Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes

The Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes program is administered by the National Science Foundation through its Division of Mathematical Sciences. The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency established to promote the progress of science and support research and education across the United States. This program reflects NSF’s long-standing investment in advancing mathematical sciences as a foundational discipline that contributes broadly to scientific discovery, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The institutes supported under this program are intended to function as national resources, serving the broader mathematical sciences community rather than individual institutions. The purpose of the program is to support large-scale research institutes that advance knowledge in mathematics and statistics while strengthening connections to other scientific and engineering disciplines. These institutes are expected to foster discovery, promote dissemination of knowledge, and engage a wide segment of researchers. The program emphasizes national impact, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of emerging areas within mathematical sciences. Institutes are also expected to expand participation and build a more diverse and inclusive research community, including students, postdoctoral researchers, and underrepresented groups. Funding under this program supports institute operations over a multi-year period. Awards are structured as continuing grants with annual funding increments, typically ranging from approximately 2.5 million to 6 million dollars per year for up to five years. Funds may be used to support research programs, participant activities, travel, collaboration infrastructure, outreach, and dissemination efforts. Institutes are expected to allocate resources in a way that prioritizes U.S.-based participants while also enabling international collaboration where appropriate. Cost sharing is explicitly prohibited, and proposals must adhere to NSF budgetary guidelines and policies. Eligibility for this program is limited to U.S.-based institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations engaged in research or educational activities. Multi-institutional consortia are permitted, but a single organization must serve as the lead entity responsible for overall management. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals submitted by an organization or principal investigator. Proposals must demonstrate national scope, broad community engagement, and a governance structure that ensures effective oversight and inclusive participation. The application process requires submission of a full proposal through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Proposals must include a comprehensive project description outlining the institute’s mission, goals, activities, governance, and evaluation plans. Additional required components include a detailed budget, management plan, governance documentation, and plans for outreach and workforce development. Proposals are evaluated through a merit review process that considers intellectual merit and broader impacts, along with program-specific criteria such as leadership, scope, and national significance. The program follows a recurring competition cycle with full proposal deadlines established periodically. The most recent deadlines were March 14, 2024 and March 14, 2029. Proposals are reviewed by panels and external experts, and selected projects may undergo site visits before final funding decisions are made. Award notifications are typically provided within approximately six months after the submission deadline. Funded institutes are required to submit annual and final reports, participate in coordination activities with other institutes, and maintain transparency in their operations and outcomes. Key contacts for this program include multiple program officers within the Division of Mathematical Sciences, each responsible for overseeing aspects of the program and providing guidance to applicants. Applicants are encouraged to consult program staff for clarification and to ensure alignment with program priorities. Overall, this program represents a significant federal investment in sustaining and advancing the mathematical sciences ecosystem in the United States.

Align proposal with NSF merit review criteria including intellectual merit and broader impacts; demonstrate national scope and community engagement; provide clear governance and evaluation plans