Interfacial processes are inherently complex given the rich mix of reaction, transport phenomena and inter-phase gradients that often characterise such systems. There is a critical need for a new generation of operando and in-situ characterisation systems and tools (e.g. imaging, spectroscopy, scattering and corresponding theoretical methods) to develop a molecular understanding. This call for proposals encourages novel characterisation of processes occurring at interfaces under system-realistic conditions that are relevant to solving problems of our time by developing, for example, climate solutions and sustainable chemical processes.
Proposals of German applicants are accepted in the subject areas 321–327 and 403, 404 of the DFG’s subject classification. US researchers should review the CHE and CBET programme descriptions for research supported through these NSF divisions.
Proposals will be reviewed by either NSF or DFG as the lead agency, depending on where the largest proportion of research lies. Proposals must provide a clear rationale for the need for a US-German collaboration, including the unique expertise and synergy that the collaborating groups will bring to the project.
For applicants to be invited to submit a formal proposal, an Expression of Interest (EOI) is required and should be submitted to the prospective lead agency no later than 28 June 2023, 5 pm local time. Upon confirmation from both funding organisations that the collaborative research proposal is appropriate for the NSF-DFG MISSION call for proposals, the lead agency will contact the researchers to inform them that they may submit a full research proposal. All full research proposals must be submitted by 31 October 2023, 5 pm local time (first-time users of the DFG’s online submission system elan need to pre-register by 17 October 2023).
