NSF 23-575_Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Phase I Awards & New Phase II Centers** #148
Description
🧪 NSF 23-575 Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Phase I Awards & New Phase II Centers
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) – Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS), Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Status: Active program solicitation (supersedes NSF 22-596)
Key Dates (per solicitation cycles):
- Preliminary Proposals (Phase I): August 10, 2023 (required for FY24 Phase I round)
- Full Proposals (Phase II): Oct 18, 2023 (FY24); Oct 22, 2024 (FY25); Nov 17, 2025 (FY26)
- Full Proposals (Phase I): Feb 7, 2024 (by invitation, FY24 Phase I)
Anticipated Awards: ~4 across cycles
Funding: - Phase I (Center Development): up to $1.8M total over 3 years (standard/continuing grant)
- Phase II (Major Research Center): up to $4M/year for 5 years (cooperative agreement); renewals possible to 10 years total
Assistance Listing: 47.049 (MPS)
Program Page: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13635
🎯 Program Overview
The CCI Program supports agile, synergistic research centers that tackle major, long-term fundamental challenges in chemistry. CCIs are expected to produce transformative science, integrate impactful Broader Impacts (innovation, education/professional development, broadening participation, informal science communication), and respond quickly to emerging opportunities through enhanced collaboration.
- Phase I: Build the science, management, data, DEI, and broader-impacts foundations of a future center; submit a center-wide strategic plan within 15 months; undergo oversight before Phase II.
- Phase II: Scale to a center-level program with site/reverse-site reviews; initial 5-year award, with potential renewal to 10 years.
Topical Encouragements (CHE budget priorities): Sustainability/Climate, Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Quantum Information Science, Semiconductor Research, Clean Energy.
🧩 What Makes a Competitive CCI
- Compelling center-scale challenge in fundamental chemistry with transformative potential
- Clear synergy (outcomes not achievable by single-PI or small-team awards)
- Robust leadership & management (governance, decision-making, internal committees, evaluation, resource allocation, ability to pivot)
- Center-wide data strategy (real-time sharing, validation, archival, onboarding new members)
- Broader Impacts (center-scale plans):
- Innovation: IP/entrepreneurship, partnerships, and/or distribution of open-source tools
- Higher Education & PD: co-mentorship; curricula; PD/mentoring (incl. postdocs)
- Broadening Participation: measurable goals; MSI partnerships encouraged
- Informal Science Communication: public engagement & evaluation
🧑💼 Eligibility & PI Rules
- Who may apply: U.S. IHEs (2- & 4-year), and U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations directly tied to education/research.
- PI structure: One PI only; no co-PIs. All others listed as Other Senior Personnel.
- Participation limits: Any individual may appear once per stage (one prelim, one Phase I full, one Phase II full).
- Phase I team size: at least four senior researchers with complementary expertise.
- Funds to industry/international: not permitted as (sub)awards; collaboration letters allowed.
🗂️ Proposal Mechanics (high level)
- Phase I Preliminary (required): concise 7-page narrative + 1-page investigator table; no supplementary docs; emphasize vision, synergy, impact.
- Phase I Full