The Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program, administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), supports projects that foster the continuing health of the mathematical sciences research community as a whole. The program invites proposals for novel research infrastructure projects, training initiatives that complement the Workforce Program in the Mathematical Sciences, and conference, workshop, or travel support requests that feature cross-disciplinary activities or have national-scale impact.

Overview

The primary aim of the Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program is to strengthen the mathematical sciences research infrastructure across the United States. Proposals submitted under this solicitation must demonstrate engagement in developing or enhancing research infrastructure, which may include broadening participation activities, professional development training, or involvement of students and early career researchers. All proposals must explain the regional or national scale impact of the activity, going substantially beyond the submitting institution or the location of the event.

Funding and Benefits

• Funding Instrument: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Assistance Listing: 47.049 -- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Funding Opportunity Number: PD-20-1260

Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants: Unrestricted

Research Areas and Activities

The program invites projects in three categories:

1) Novel Research Infrastructure Projects
Projects that support and strengthen research infrastructure across the mathematical sciences community. These projects often cut across multiple sub-disciplines supported by DMS or involve interdisciplinary collaborations. The main goal should be to create new research infrastructure or substantially enhance or transform existing infrastructure with regional or national impact beyond the submitting institution.

2) Training Projects
Training proposals submitted to DMS Infrastructure must not fit into areas covered by the Workforce Program in the Mathematical Sciences. They must:

• Include a core research component for trainees in mathematical sciences
• Demonstrate promise for regional or national impact beyond the submitting institution or project location
• Satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
  • Serve as models to be replicated
  • Promote partnerships with non-academic entities, minority-serving institutions, or community colleges
  • Include a substantial broadening participation initiative

All training proposals must clearly identify goals, specific new activities, measurable outcomes, assessment plans, recruitment and retention plans (including for underrepresented groups), sustainability plans, and a commensurate budget.

3) Conferences, Symposia, Working Research Sessions, and Travel Support
Conference or workshop proposals may be submitted to the DMS Infrastructure program only if the intended topical areas span a wide range of the mathematical sciences and are not within the scope of DMS disciplinary programs. Lead-time requirements apply:

• 6 months in advance for domestic meetings requesting no more than $50,000
• 9 months in advance for domestic meetings requesting more than $50,000
• 12 months in advance for meetings taking place outside the United States

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: August 4, 2026 (for proposals dealing with training as described in the Synopsis)
• Posted Date: August 7, 2020
• Archive Date: September 6, 2035

Application Process

Full proposals (with the exception of conference proposals, which are subject to lead-time requirements) must be submitted close to one of the Full Proposal Target Dates. Applicants should apply through Grants.gov to submit applications and track status.

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: NSF Grants.gov Support
Email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Additional Information: NSF Program Description PD-20-1260