Advancing science often begins with the ability to measure the universe accurately. The NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026 supports cutting-edge research in fundamental measurement, physics testing, and the determination of fundamental constants. For institutions working at the frontiers of scientific discovery, this is an opportunity to secure federal support for high-impact research.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United States
- Study Level / Job Type: Research Grant (Science & Technology)
- Funding Type: Cooperative Agreement / Grant
- Eligible Countries: U.S. and eligible international institutions
- Deadline: June 22, 2026
About the NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program
The NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026 invites applications for research in fundamental measurement science, including testing the basic laws of physics and determining fundamental physical constants.
The program is administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the U.S. Department of Commerce. It supports projects addressing pressing problems or emerging opportunities in measurement science and experimental physics.
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Research areas may include:
- High-precision experimental physics
- Measurement methodology development
- Determination of fundamental constants
- Testing physical theories through measurement innovation
The funding opportunity is listed under Assistance Listing 11.053 and is categorized under Science and Technology Research and Development.
“This opportunity is officially offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.”
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for the NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026 include:
- Accredited institutions of higher education
- Non-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations incorporated in the United States
- State, local, Territorial, and Tribal governments
- Foreign public entities and foreign organizations
Please note:
- Federal entities may participate only as unfunded collaborators
- Individuals and sole proprietors are not eligible
Applicants must demonstrate strong institutional research capacity and expertise in fundamental measurement science.
Benefits
Although the award ceiling and floor are not specified in the synopsis, successful applicants under the NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026 will receive:
- Federal research funding support
- Recognition under a competitive NIST research initiative
- Opportunity to collaborate with national and international experts
- Access to advanced measurement science networks
- Institutional prestige and research credibility
The program expects to make one award, highlighting the competitive and high-impact nature of the grant.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is particularly suited for:
- Physics research departments
- National laboratories and advanced measurement institutes
- Universities conducting high-precision experimental research
- International institutions collaborating on fundamental constants research
- Research teams addressing unresolved or emerging challenges in measurement science
Institutions with established research infrastructure and a track record of peer-reviewed publications will be most competitive.
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Application Process
To apply for the NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026, follow these steps:
- Review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully.
- Confirm institutional eligibility.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal aligned with program objectives.
- Coordinate with your institution’s grants or sponsored research office.
- Submit your application via the official Grants.gov portal before the deadline.
The original and current closing date is June 22, 2026.
For technical issues accessing the announcement, applicants may contact the NIST Program Analyst via grants@nist.gov.
How to Apply for NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program 2026
If your institution is conducting advanced research in precision measurement or fundamental physics, this program offers a structured pathway to federal research support.
Given that only one award is expected, early preparation and thorough proposal development are essential.
For more details, visit the NIST Precision Measurement Grant Program.
