Opportunity Information: Apply for PD 18 5115
The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity "Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics" (WoU-MMA; Funding Opportunity Number PD 18-5115) is designed to accelerate a new style of astronomy where researchers study the same cosmic events using multiple kinds of signals, or "messengers." Instead of relying on only light (electromagnetic radiation), this program emphasizes the combined use of three complementary windows on the universe: electromagnetic waves across the spectrum (radio through gamma rays), high-energy particles (especially neutrinos and cosmic rays), and gravitational waves. The basic premise is that each messenger reveals different physics, and that coordinated, interoperable observing and analysis across these channels can unlock discoveries that would be difficult or impossible using any single messenger alone. WoU-MMA is the NSF implementation of its broader "Windows on the Universe" Big Idea, and it aims to build shared capability and tighter integration across communities that have historically operated somewhat separately (astronomy, particle astrophysics, gravitational-wave science, theory and computation, and supporting cyberinfrastructure).
At its core, the program invites proposals that meaningfully advance multi-messenger astrophysics by addressing at least one of three qualifying tracks. The first is Coordination, which covers the hardware, software, and other infrastructure needed to coordinate observations involving more than one messenger. This can include systems for event alerts, scheduling and follow-up networks, data pipelines that link observatories, interoperable standards, and tools that help different facilities respond rapidly and consistently to transient events. The second is Observations, which supports observational campaigns or projects targeting objects and phenomena that can produce more than one messenger, such as neutron star mergers, core-collapse supernovae, active galactic nuclei, tidal disruption events, or other transients and energetic sources. Observations can involve using existing observatories and experiments, working with data archives, or developing and constructing new capabilities that specifically push multi-messenger astronomy forward (for example, improved sensitivity, wider sky coverage, better timing, or better event localization). The third is Interpretation, which supports theory, simulations, and related efforts that help explain and extract physics from multi-messenger datasets, including modeling source populations, emission mechanisms, particle acceleration, gravitational-wave signatures, and the coupling between what is seen in light, particles, and spacetime signals.
WoU-MMA also lays out three broader investment themes that describe what NSF is trying to build over time. One major focus is enhancing and accelerating theory, computation, and observational activity across the community. This includes efforts that strengthen observational and analysis capabilities within each messenger domain while also building the "glue" that makes them work together: shared methods, interoperable tools, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a workforce trained to operate in this integrated paradigm. Within this theme, NSF emphasizes expansion of ongoing activities and notes a priority for PI-led and small-group awards that directly advance multi-messenger goals and speed progress. Another investment theme is building dedicated midscale experiments and instrumentation in the midscale project range, aimed at making critical contributions to the multi-messenger infrastructure. These projects might enable new energy coverage, improved sensitivity, broader sky coverage, or new computational capabilities that change what can be detected and how quickly and reliably signals can be connected across messengers. The third theme is exploiting current facilities and developing next-generation observatories, including modest upgrades and infrastructure improvements that allow the current suite of facilities to be used to their full potential for multi-messenger work, as well as planning and development activities that position the field for significantly greater capabilities in the future.
Administratively, WoU-MMA is structured as a cross-cutting initiative rather than a standalone replacement for existing NSF programs. Proposals are generally submitted to the relevant existing NSF program area depending on the scientific and technical emphasis, but flagged for WoU-MMA consideration when they have a substantial multi-messenger component. The solicitation explicitly states that WoU-MMA is not intended to replace the standard programs that fund electromagnetic astronomy, particle astrophysics, gravitational physics, or theory on their own; instead, it is meant to support work that genuinely integrates multiple messengers or builds the coordination and interpretive capability needed for integrated studies. If a proposal does not actually meet at least one of the three WoU-MMA criteria (coordination, observations of multi-messenger sources, or interpretation of multi-messenger sources), it will be reviewed within the normal context of the individual program rather than within WoU-MMA.
In terms of where proposals can land, the opportunity spans NSF’s participating divisions and program lines, including Astronomy (AST), Physics (PHY), and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) where relevant. Examples of referenced programs include Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships (AAPF), Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG), and Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation (ATI) within AST, along with multiple PHY programs such as Nuclear Physics (theory and experiment), Particle Astrophysics (experiment), Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (theory), Gravitational Physics (theory), LIGO Research Support, and Plasma Physics. Midscale projects that are primarily electromagnetic and within AST are directed to the Mid-Scale Innovations Program (MSIP), while midscale projects primarily focused on high-energy particles or gravitational waves are directed to relevant PHY programs. Projects that involve facilities in Antarctica must list OPP’s Antarctic Astrophysics and Geospace Sciences (AAGS) program as a secondary program, reflecting the logistical and oversight requirements for polar research infrastructure.
The eligibility is broad (listed as unrestricted, subject to any clarifications in the solicitation), the funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is science and technology research and development. The source data lists CFDA numbers 47.049 and 47.050, an expected number of awards of around 200, and no specific award ceiling (shown as 0, which typically indicates that budgets depend on the underlying program and project scope rather than a single cap across the entire WoU-MMA umbrella). For proposals seeking WoU-MMA consideration, NSF requires that the proposal title begin with the acronym "WoU-MMA," and it also notes that supplement requests to existing awards may be considered if they address the WoU-MMA goals. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as NSF’s mechanism for funding the connective tissue of modern astrophysics: the coordinated observing, shared infrastructure, and integrated modeling that turn separate detections in light, particles, and gravitational waves into a unified physical story about the most extreme events in the universe.Apply for PD 18 5115
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "WINDOWS ON THE UNIVERSE: THE ERA OF MULTI-MESSENGER ASTROPHYSICS" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049, 47.050.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 01, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 11, 2018 Nuclear Physics - Theory and Experiment Particle Astrophysics - Experiment Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology - Theory Gravitational Physics - Theory LIGO Research Support Plasma Physics Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 200 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU
Previous opportunity: Youth Engagement with Trails Projects at North Cascades National Park
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PD 18 5115
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PD 18 5115) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Appendix A: NASA Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions Apply for 80JSC018N0001 FLAGSHIP Funding Number: 80JSC018N0001 FLAGSHIP Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,800,000 |
| Appendix B: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity Apply for 80JSC018N0001 OMNIBUS Funding Number: 80JSC018N0001 OMNIBUS Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Enabling Quantum Leap: Convergent Accelerated Discovery Foundries for Quantum Materials Science, Engineering and Information Apply for 18 578 Funding Number: 18 578 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Plains CESU Apply for G18AS00094 Funding Number: G18AS00094 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers CESU Apply for G18AS00120 Funding Number: G18AS00120 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $40,453 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU Apply for G18AS00117 Funding Number: G18AS00117 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| A Survey of the Fauna of Seepage Springs in National Capital Parks-East (NACE) Apply for P18AS00496 Funding Number: P18AS00496 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $68,751 |
| Fort Huachuca Environmental Training Apply for W9124A 18 0001 Funding Number: W9124A 18 0001 Agency: Department of Defense, ACC-APG-Fort Huachuca Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $532,102 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00113 Funding Number: G18AS00113 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $72,436 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Plain CESU Apply for G18AS00111 Funding Number: G18AS00111 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,500 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU Apply for G18AS00112 Funding Number: G18AS00112 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| DoD Accelerating Innovation in Military Medicine Research Award Apply for W81XWH 18 DMRDP AIMM Funding Number: W81XWH 18 DMRDP AIMM Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Update National Historic Landmark Nomination for the Carter G. Woodson National Historic Site Apply for P18AS00498 Funding Number: P18AS00498 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $46,800 |
| Assessment of Asian carp and native fish movement and habitat use in the upper Illinois River watershed to inform Asian carp management Apply for USGS 18 FA 0161 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0161 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Ecological studies on Asian carp in the Upper Illinois and Mississippi Rivers Apply for USGS 18 FA 0160 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0160 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| HITEMMP SBIR/STTR Apply for DE FOA 0001972 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001972 Agency: Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,225,000 |
| HITEMMP Apply for DE FOA 0001970 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001970 Agency: Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00108 Funding Number: G18AS00108 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit Apply for F18AS00302 Funding Number: F18AS00302 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| Answering: Hibernate or Migrate?Detecting WNS Presence in Parks Apply for P18AS00524 Funding Number: P18AS00524 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $126,031 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PD 18 5115", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.