Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is accepting applications for its “Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer Our Future” (DMREF) grant program. This funding opportunity aims to advance materials science by integrating experimental, computational, and theoretical research to accelerate the development of materials with useful properties. The program is aligned with the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), which has redefined materials research through a collaborative and iterative “closed-loop” approach where theory informs computation, computation drives experimentation, and observations refine theoretical models. DMREF projects should utilize this approach to foster a dynamic materials research community, with interdisciplinary teams conducting projects that leverage data science and machine learning to improve the development-to-deployment timeline of new materials. DMREF supports research that enhances the United States' leadership in critical technologies and industries, aligning with the Administration’s priorities in economic prosperity, national security, and scientific advancement. Proposals should reflect an inclusive perspective, encouraging participation from diverse and underrepresented communities. The research focus is open to all topics in materials science, with an emphasis on using accessible digital data and developing a workforce skilled in the materials continuum. Through partnerships with other federal and international agencies, including the Air Force Research Laboratory, Department of Energy, Office of Naval Research, and organizations in Israel, India, Canada, and Germany, DMREF encourages global collaboration and broad-reaching impact. This program offers substantial financial support, with awards expected to range from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000, awarded over four years. NSF anticipates issuing up to 25 awards, subject to a total funding pool of approximately $40 million. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, which may include two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Proposals must be led by at least two senior project personnel with complementary expertise, holding tenured or tenure-track positions or full-time, paid academic or research appointments. Researchers who received DMREF awards under previous solicitations cannot serve as principal investigators in this cycle but may participate as key personnel. Applications are due by February 4, 2025, and must clearly describe the collaborative, interdisciplinary approach the team will take, focusing on how the project will integrate theoretical, computational, and experimental methods to meet DMREF’s goals. Proposals must also justify the necessity of any international collaborations and outline how each institution’s role supports the project's success. An application should include details on the project’s potential for advancing materials science, promoting knowledge sharing, and educating the next generation of materials researchers. Evaluation criteria for DMREF proposals will consider the scientific and technological innovation potential, interdisciplinary collaboration, integration of computational and experimental methods, and the project’s alignment with DMREF and MGI objectives. Proposals should also address educational impacts, particularly in preparing a diverse workforce skilled in materials science research. DMREF holds competitions biennially in odd-numbered years, and applicants are encouraged to consult NSF Publication 25-508 for further details. For additional information or assistance with accessing the announcement, applicants may contact NSF’s Grants.gov support team.