The CNC welcomes submissions for innovative new research directions in nanothread chemistry. Possible topical areas include (but are not limited to) novel methods of thread characterization, transformative new synthetic targets, investigations of reaction mechanisms, new means of thread functionalization, and novel chemical property investigations. In addition to standard NSF criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impact, program-specific review criteria include prospects for enhancement of Phase-II Center activities, opening of new research directions in nanothread chemistry, and efforts that could enable additional synthesis scale-up through further reductions in reaction pressures beyond those already achieved. Innovation broadly construed, including longer-term pathways towards commercialization, are also of interest. The Center targets small-team efforts with 2–4 members that combine complementary forms of expertise. The Center particularly encourages compelling high-risk, high-reward activities that mindfully manage risk.

Interested parties must submit a one-page Letter of Intent in pdf format including a proposal title, 2-3 sentence summary, and list of investigators by 5 PM local time on October 22, 2020.

Full proposals shall follow standard NSF PAPPG format for margins, fonts, etc. and must include NSF-format Biosketches of all investigators (following the early-2020 format) and a table of Collaborators and other Affiliates for each investigator using the NSF template. Submissions are limited to 3 pages inclusive of figures, plus 1 page of references. Full proposals are due at 5 PM local time on November 16. Late submissions, or those which do not meet format requirements, will be returned without review. Submissions should be made to the Center Director at vhc2@psu.edu.