The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The grant program supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) seeks to promote materials research across a broad spectrum, from understanding basic material properties and phenomena to the discovery and design of new materials. Key goals include advancing foundational knowledge of materials, enabling significant technological advancements across various fields such as nanoelectronics and health, and supporting research that leads to the development of materials with novel properties and functions. This program emphasizes the importance of materials research in improving life and society through technological innovation. DMR grants support individual investigators, teams, centers, facilities, and important instrumentation, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of materials research and its essential role in addressing societal needs and preparing a skilled workforce for the future.