The Process Separations program supports research focused on novel methods and materials for separation processes, which are central to various industries such as chemical, biochemical, bioprocessing, materials, energy, and pharmaceutical. The program encourages proposals that address long-standing challenges and emerging research areas, have a high degree of interdisciplinary work, and integrate education and research. Some research topics of particular interest include: * Design of scalable mass separating agents and/or a mechanistic understanding of the interfacial thermodynamics and transport phenomena that relate to purification of gases, chemicals, or water * Design or improvement of mass separation agents or processes that are based upon, and advance, transport principles * Downstream purification of biologically derived chemicals for increased throughput * Field (flow, magnetic, electrical) induced separations and other innovative approaches that address a significant reduction in energy and/or materials requirements in the process industries The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years, and the typical award size for the program is around $100,000 per year.