Funding Opportunity: NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation 2020 (EFRI-2020)

The Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program of the NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG) 19-599 serves a critical role in helping ENG focus on important emerging areas in a timely manner. This solicitation is a funding opportunity for interdisciplinary teams of researchers to embark on rapidly advancing frontiers of fundamental engineering research. For this solicitation, we will consider proposals that aim to investigate emerging frontiers in one of the following two research areas:

  • Distributed Chemical Manufacturing (DCheM)
  • Engineering the Elimination of End-of-Life Plastics (E3P)

This solicitation will be coordinated with the Directorate for Biological Sciences, the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.

EFRI seeks proposals with transformative ideas that represent an opportunity for a significant shift in fundamental engineering knowledge with a strong potential for long term impact on national needs or a grand challenge. The proposals must also meet the detailed requirements delineated in this solicitation.

FURTHER INFORMATION: The Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) Office will host an informational webinar on Wednesday, September 18 at noon CT to discuss the EFRI program and answer questions about the FY 2020 solicitation. Details on how to join this webinar will be posted on the EFMA website.

A letter of intent is required and is due to the sponsor no later than November 4, 2019.   If you are interesting in applying for this funding opportunity, please start a routing sheet as soon as possible. As a reminder, proposals must be completed and submitted to OSRP at least 2 business days prior to the deadline set by the sponsor.  If you should have any questions, please contact OSRP.