Combinatorics | PD 18 7970

NSF Combinatorics Program (PD 18-7970) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NSF Combinatorics program (PD 18-7970)?

The NSF Combinatorics program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 18-7970) is a discretionary grant opportunity that supports research in combinatorics, broadly defined as the study of discrete structures. It is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and makes awards using the grant funding instrument under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

What kinds of projects does this opportunity fund?

This opportunity supports high-quality research that advances fundamental theory and methods in combinatorics and related discrete mathematics areas. It also highlights support for community activities such as conferences, workshops, and summer or winter schools, with specific guidance for event-focused proposals.

What topics are within the scope of the program?

The program scope spans many core areas of combinatorics, including algebraic combinatorics, enumerative combinatorics, existential and extremal combinatorics, geometric combinatorics, and probabilistic combinatorics. Graph theory is explicitly included.

What types of mathematical objects or structures are relevant to this program?

The program is aimed at theory and methods related to discrete objects such as graphs, hypergraphs, set systems, discrete geometries, permutations, partitions, and related algebraic or probabilistic structures.

Does the program support work on methods and techniques, or only specific results?

It supports both. The description emphasizes advancing fundamental theory and methods, including new techniques for proving structural results, counting results, and optimization-style results in discrete settings.

Is graph theory included under this combinatorics program?

Yes. Graph theory is explicitly included within the program scope.

Does NSF support conferences and workshops through this program?

Yes. In addition to research proposals, the program description highlights support for community activities such as conferences, workshops, and summer or winter schools.

If my proposal is mainly for a conference or workshop, is there a different NSF solicitation I should use?

Yes. For proposals centered on organizing conferences, workshops, or similar events, NSF directs PIs to consult the separate NSF solicitation titled "Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences," which outlines specific expectations for conference-style proposals.

What kinds of expectations are mentioned for conference-style proposals?

The referenced conference solicitation is described as covering expectations such as what content should be included, how to justify need and impact, how to address participant selection and diversity, how the agenda is structured, and how outcomes will be disseminated.

How far in advance must conference proposals be submitted?

Conference proposals must be submitted at least six months before the event is scheduled to occur.

Is there guidance about aligning conference proposals with NSF's fiscal year?

Yes. NSF notes a preference that the proposal be submitted within the same fiscal year as the conference when possible. NSF's fiscal year begins on October 1, so organizers may need to plan around that calendar.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity, and what does it mean?

The listing identifies CFDA number 47.049, which corresponds to NSF's general research support umbrella.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as "Unrestricted," meaning proposals are not limited to a narrow class of applicants within the posting itself. Applicants are still expected to follow NSF's standard eligibility rules and institutional requirements that typically apply to NSF proposals.

What is the deadline for this opportunity?

The original closing date is listed as 2024-09-24. Applicants should treat late September 2024 as a critical deadline marker for planning purposes, while also verifying current due dates and submission windows on NSF's site because NSF programs can use target dates, recurring deadlines, or updated solicitations.

Is the closing date always final, or can it change?

The record notes that applicants should verify current due dates and submission windows on NSF's site, since NSF programs sometimes use target dates, recurring deadlines, or updated solicitations.

Is there an award ceiling (maximum award amount) listed?

No. The record does not specify an award ceiling.

How many awards does NSF expect to make under this program?

The record does not specify an expected number of awards.

What factors might affect award size or the number of awards made?

Because the record does not provide a ceiling or expected award count, it implies that award sizes and counts may vary based on proposal type (research vs. conference), project scope, available program funds in a given year, and the quality and relevance of submissions.

What is the overall goal of the NSF Combinatorics program?

The program is designed to fund high-quality research and scholarly convenings that push forward the theory and methods of combinatorics and graph theory. This includes developing new results about discrete structures, introducing novel proof techniques, connecting combinatorics with neighboring areas of mathematics, and strengthening the research community through well-structured, well-justified meetings and training activities.

What award instrument is used for this opportunity?

Awards are made through the grant funding instrument.

What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The activity category is listed as "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."