NSF’s Astronomical Sciences Core Research Program Unveils Funding Priorities for Foundational Astronomy and Astrophysics

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate has announced its funding priorities for the Astronomical Sciences Core Research program, now known as Astro-Core. This vital program underpins foundational research across the entire spectrum of astronomical sciences, supporting a wide array of investigative approaches. Historically known as Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG), the Astro-Core program continues its mission to foster cutting-edge discoveries by providing grants for individual investigators and collaborative research teams.

Expanding the Frontiers of Astronomical Inquiry

The Astro-Core program is designed to be a comprehensive funding mechanism, encompassing observational, theoretical, computational, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), laboratory, and archival data studies in astronomy and astrophysics. Beyond direct research, the program also actively encourages proposals for the development of novel tools and methodologies that will enable or significantly enhance astronomical research capabilities. This inclusive approach recognizes that scientific progress often hinges on advancements in instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and theoretical frameworks.

Proposals submitted to Astro-Core are encouraged to be interdisciplinary, transcending traditional boundaries between subfields and employing diverse research techniques. This flexibility reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern astronomical research, where complex problems often require a synthesis of knowledge and methodologies from various domains. For instance, a proposal exploring the formation of galaxies might integrate observational data from large sky surveys, theoretical models of cosmic structure formation, and advanced AI/ML algorithms for data processing and pattern recognition.

Anticipating Increased Competition in Fiscal Year 2027

The NSF has issued a noteworthy advisory regarding the anticipated competitiveness of the Astro-Core program in Fiscal Year 2027. While specific reasons for this anticipated surge in competition were not detailed, historical trends in scientific funding suggest that periods of significant technological advancement, groundbreaking observational capabilities, or shifts in national research priorities can often lead to increased proposal submissions. The agency’s proactive announcement serves as a crucial signal to the astronomical community, encouraging researchers to meticulously craft their proposals and clearly articulate the scientific merit and broader impact of their proposed work. This heightened competition underscores the importance of innovative research designs and compelling justifications for funding.

Navigating the Review Process: A Structured Approach

To ensure rigorous and equitable evaluation, proposals submitted to the Astro-Core program are assessed by experts within their respective disciplinary areas. The program is structured around four broad research domains to facilitate this specialized review:

• Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology (EXC): This area focuses on the study of galaxies beyond our own, the large-scale structure of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the early universe.
• Galactic Astronomy (GAL): Research in this domain centers on the Milky Way galaxy, including its structure, evolution, stellar populations, and interstellar medium.
• Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics (SAA): This category covers the study of stars, their formation, evolution, internal structure, and end-of-life phenomena such as supernovae and neutron stars.
• Planetary, Exoplanetary and Solar Astronomy (PLA): This area encompasses the study of planets within our solar system, exoplanetary systems, and the Sun itself, including its activity and influence on the heliosphere.

Proposals that naturally span multiple of these areas are welcomed, provided they clearly demonstrate the overarching astronomical context of the work. A critical requirement for all submissions is the explicit and compelling articulation of the astronomical significance of the proposed research. Proposals that fail to adequately establish this connection may be returned without review, emphasizing the program’s core mission.

Strategic Alignment with Other Funding Agencies

The NSF actively coordinates with other federal funding agencies, such as NASA, to maximize scientific discovery and avoid duplication of effort. Researchers whose work predominantly relies on NASA data or resources are encouraged to submit their proposals directly to NASA. For proposals submitted to NSF that involve extensive analysis or modeling of data from NASA missions or archives, a dedicated section within the project description must clearly explain why the use of NASA data is essential for achieving the scientific goals of the NSF proposal. This requirement ensures that NSF funding is directed towards research that genuinely advances the agency’s strategic objectives and complements, rather than replicates, the funding priorities of partner agencies. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to consult with a cognizant NSF program officer if they have any uncertainties regarding the suitability of their proposed research for the Astro-Core program.

Embracing the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Era

A significant focus for the Astro-Core program is encouraging proposals that lay the groundwork for capitalizing on the transformative capabilities of the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This state-of-the-art observatory, currently under construction in Chile, will conduct the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), generating an unprecedented volume of data on the visible universe. The program specifically encourages proposals that will utilize early data releases from the Rubin Observatory, such as the Data Preview and Data Release 1 catalogs. These proposals can range from science-focused research projects that leverage these initial datasets to the development of innovative methods and high-level data products that will enhance the broader U.S. scientific community’s access to and scientific impact from the LSST. This forward-looking approach aims to ensure that the astronomical community is well-prepared to extract maximum scientific return from this groundbreaking facility.

Advancing Solar and Space Physics Research

The Astro-Core program continues to accept proposals in solar astronomy, with a particular emphasis on research that leverages data from NSF’s network of ground-based solar observatories. Furthermore, the program supports investigations into the Sun’s impact on the broader solar system, extending beyond Earth’s immediate vicinity. However, it is important for proposers to note that research focusing on the effects of the Sun on Earth’s atmosphere and near-Earth space environment, including impacts on telecommunications and other human activities, may be more appropriately submitted to the Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) Program. This distinction ensures that proposals are reviewed by panels with the most relevant expertise.

Integrated Funding Opportunities within Astro-Core

The Astro-Core program offers several integrated funding opportunities designed to broaden participation and support specific research communities:

• Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI): This initiative supports research projects conducted at institutions where undergraduates form the primary research workforce. Detailed guidelines for RUI proposals can be found in the NSF’s "Facilitating Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions" solicitation.
• Computational and Data Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E): Proposals that align with the goals of the CDS&E program can be submitted to Astro-Core. These proposals must explicitly address the CDS&E program objectives within the 15-page project description. Further details are available in the CDS&E program description.

It is crucial for all proposals submitted under these integrated opportunities, including RUI, CDS&E, or any other special solicitations, to also meet the fundamental requirements of the Astro-Core program.

Supplemental Funding Mechanisms

The Astro-Core program facilitates several avenues for supplemental funding requests, designed to enhance existing research projects and broaden their educational and societal impact:

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): These supplements provide opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research.
• Research Experiences for Teachers (RET): These supplements allow K-12 teachers to engage in research, fostering the integration of cutting-edge science into educational curricula.
• Research Opportunity Awards (ROA): These awards support research opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups.

Supplemental funding requests can be made either as an integral component of a new research proposal or as a standalone request to an existing award. Certain other programs, such as the Veterans Research Supplement (VRS) Program, exclusively accept supplemental funding requests for existing awards. Comprehensive guidance on preparing supplemental funding requests is available in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

External Funding Pathways and Conference Support

It is essential for researchers to be aware that the guidelines outlined in the MPS-Astro solicitation do not apply to proposals submitted in response to other distinct NSF solicitations, such as the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER). Requests for supplemental funding, conference proposals, and proposals submitted under the RAPID or EAGER mechanisms must adhere to the specific proposal preparation instructions detailed in Chapter II.F of the PAPPG.

The MPS Astronomical Sciences (MPS-Astro) division also actively supports conferences, symposia, and workshops that bring together experts to discuss current research, introduce new research methods to a wider audience, and chart future research directions. Support for such meetings is contingent upon the demonstration that equivalent outcomes cannot be achieved through regular meetings of professional societies or established conference series. Proposers are strongly encouraged to contact a Program Director at least 12 months prior to the anticipated conference or meeting date to discuss the suitability of their proposed activity for NSF support. This proactive engagement helps ensure that proposed meetings align with NSF’s strategic goals for fostering scientific collaboration and advancement.