Probability | PD 18 1263

NSF Probability Program (PD 18 1263) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NSF Probability Program (PD 18 1263)?

The NSF Probability Program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 18 1263) is a discretionary grant opportunity that supports research in the theory and applications of probability. It is intended to advance fundamental understanding across a wide range of probability topics, while also encouraging meaningful connections to applications and other disciplines.

What kinds of projects does this program support?

The program supports high-quality probability research. Core theoretical contributions are central, and the program also encourages research that connects to real-world applications or that meaningfully interacts with other areas of science and engineering.

Which probability research areas are included?

The opportunity highlights a broad scope of subfields, including discrete probability, stochastic processes, limit theory, interacting particle systems, stochastic differential equations (SDEs), stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs), and Markov processes.

Does the program fund applied or interdisciplinary probability work?

Yes. In addition to core theoretical work, the program explicitly encourages probability research that is connected to real-world applications or that meaningfully interacts with other disciplines in science and engineering.

Does the program only fund research proposals?

No. In addition to standard research proposals, the program also supports community and field-building activities such as conferences, workshops, and seasonal schools (for example, summer or winter schools).

Are conferences and workshops supported under this opportunity?

Yes. The program supports conferences and workshops as part of its community and field-building activities.

Are seasonal schools (such as summer or winter schools) supported?

Yes. The program specifically notes that seasonal schools (including summer or winter schools) are among the activities it supports.

Is there special guidance for conference or workshop proposals?

Yes. Principal investigators planning proposals focused on conferences, workshops, or similar events are instructed to consult the NSF solicitation titled "Conferences and Workshops in the Mathematical Sciences," which provides specific guidance on NSF expectations for event proposal content and structure.

When should a conference or workshop proposal be submitted?

Conference and workshop proposals should be submitted about eight months before the requested start date. This creates an earlier practical planning deadline than the general closing date for applicants who are organizing events.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

This opportunity falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 47.049.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicant organizations may be able to apply depending on NSF-wide eligibility rules and proposal requirements.

What is the proposal deadline (original closing date)?

The opportunity lists an original closing date of September 17, 2024.

How far in advance should applicants plan to submit?

Prospective applicants are expected to plan proposal development, internal reviews, and submission logistics well in advance of the listed closing date. For event proposals (conferences/workshops), the practical submission timing is driven by the eight-month lead time before the requested start date.

What is the program trying to achieve overall?

The program is designed to fund high-quality probability research, ranging from deep theoretical work to mathematically grounded projects motivated by or connected to other scientific and engineering areas. It also supports well-justified community activities that disseminate knowledge and help develop researchers in the field.