NDnano Momentum Research Grants
NDnano is pleased to announce the Momentum Research Grant program, which provides support for faculty teams developing competitive, multi-investigator, center-type proposals for submission to major external funding agencies.
The Momentum Grant is designed to provide faculty teams with funding to close technical gaps, prove concepts, or strengthen research collaborations to prepare a robust proposal to secure large-scale, center-type grants. Proposals should articulate a distinctive research vision to enhance Notre Dame’s reputation.
- Timeline: Funds are expected to be utilized within a year of the award date.
- Focus: This grant specifically seeks to empower collaborative, multi-investigator research teams. Proposals should outline a clear, strategic path to developing high-impact research that culminates in a large external center-type proposal submission. New collaborations are welcome when they strategically leverage established expertise toward this goal.
- ND Energy co-sponsorship: ND Energy can support up to $50,000 in additional funds for proposals that advance strategic energy research and exhibit strong external funding potential. Strategic energy topics include—but are not limited to—critical mineral supply chains, data center energy efficiency, and nuclear technology.
Expected External Proposal Amount
- Applicants must identify specific targeted external funding opportunities for which the center-type proposal will be submitted.
- The resulting external proposal is expected to request a minimum of $1,000,000 in annual direct costs across multiple years.
Eligibility and Team Requirements
- Lead Faculty: The Lead Faculty member must either be a current NDnano affiliate or commit to becoming an affiliate upon award notification.
- Team Composition: Proposals must feature multi-investigator teams demonstrating established expertise. Teams with prior collaborative experience are preferred.
- Award Maximum: $50,000 per award for NDnano sponsorship, up to $100,000 total with the addition of potential ND Energy co-sponsorship.
Application and Due Dates
- Due Date: March 2, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
- Application: All submissions should use the template (below). Submissions can be submitted to NDnano Center Coordinator, Heidi Deethardt, at deethardt.1@nd.edu. Interested faculty are welcome to discuss their ideas with NDnano Director Steve Koester, ND Energy Director Joule Bergerson, or NDnano Associate Director Derek Lake.
- Anticipated Decision Date: No later than April 15, 2026, with funds being available after decisions are announced.
Download Word template for NDnano Momentum Research Grants [DOC, 10k]