NSF 26-518: Engineering (ENG): Chemical, Bioengineering, Energy, and Transport Systems (CBET)
Program Solicitation
Document Information
- Posted: August 17, 2026
- Replaces: PD 23-1401, PD 23-7644, PD 23-1417, PD 23-1403, PD 23-7236, PD 23-1491, PD 23-5342, PD 23-5345, PD 23-7643, PD 23-1179, PD 23-1407, PD 23-1443, PD 23-1415, PD 23-1406
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Program Solicitation NSF 26-518
| ! | U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Energy, and Transport Systems |
Full Proposal Deadline(s): Proposals Accepted Anytime
Important Information and Revision Notes
Proposals must follow the NSF PAPPG.
Summary of Program Requirements
Program Title: Engineering (ENG): Chemical, Bioengineering, Energy, and Transport Systems (CBET)
Synopsis: NSF ENG supports foundational engineering research in chemical, bioengineering, energy, and transport systems via CPS, EBBS, EWRE, TP programs. Anticipates a portfolio of awards with varying budgets/durations. Interested in ambitious, transformative research; no need for near-term product.
NSF Priorities
NSF seeks foundational research leading to breakthroughs, encouraging high‑risk, interdisciplinary projects, early‑career opportunities, and use of AI/computation when scientifically justified. Supports a range of funding levels, from rapid grants to up‑to‑five‑year awards. Welcomes submissions from early‑career researchers and expects high scientific rigor.
Cognizant Program Officer(s)
- CPS Program Team: cbet-cps@nsf.gov
- EBBS Program Team: cbet-ebbs@nsf.gov
- EWRE Program Team: cbet-ewre@nsf.gov
- TP Program Team: cbet-tp@nsf.gov
Applicable CFDA Number
- 041 - Engineering
Award Information
- Anticipated Award Type: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant
- Estimated Number of Awards: 225‑275
- Anticipated Funding Amount: $100,000,000
Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
- No Letter of Intent or Preliminary Proposal required.
- Full Proposals via Research.gov follow PAPPG; via Grants.gov follow NSF Grants.gov Application Guide.
- Cost sharing prohibited; indirect cost limits not applicable.
- Due dates: Proposals Accepted Anytime.
Proposal Review Information Criteria
- Merit Review: National Science Board approved criteria (Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts).
Award Administration Information
- Standard NSF award conditions and reporting requirements apply.
I. Introduction
Supports foundational engineering research involving transformation/transport of matter/energy by chemical, thermal, or mechanical means. Integrates physical, chemical, biological sciences; leverages AI for fluid dynamics, process control, materials, synthetic biology, energy management. Prior investments have yielded advances in biotechnology, water desalination, catalysis, etc. Managed by the Directorate for Engineering.
II. Program Description
Covers CPS, EBBS, EWRE, TP programs. Encourages single‑program and multidisciplinary projects. Proposals should define objectives, aim for publications, data sets, patents, new technologies, student training. Investigators advised to contact program directors beforehand. NSF partners with agencies, industry, international groups.
III. Award Information
Budget, award count, size/duration subject to fund availability.
IV. Eligibility Information
- Eligible proposers per NSF PAPPG Chapter I.E; unaffiliated individuals ineligible.
- No restrictions on PI, organization, or PI/Co‑PI proposal limits.
V. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
- Full proposals via Research.gov or Grants.gov, following PAPPG or NSF Grants.gov Guide.
- Cost sharing prohibited.
- Submission help available on NSF.gov.
VI. NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
- Merit review uses Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.
- Review via ad‑hoc, panel, or internal NSF review; after compliance check, NSF Program Officer and ≥3 external experts.
- Executive Order 14332 may favor lower indirect cost rates.
VII. Award Administration Information
- Award notification to submitting organization.
- Standard award conditions, administrative/national policy requirements, subaward rules, possible termination for convenience.
- Reporting: annual project reports and public outcomes report per PAPPG Chapter VII.
VIII. Agency Contacts
- Research.gov: NSF IT Service Desk rgov@nsf.gov, 1‑800‑381‑1532 (7 a.m.–9 p.m. ET, Mon‑Fri).
- Grants.gov: Contact Center support@grants.gov, 1‑800‑518‑4726.
IX. Other Information
- See NSF.gov for directorates, programs, funding opportunities.
About the National Science Foundation
Independent federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950; details at NSF.gov.
Privacy Act and Public Burden Statements
Information collected under the NSF Act of 1950, as amended; see NSF.gov.
Contact Information
Randolph Building, 401 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: (703) 292‑5111 TDD (hearing‑impaired): (703) 292‑5090