MPS Physics

**Physics research programs** NSF MPS physics programs support multiple types of research, including theoretical, experimental, computational and observational studies. The programs support individual researchers, small teams and cross-cutting interdisciplinary research spanning multiple programs. * * * **[Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics - Experiment](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/atomic-molecular-optical-physics-experiment)** Supports experimental research on the fundamental quantitative understanding of atoms and molecules, their interactions with each other and with light, and the application of AMO methods to fundamental science in other areas of physics. **[Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics - Theory](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/atomic-molecular-optical-physics-theory)** Supports theoretical and computational studies of atomic and molecular structure; atomic and molecular interactions, including collisions and photoionization/photodetachment; quantum optics; quantum information and ultracold phenomena in Bose and Fermi gases. **[Elementary Particle Physics - Experiment](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/elementary-particle-physics-experiment)** Supports laboratory research that explores the fundamental building blocks of matter and their forces by probing, directly or indirectly, particle interactions. **Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory** Supports research in theoretical high-energy physics, including collider physics, supersymmetry, extra space-time dimensions, unification and string theory. Also supports theoretical cosmology, including Big Bang cosmology and new ideas from particle physics. **Gravitational Physics** Supports gravitation research and infrastructure including data analysis for gravitational-wave detectors, instrumentation development and characterization at NSF LIGO, next-generation technologies and research in classical and quantum gravity theory. **[Integrative Activities in Physics](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/integrative-activities-physics)** Supports interdisciplinary physics research; research experiences for undergraduates in physics; and education and training of undergraduate and graduate physics students, especially research associated with the physics large facilities. **[Nuclear Physics - Experiment](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nuclear-physics-experiment)** Supports experimental research at the frontiers of nuclear physics in the following areas: nuclear astrophysics, structure and reactions; nuclear and hadron quantum chromodynamics; precision measurements of fundamental symmetries and constants. **[Nuclear Physics - Theory](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nuclear-physics-theory)** Supports research on fundamental theoretical aspects of nuclear physics, model building and applications to astrophysical phenomena and experimental programs at particle accelerator facilities. **[Particle Astrophysics - Experiment](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/particle-astrophysics-experiment)** Supports research on the fundamental nature of matter, energy, space and time in the following areas: cosmic phenomena, underground physics and IceCube research support. **[Physics of Living Systems](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/pols-physics-living-systems)** Supports theoretical and experimental research that explores the fundamental physical processes used by living systems, with a focus on basic physical principles that underlie biological function. **[Plasma Physics](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/plasma-physics)** Supports research in fundamental plasma physics including study of magnetized plasmas, high-energy-density plasmas, low temperature plasmas, strongly coupled plasmas, non-neutral plasmas, and intense field-matter interaction in plasmas. **[Quantum Information Science](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/quantum-information-science)** Supports theoretical and experimental research to advance foundational understanding and enable quantum technologies with potential for quantum advantage. Supported work may be in the areas of physics, mathematics or computer science. * * * MPS also supports the following cross-cutting physics research programs: **Advanced Physics Instrumentation** Supports the acquisition, development and/or implementation of the advanced instrumentation needed for NSF MPS physics research programs. **Focused Research Hubs in Theoretical Physics** Supports teams to advance cutting-edge research, serve as a focus for theoretical physics, enhance the impact of the field and foster the development of the next generation of scientists in theoretical physics. **[Physics at the Information Frontier](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/pif-physics-information-frontier)** Supports the development of science-driven cyberinfrastructure through advances focused on the convergence of Big Data and high-performance computing, algorithm development, and community-building activities for computational and data-enabled science.