broad range of physics disciplines that span scales of space and time from the largest to the smallest and the oldest to the youngest. The Division is comprised of disciplinary programs covering experimental and theoretical research in the following major subfields of physics:Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics; Elementary Particle Physics; Gravitational Physics; Integrative Activities in Physics; Nuclear Physics; Particle Astrophysics; Physics at the Information Frontier; Physics of Living Systems; Plasma Physics; and Quantum Information Science.Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to consider including specific efforts to increase diversity of the physics community and broaden participation of under-represented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Additional Information The Division of Physics strongly encourages single proposal submission for possible co-review rather than submission of multiple related proposals to several programs. PIs considering submitting more than one proposal to this solicitation, or who already have an active PHY award, are encouraged to first consult with the relevant program officer(s) before preparing a new proposal. This does not apply to awards from or submissions to the MRI, REU, and/or center programs, or in cases of renewal proposals. Due Dates Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s local time):

Program(s) Deadline
Plasma Physics Third Monday in November, e.g. November 21, 2022
AMO – Theory and Experiment Gravitational Physics – Theory and Experiment LIGO Research Support Integrative Activities in Physics Fourth Wednesday in November, e.g. November 23, 2022 Nuclear Physics – Theory and Experiment Elementary Particle Physics – Experiment Particle Astrophysics – Experiment First Tuesday in December, e.g. December 06, 2022
Elementary Particle Physics – Theory Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology – Theory Physics of Living Systems Quantum Information Science Second Tuesday in December, e.g. December 13, 2022

*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Foreign organizations: For cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign organizations, support will only be provided for the U.S. portion. -For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation. -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Other Federal Agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): Contact the appropriate program before preparing a proposal for submission. -State and Local Governments: State educational offices or organizations and local school districts. -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members.Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.