§ Federal grant opportunity · 26-522
MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro). The deadline is November 16, 2026 and the published award range is Award amount not published.
Key facts
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation
- Application deadline
- November 16, 2026
- Award range
- Award amount not published
- Eligibility
- Eligibility criteria are published in the funding opportunity announcement.
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Research
- Opportunity number
- 26-522
Program overview
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe. The programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Astronomical Sciences Core Research Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation Astronomical Sciences Innovations Research supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields. The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more. NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from U.S. National Science Foundation.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before November 16, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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