The field of chemistry is very diverse, and NSF support for chemistry research goes beyond the CHE Division. Other NSF divisions supporting chemistry research include Atmospheric Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Chemical and Transport Systems, Earth Sciences, Advanced Computational Research, Physics, and Materials Research.
Molecular science plays a central role in many areas of science and engineering.
Because of this, much of the research supported by the CHE Division will also further the advancement of research in other disciplines, such as biology and chemical engineering, and in various multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary areas, such as environmental science and materials science. Analytical and Surface Chemistry Supports fundamental chemical research directed toward the characterization and analysis of all forms of matter. Studies of elemental and molecular composition and of the microstructure of both bulk and surface domains are included. The program supports projects that develop the fundamentals of measurement science, new sensors and new instruments, and innovative approaches to data processing and interpretation. Investigations designed to probe the chemical structure and reactivity of the interface between different forms of matter also are supported.