Chemical Systems and Solutions (CSS)

The Chemical Systems and Solutions (CSS) program supports experimental and computational research that investigates fundamental chemistry questions regarding processes that occur in complex systems. The CSS program also supports fundamental research at the molecular level aimed at developing novel solutions to solve chemistry problems in real-world matrices. CSS supports projects that recognize the heterogeneity inherent in complex systems in the development and utilization of advanced experimental, modeling and simulation approaches to discover, explain, and predict molecular-scale phenomena. The CSS program covers a broad scope, including chemical research related to lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, which reflects the critical role chemistry plays in the world around us. Importantly, within this broad scope, proposed research to the CSS program must be centered on fundamental chemistry questions and problems, and the generation of new chemical knowledge, that underpin chemical behaviors at the system-level.

The CSS program also encourages proposal submissions in the following topical areas: reaction mechanisms and processes in systems occurring at air, water, and/or soil interfaces, including abiotic-biotic interfaces; indoor air chemistry; the use of AI to assist in solving chemical science questions in complex systems; and the chemical behavior and transformation of contaminants, such as PFAS, and critical minerals. Research that uses chemical knowledge of how complex chemical species break down to inform the development of new, less harmful chemicals are welcome, as is research that incorporates life cycle analysis. Development of sophisticated instruments, tools, and advanced methods to probe and understand fundamental chemical questions in complex matrices are acceptable, but not for the purpose of conducting monitoring measurements. The CSS program also welcomes fundamental chemistry research proposals relevant to how industrial processes, such as those involving energy and water usage, impact natural systems. The CSS Program strongly encourages collaborative research (2-4 PIs) that brings together complementary expertise, as well as industry and international partners, to tackle important chemical questions and develop novel chemical solutions at the system level.

The CSS program encourages PIs to monitor current funding priorities identified by NSF and to highlight relevant synergies in their project summaries and project descriptions.  

Research topics that are not of interest to the CSS program:  

• Projects that seek to develop instruments that do not directly address fundamental chemistry questions, such as scalable or field deployable instruments and wireless sensor networks for real world monitoring. 

• Projects focused on field measurements, large-scale models of studies, industrial processes, remediation methods, including the development of materials to remove contaminants, and the behavior, transport, and fate of nanoparticles should be submitted to programs in other NSF directorates or other federal agencies as appropriate.   

• Projects with a focus on applications, particularly in engineered systems or contaminant removal contexts, should consider submission to programs in the NSF Directorate for Engineering.  

• Principal Investigators uncertain of the suitability of their proposals for the CSS program and of their synergy with other funding priorities and/or programs are strongly encouraged to contact the CSS program. 

Proposals to the CSS program are welcome at any time, starting September 1, 2026.  

All proposals submitted to this program (including individual and collaborative proposals, GOALIs) must be submitted to the CHE Disciplinary Research Programs solicitation (NSF 22-605), except for: 

• RUI proposals must be submitted to the Facilitating Research at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions: (RUI and ROA-PUI) program. 

• Proposals submitted in response to another solicitation should follow the solicitation guidelines (e.g. CAREER). 

• Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Research (RAPID), or Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) proposals must be discussed with a program officer before submission and then should only be submitted as instructed. 

MPS Chemistry occasionally supports forward-looking workshops to inform future research needs and directions relevant to chemical science. We are not generally able to support research symposia, including those at either special or recurring meetings and conferences. Workshop proposals must be discussed with a program officer before submission. 

For recent awards made by the program, search NSF award database with the Program Element Code 393Y00.

• What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)