Division of Materials Research: Condensed Matter and Materials Theory (CMMT) | 23 611

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF DMR Condensed Matter and Materials Theory (CMMT)

What is the CMMT program?

The NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR) program titled "Condensed Matter and Materials Theory (CMMT)" supports fundamental, curiosity-driven research that uses theory and computation to deepen understanding of materials and materials-related phenomena. The program focuses on building predictive, materials-specific understanding through analytical, computational, and data-centric approaches.

What types of research does CMMT prioritize?

CMMT prioritizes proposals where the main contribution is theoretical and/or computational insight or method development that advances foundational knowledge of materials. Projects may be grounded in many materials domains, as long as the central advance is theory/computation rather than primarily experimental work.

How does CMMT relate to other DMR programs?

CMMT is positioned as the theory and computation counterpart that connects to DMR's other topical (core or individual investigator) areas. The description specifically references connections to Condensed Matter Physics, Biomaterials, Ceramics, Electronic and Photonic Materials, Metals and Metallic Nanostructures, Polymers, and Solid State and Materials Chemistry.

Can proposals be focused on any materials domain?

Yes. Proposals can be grounded in any of the referenced materials domains (for example, polymers, ceramics, electronic materials, metals, biomaterials, and others) as long as the primary contribution is theoretical/computational understanding or method development that advances fundamental knowledge.

What methods and approaches are considered within scope?

The program supports a wide range of established and emerging methods used in modern materials theory and simulation. Examples explicitly reflected in the description include first-principles electronic structure approaches, quantum many-body and field theories, statistical mechanics, classical and quantum Monte Carlo methods, and molecular dynamics, among others.

Does CMMT support high-performance computing (HPC) projects?

Yes. The program description indicates that computational scale may range from modest workstation-based studies to advanced high-performance computing, depending on what is needed to answer the scientific question.

What length scales should the proposed work address?

CMMT emphasizes that work should begin at the smallest appropriate length scale (electronic, atomic, molecular, nano-, micro-, or mesoscale) to produce fundamental insight into material behavior, processes, and properties.

Are multiscale or multi-length-scale projects appropriate for CMMT?

Yes. The program recognizes that many important materials questions require multi-scale approaches that bridge length and time scales. The description highlights this especially for polymers and soft matter, where collective behavior and slow dynamics often dominate.

Are data-centric approaches like machine learning eligible under CMMT?

Yes. CMMT is explicitly open to data-centric approaches that use data analytics or machine learning. This includes using machine learning as a predictive tool and developing approaches that are explainable and that help uncover mechanisms rather than functioning as black boxes.

What does CMMT mean by "transformative" research directions?

The description signals strong interest in work that is potentially transformative at the frontiers of theoretical, computational, and data-intensive materials research. Example frontier directions include advancing understanding of emergent properties and phases, improving materials-specific predictive capability, exploring new computational and data-enabled paradigms, and fostering research that bridges subdisciplines within DMR.

What are examples of scientific topics that fall within the scope of CMMT?

The opportunity spans hard and soft materials and includes a broad set of current interest areas. Examples called out include strongly correlated electron systems, topological phases, low-dimensional materials and systems, and quantum and classical nonequilibrium phenomena.

What types of nonequilibrium phenomena are mentioned as relevant?

Nonequilibrium examples explicitly mentioned include pattern formation, materials growth, microstructure evolution, fracture, and jamming.

Are disordered or defect-driven materials topics within scope?

Yes. The description emphasizes areas including gels, glasses, disordered materials, and defects in both hard and soft materials.

Does the program include superconductivity or quantum-state topics?

Yes. The scope includes high-temperature superconductivity and the creation and manipulation of coherent quantum states.

Are nanostructured and mesoscale materials topics supported?

Yes. The scope explicitly covers nanostructured materials and mesoscale phenomena.

Does CMMT support sustainable materials research?

Yes. Sustainable materials are included among the topic areas within scope, as described.

Are polymers, soft condensed matter, and active matter appropriate for CMMT?

Yes. The description includes polymeric materials and soft condensed matter, and it highlights active matter and collective behavior, including interest in new theoretical frameworks in these areas.

Is work at the interface of materials and biological systems allowed?

Yes. Biologically inspired materials and work at the interface of materials and biological systems are within scope when the theoretical/computational contribution advances fundamental materials understanding.

Does CMMT fund software development or cyberinfrastructure projects?

The solicitation draws a boundary around proposals that are primarily cyberinfrastructure or software-development efforts. If a project involves significant materials research cyberinfrastructure development (such as software intended for broad sharing with the materials community), the guidance is to submit through NSF's Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS and E) program using DMR-specific submission instructions.

If my project includes software, can it still fit in CMMT?

Based on the description, CMMT is aimed at fundamental theory and computational research results and conceptual advances, while major shared software or infrastructure efforts are steered to CDS and E. Projects that are primarily software development intended for broad community sharing would be directed away from CMMT.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations consistent with NSF norms for research grants. Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education (two-year and four-year, including community colleges) that are accredited and have a U.S. campus, submitting proposals on behalf of their faculty. Certain U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations may also apply, such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies that are directly tied to education or research activities.

Can a U.S. institution involve an international branch campus in the project?

Yes, but with conditions. If any project funds would be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including via subawards or consultants), the proposal must clearly explain why work at that branch campus benefits the project and why the activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.

Are there PI or co-PI submission limits?

The provided information indicates that guidance on who may serve as PI is referenced via limits on the number of proposals per PI or co-PI, and applicants are directed to consult the program description and the eligibility and proposal preparation sections for detailed rules.

What type of NSF opportunity is this administratively?

This is an NSF discretionary grant opportunity in the science and technology research and development category, listed under CFDA 47.049, and administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number shown for this listing is 23-611.

Is there a specific closing date for applications?

The opportunity listing shows an original closing date far in the future as displayed in the record, which indicates an ongoing or long-lived program listing.

What is the award ceiling or expected number of awards?

The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source data. Applicants would typically consult current NSF program guidance and recent award patterns in DMR for practical expectations around award size and frequency.