About Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS)

Mission of the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

To make discoveries about the Universe and the laws that govern it; to create new knowledge, materials, and instruments which promote progress across science and engineering; to prepare the next generation of scientists through research, and to share the excitement of exploring the unknown with the nation.

About the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

MPS is comprised of the Divisions of Astronomical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities. These organizations provide the basic structure for MPS support of research and education. They support both disciplinary and interdisciplinary activities and partner effectively with each other and with other parts of NSF.

The scope of scientific and educational activity supported in MPS is enormous, ranging from phenomena at cosmological distances, to environmental science on the human scale, through quantum mechanical processes in atomic and subatomic physics, to phenomena of the unimaginably small. MPS researchers explore the abstract ideas, concepts, and structures of mathematics as well as more tangible “stuff” – the materials used in our everyday lives. They use tools ranging from desktop instruments to synchrotron light sources, accelerators, radio and optical telescopes, and high magnetic fields. The rapid development of computational and communications capabilities is leading to the development of a new set of tools that enable new kinds of science – cyberscience.

There are deep and important questions within this scope of activity that shape the portfolio of research and related activities through which MPS works to accomplish its mission. Recent breakthroughs, the promise of newly-developing tools, and the opportunities to move new knowledge to the nation’s service allow us to describe areas that are ready for progress now. They form the immediate focus of MPS today and help to guide our priority setting for the next decade. These areas, along with descriptions of our current state of knowledge and sets of key open questions were shared with the MPS Advisory Committee and are currently under discussion with relevant scientific communities for refinement. In all of these areas, there are NSF-wide and interagency efforts to accelerate progress.

• Charting the evolution of the Universe from the Big Bang to habitable planets and beyond
• Understanding the fundamental nature of space, time, matter, and energy
• Creating the molecules and materials that will transform the 21st century
• Developing tools for discovery and innovation throughout science and engineering
• Understanding how microscopic processes enable and shape the complex behavior of the living world
• Discovering mathematical structures and promoting new connections between mathematics and the sciences
• Conducting basic research that provides the foundation for our national health, prosperity, and security

Interdisciplinary Activities: As can be seen in the list of key areas, MPS sciences are increasingly interconnected with each other and with work in other Directorates. The Office of Multidisciplinary Activities, created in 1994, plays a signal role in building important partnerships between the MPS Divisions, between MPS and other Directorates, and between MPS and other Federal agencies.

Partnerships: MPS is involved in many long-standing, very valuable, partnerships with its sister US agencies (e.g. DOE, NASA, NIH, NIST), as well as with several international consortia (e.g. CERN, the Gemini project, the European Southern Observatory). International networks provide a means for researchers and educators around the globe to interact with one another. Partnering is a growing mode of operation, consistent with NSF’s core strategy.

Major Facilities: MPS has responsibility for many facilities that serve thousands of US and international scientists and students. These include optical and radio telescopes, nuclear and particle accelerators, synchrotron light sources, neutron sources, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, and the Laser Interferometer Gravity-wave Observatory (LIGO). Under construction now is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. Research and development funding in anticipation of future facility needs has high priority for MPS.

Preparing the Next Generation: All MPS funded research and related activities provide opportunities to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers. In addition, the MPS divisions and Office of Multidisciplinary Activities provide specific opportunities for postdoctoral researchers, graduate programs, and participation of undergraduate students and K-12 teachers in research experiences. MPS currently focuses on enhancing undergraduate education in MPS disciplines, with an eye to increasing the numbers and diversity of US graduates.