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Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Idea Development Award supports the development of innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate progress in improving outcomes for individuals with pancreatic cancer. This award mechanism supports innovative ideas with the potential to yield impactful data and new avenues of investigation. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas. Distinctive Features: This award mechanism requires preliminary data relevant to the proposed project. Applications can support clinical research studies; however, this mechanism does not allow clinical trials. Partnering Principal Investigator (PI) Option for Early-Career Investigator: This funding mechanism offers a higher level of funding for applications that propose to partner an experienced PI (i.e., Initiating PI, who will serve as the mentor) with an Early-Career Investigator (i.e., Partnering PI) wishing to pursue a career in pancreatic cancer research. For this option, only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application, but both PIs will need to submit at the full application stage. The partnering PI’s application is an abbreviated package specific to their distinct portion of the research project. Be advised, all associated applications for a research project may be withdrawn if the initiating or partnering application is rejected or administratively withdrawn.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Translational Research Partnership Award supports partnerships between clinicians, population scientists, applied scientists and/or basic scientists that will accelerate the movement of promising ideas in pancreatic cancer toward clinical applications. The partnership must include at least one member with expertise in pancreatic cancer research or pancreatic cancer patient care. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas. ·        This award mechanism requires preliminary data to support feasibility of the research hypothesis(es) and research approaches. However, these data do not necessarily need to originate from studies of pancreatic cancer. Applications can support retrospective tissue analysis, correlative studies and pilot clinical trials; however, this mechanism does not allow large-scale clinical trials. ·        The Translational Research Partnership Award requires two Principal Investigators (PIs) referred to as the Initiating PI and the Partnering PI. Only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application, but both PIs will need to submit at the full application stage. The partnering PI’s application is an abbreviated package specific to their distinct portion of the research project. Be advised, all associated applications for a research project may be withdrawn if the initiating or partnering application is rejected or administratively withdrawn.

The Algebra and Number Theory program supports research in algebra, algebraic and arithmetic geometry, number theory, and representation theory. Conference proposals The Algebra and Number Theory program also provides support for conferences, workshops, summer/winter schools, and similar activities. Proposals should be submitted to PD 20-1264 using the "Conference" proposal type in research.gov. Proposals with budgets not exceeding $50,000, which in accordance with NSF policy can be reviewed internally, should be submitted: in May for events that will take place in January through April of the following year in October for events that will take place in May through December of the following year. In order to allow time for external review, proposals with budget requests exceeding $50,000 should be submitted nine to twelve months before the event is scheduled to take place.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are enabling extraordinary scientific breakthroughs in fields ranging from protein folding, natural language processing, drug synthesis, and recommender systems to the discovery of novel engineering materials and products. These achievements lie at the confluence of mathematics, statistics, engineering and computer science, yet a clear explanation of the remarkable power and also the limitations of such AI systems has eluded scientists from all disciplines. Critical foundational gaps remain that, if not properly addressed, will soon limit advances in machine learning, curbing progress in artificial intelligence. It appears increasingly unlikely that these critical gaps can be surmounted with increased computational power and experimentation alone. Deeper mathematical understanding is essential to ensuring that AI can be harnessed to meet the future needs of society and enable broad scientific discovery, while forestalling the unintended consequences of a disruptive technology. The National Science Foundation Directorates for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Engineering (ENG), and Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) will jointly sponsor research collaborations consisting of mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, engineers, and social and behavioral scientists focused on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of AI. Research activities should focus on the most challenging mathematical and theoretical questions aimed at understanding...

The Mathematical Biology Program supports research in all areas of mathematical sciences with relevance to the biological sciences. Successful proposals must demonstrate mathematical innovation, biological relevance and significance, and strong integration between mathematics and biology. Some projects of interest to the Mathematical Biology Program may include development of mathematical theories, methodologies, and tools traditionally seen in other disciplinary programs within the Division of Mathematical Sciences. In general, if a proposal is appropriate for review by more than one NSF program, it is advisable to contact the program officers handling each program to determine when and where the proposal should be submitted and to facilitate the review process. The Mathematical Biology Program regularly seeks joint reviews of proposals with programs in the Directorates of Biological Sciences and other relevant programs. Investigators are encouraged to discuss their project with program officers in relevant areas to determine whether it could be considered by more than one program. Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Investigators submitting an RUI proposal should read the RUI solicitation (link below), as the rules for proposal format may deviate from the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). EAGER and RAPID Proposals Prior to submitting proposals for EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) or Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Investigators must contact the cognizant program directors. Requests for Award Supplements Principal Investig...

The Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science program supports authentic summer research experiences for K-14 educators to foster long-term collaborations between universities, community colleges, school districts, and industry partners. With this solicitation, the Directorates for Engineering (ENG) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) focus on a reciprocal exchange of expertise between K-14 educators and research faculty and (when applicable) industry mentors. K-14 educators will enhance their scientific disciplinary knowledge in engineering or computer science and translate their research experiences into classroom activities and curricula to broaden their students’ awareness of and participation in computing and engineering pathways. At the same time, the hosting research faculty will deepen their understanding of classroom practices, current curricula, pedagogy, and K-14 educational environments.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas, supports a multidisciplinary research program of at least two, but not more than three, distinct but complementary research projects addressing an overarching question relevant to rare melanomas. Distinctive Features: ·          *Updated for FY26* Investigators must include at least one rare melanoma survivor or patient advocate as part of the project team who will provide advice and consultation throughout planning, implementation, and results dissemination to maximize research impact. ·        This is a partnering mechanism, requiring an Initiating Principal Investigator (PI) and at least one, but not more than two, Partnering PIs, see Figure 1.                    Each named PI is expected to be a Project Leader for one of the proposed research projects. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). ·        After submitting the required pre-application, investigators must receive an invitation to submit a full application.                    Only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application. All PIs must submit full applications. The Partnering PI(s)’s application is an abbreviated package specific to their proposed research project. ·        Clinical trials are allowed.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Idea Award supports innovative, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high-reward research. Novelty and innovation are expected to be key aspects of the proposed project. By the end of the Idea Award funding period, the anticipated outcomes of successful efforts should establish proof of principle and obtain preliminary data to secure follow-on funding.Distinctive Features: • Preliminary data are discouraged. • After submitting the required pre-application, investigators must receive an invitation to submit a full application.

Summary: Supports the addition of independent, early career investigators (Scholars) who are no more than seven years from their initial faculty appointment to the Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Melanoma Academy. The Melanoma Academy is a unique, interactive virtual academy focused on bringing together established investigators and Scholars to develop a network of successful, highly productive melanoma researchers in a collaborative research and career development environment.Distinctive Features:This award mechanism focuses on both the Scholar’s research and career potential in the melanoma field.Scholars must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must have a track record of successful mentorship coupled with a strong record of funding and publications in melanoma.Preliminary data are not required.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Survivorship Research Award addresses the relatively new and underfunded area of melanoma-specific survivorship by supporting a broad range of innovative and impactful research that has the intended outcome of improving the health and well-being of melanoma survivors, their families and/or their care partners in the near term. Proposed studies focusing exclusively on animal models or considering survival only without consideration of quality of life, overall health and/or function are not responsive to this funding opportunity. Distinctive Features: ·        The application must include at least one melanoma consumer collaborator, defined as a melanoma survivor, family member and/or care partner who can provide lived experience expertise to the research project team, or a melanoma-community supporting organization to support the planning, execution, and implementation of the proposed research. ·        Clinical trials are allowed.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Team Science Award supports a broad range of hypothesis-driven, multidisciplinary studies that have a short-term goal of advancing the state of the science in melanoma research and/or patient care. Team science is a synergistic effort that harnesses techniques, approaches and perspectives from multiple disciplines and/or therapeutic areas to address complex, multi-dimensional problems that will impact patient outcomes. Distinctive Features: ·        This funding mechanism requires multiple Principal Investigators (PIs). At least two and up to three PIs should partner to jointly design and execute a single research project; multi-institutional partnerships are encouraged. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). ·        Consumer Collaboration Option: Investigators are encouraged, but not required, to form collaborative relationships with the melanoma consumer community to maximize the impact and translatability of the research for the benefit of the intended community(ies). ·        After submitting the required pre-application, investigators must receive an invitation to submit a full application.       Only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application. All PIs must submit full applications. The Partnering PI(s)’s application is an abbreviated package specific to their proposed research effort.

NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships provide an opportunity for highly qualified, recent doctoral scientists to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. Fellows may engage in observational, instrumental, theoretical, laboratory or archival data research in any area of astronomy or astrophysics, in combination with a coherent educational plan for the duration of the fellowship. The program supports researchers for a period of up to three years with fellowships that may be taken to eligible host institutions of their choice. The program is intended to recognize early-career investigators of significant potential and to provide them with experience in research and education that will establish them in positions of distinction and leadership in the scientific community.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP) Clinical Trial Award (CTA) intends to support clinical trials with the potential to have a significant impact on psychological health conditions and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) through clinical applications, including health care products, technologies and/or practice guidelines.  Distinctive Features: Funding from this award mechanism must support a clinical trial.·        Clinical trials may be designed to evaluate a wide range of interventions, including new drugs, biologics, medical devices, diagnostics, therapies and behavioral health strategies.·        Preliminary data are required.·        The inclusion of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches is required.·        The CTA offers funding for two Research Levels. The applicant is responsible for selecting the Research Level based on the scope of the research.○       Research Level 1: Supports proof-of-principle pilot studies, as well as phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials.○       Research Level 2: Supports larger-scale and advanced clinical trials that evaluate effectiveness in relevant patient populations.·        Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option (available for both Research Levels): This option accommodates two Principal Investigators (PIs), one of which is an Early-Career Investigator. If recommended for funding, each PI will receive a separate award. 

Summary: The Translational Research Award (TRA) intends to accelerate the conversion of scientific findings into impactful clinical applications. The TRA prioritizes innovative approaches over purely iterative or incremental research. Submissions focusing on minor modifications to existing standards without the intent or potential to significantly improve clinical care or patient outcomes do not meet the intent of the mechanism.Distinctive Features: Basic research and clinical trials are prohibited. Preliminary data are required.·        For animal research, applications must describe the choice of model and its relevance to the human clinical condition.·        For research prospectively enrolling human subjects, the inclusion of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches is required.·        The Translational Research Award offers funding for two Research Levels. The applicant is responsible for selecting the Research Level based on the scope of the research.○       Research Level 1: Supports the refinement of mature ideas and concepts into tangible and knowledge products positioned for further evaluation.○       Research Level 2: Supports the rigorous evaluation of tangible and knowledge products in preparation for first-in-human studies or clinical trials.·        Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option (available for both Research Levels): This option accommodates two Principal Investigators (PIs), one of which is an Early-Career Investigator. If recommended for funding, each PI will receive a separate award. 

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP) Health Services Research Award (HSRA) intends to fund high-impact research that bridges the gap between research, practice and policy by building real-world evidence on how interventions, clinical practices/guidelines, or policies can be deployed to targeted populations at the appropriate time. In order to meet this intent, the mechanism supports health services research approaches. Distinctive Features: ·        The HSRA will support health services research approaches that include comparative effectiveness research; implementation of interventions, diagnostics and clinical practices/guidelines; and validation of data science insights. ·        Applications must include clinical research or clinical trials. Prospective or retrospective clinical research or clinical trials involving human subjects, human subject data/records, and human anatomical substances are allowed. ·        Preliminary data are required. ·        Basic, preclinical and animal research are prohibited. ·        For research prospectively enrolling human subjects, inclusion of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches is required. ·        Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option: This option accommodates two Principal Investigators (PIs), one of which is an Early-Career Investigator. If recommended for funding, each PI will receive a separate award.

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Excellence in Research (HBCU-EiR) program was established in response to direction provided in the Senate Commerce and Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Report (Senate Report 115-139), and is built on prior and continuing efforts by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to strengthen research capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This report provided guidance to NSF to establish the HBCU Excellence in Research program "to provide opportunities for both public and private HBCUs, particularly for those who have not been successful in larger NSF Research & Related Activities competitions, in order to stimulate sustainable improvement in their research and development capacity" (https://congress.gov/congressional-report/115th-congress/senate-report/139/1). EiR supports such capacity building by funding research projects aligned with NSF's research programs. The program aims to establish stronger connections between researchers at HBCUs and NSF's research programs.

The purpose of the Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) is to support future leaders in mathematics and statistics by facilitating their participation in postdoctoral research environments thatwill have maximal impact on their future scientific development. There are two options for awardees: Research Fellowship and Research Instructorship. Awards will support research in areas of mathematics and statistics, including applications to other disciplines.

Summary: Despite significant research investment in combat-relevant burn care, a disparity exists between newly discovered knowledge in burn care and its implementation into clinical practice across the distributed operational battlespace. The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) Patient-Centered Research Award (PCRA) seeks to bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy by developing a knowledge base that provides clinically useful findings about how interventions, clinical practices, guidelines, tools, and policies can be deployed to burn patients in an austere, resource-limited, military operational environment.Distinctive Features: ·        This award mechanism must support clinical research or clinical trials but cannot support preclinical or animal research. Applications may propose prospective or retrospective research involving human subjects or human subject data.·        New for FY26: The FY26 PCRA offers a Mentorship Option at a higher funding level to support a synergistic relationship between an experienced researcher (Mentor) and one to two junior researchers (Mentees). The dual purpose of this award is to fund a primary research study addressing a critical gap in combat burn care while simultaneously fostering the development of the next generation of military burn research leaders.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) Discovery Award supports innovative, untested, groundbreaking research that provides new insights and explores early concepts in combat-relevant burn care that provide the foundation for future translational and/or clinical research. The proposed project may be exploratory, hypothesis-driven, or hypothesis-generating research, but must be novel and must be based on a strong scientific rationale and a well-developed study design. Distinctive Features: The focus of this award mechanism is innovation. Proposed research should lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation or product development in the area of combat-relevant burn care. The outcome of research supported by this award should be the generation of robust preliminary data that can be used as a foundation for groundbreaking future research projects.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) Technology/Therapeutic Development Award (TTDA) is a burn-focused, product-driven award mechanism intended to provide support for the translation of promising preclinical findings into burn products for clinical application in an austere, resource-limited, distributed operational environment.Distinctive Features: The technology or therapeutic product(s) to be developed must be product-oriented (e.g., medical device, drug, or clinical practice guidelines involving a therapeutic or technology). The product(s) to be developed may be tangible or knowledge supporting the development of a tangible product and must address one or more of the FY26 MBRP TTDA focus areas. Knowledge products are allowable, provided that the knowledge is applicable to a technology or therapeutic under development. (A “knowledge product” is a non-tangible, non-materiel product that results from research with the potential to improve individual or public health.) ·        New for FY26: The FY26 MBRP TTDA offers a Mentorship Option at a higher funding level to support a synergistic relationship between an experienced researcher (Mentor) and one to two junior researchers (Mentees). The dual purpose of this award is to fund a primary research study addressing a critical gap in combat burn care while simultaneously fostering the development of the next generation of military burn research leaders.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Arthritis Research Program (ATRP) Clinical Research Award (CRA) supports clinical research that evaluates disease-specific factors and interventions. Research is intended to generate clinically useful evidence with potential to optimize patient outcomes and inform clinical care or policy. Research addressing any and all types of arthritis is encouraged.Applications must address one of two FY26 ATRP CRA Focus Areas: Prevention and Early Diagnosis, or Treatment and Mitigation of Disease Progression/Burden.Distinctive Features: The FY26 ATRP CRA offers funding for two research levels. It is the responsibility of the applicant to select the level that aligns with the scope of the proposed research.• Research Level 1: Applications proposing clinical research or early-phase/pilot clinical trials, to include new or emerging research that is not ready for a full-scale randomized controlled clinical trial.• Research Level 2: Applications proposing a full-scale clinical trial.Applications should include a community collaborator (e.g., patient/care partner, community-based organization consultant) who will provide advice and consultation during study design and throughout study planning and implementation. The ATRP encourages a community collaborator for Research Level 1 applications and requires a community collaborator for Research Level 2 applications.Preliminary and/or published data are required.

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Arthritis Research Program (ATRP) Translational Research Award (TRA) supports high-impact translational research that will accelerate critical findings into clinically relevant solutions. Research funded under this award mechanism will be hypothesis-driven, high-impact applied research that is relevant to Service Members, Veterans, their Families and the American public. Research addressing any and all types of arthritis is encouraged.Distinctive Features: The FY26 ATRP TRA mechanism is intended to support preclinical or animal research and may not be used for clinical research or clinical trials. Basic research, as defined in Section 3.1.2, is not allowed. A key aspect of this award mechanism is impact. The application should explicitly state how outcomes of the proposed research will significantly advance arthritis research, particularly in accelerating critical findings into clinically relevant solutions.Preliminary and/or published data, originating from research conducted by the applicant(s) or others, is required.

Summary: The intent of the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) is to support conceptually innovative research that could lead to impactful discoveries or significant advancements that will accelerate progress toward reducing the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases and conditions, and improving patient care and/or the quality of life. Applications should propose research that is conceptually innovative, introduces a new concept or question, challenges existing paradigms, approaches issues from a new perspective, or exhibits other uniquely creative qualities; and should not merely be a next logical step or an incremental advance on published data or ongoing research. Distinctive Features: A Career Development Option is available to eligible early-career investigators who propose to conduct impactful mechanism-relevant research under the mentorship of an experienced tick-borne disease researcher(s). Applications submitted under the IDA – Career Development Option (IDA-CDO) will be reviewed using separate, career development-specific evaluation criteria by a separate, dedicated peer review panel; and are subject to a lower cost limit than those submitted under the standard IDA.https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/tbdrppreann

Summary: The intent of the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award (TDRA) is to support product-driven therapeutic and diagnostic development research aimed at reducing the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases and conditions, and improving patient care and/or quality of life. Treatment-focused applications should be therapeutic evaluation studies designed to advance new ideas aimed at drug or treatment discovery that are still in the early/preclinical stages of development. Diagnosis-focused applications should propose diagnostic approaches that will be readily integrated into clinical settings.  https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/tbdrppreann

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Autism Research Program (ARP) Career Development Award supports early-career, independent investigators and/or the transition of established investigators from other research fields to conduct innovative, high-impact ideas or early-phase, proof-of-principle clinical trials with the potential to have a major impact on autism.Distinctive Features: Applications are strongly encouraged to address one of the FY26 ARP Career Development Award Areas of Interest or provide justification that the proposed research addresses a critical problem, question, or need in autism.FY26 Career Development Award submissions with a pilot clinical trial component are required to include community collaborations to optimize research impact. Applications are expected to name at least one community partner (e.g., an Autistic individual or caregiver, representatives of community-based organizations) who will provide advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the research project.