Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA)

NSF's implementation of the revised 2 CFR

NSF Financial Assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements) made on or after October 1, 2024, will be subject to the applicable set of award conditions, dated October 1, 2024, available on the NSF website. These terms and conditions are consistent with the revised guidance specified in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024.

Important information for proposers

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.

Updates to NSF Research Security Policies

On July 10, 2025, NSF issued an Important Notice providing updates to the agency's research security policies, including a research security training requirement, Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program annual certification requirement, prohibition on Confucius institutes and an updated FFDR reporting and submission timeline.

Synopsis

The Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) strategically supports projects in important emerging areas in a timely manner. Established in fiscal year 2015, the office also provides support to multidisciplinary education programs and facilities.

EFMA has the necessary flexibility to target long-term challenges, while retaining the ability and agility to adapt as new challenges demand.

The signature activity of EFMA is the Emerging Frontiers of Research and Innovation program (EFRI). EFRI investigators pursue cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research with the potential for transformative impacts on national needs and grand challenges.

For more information about EFMA activities and funding opportunities, please visit our website.

Program contacts

Name	Email	Phone	Organization
Sohi Rastegar	srastega@nsf.gov	(703) 292-5379	ENG/EFMA
Louise R. Howe	lhowe@nsf.gov	(703) 292-2548	ENG/EFMA
Alias Smith	alismith@nsf.gov	(703) 292-8367	ENG/EFMA