Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Core Programs, Large Projects | 24 572

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 572

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering this funding opportunity through its Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate to support large, collaborative research projects that push forward fundamental knowledge in computing, communications, and information science and engineering. The focus is on ambitious, high-impact ideas that are not confined to a single subfield, but instead intentionally bridge two or more of NSF CISEs core research programs. In other words, the solicitation is designed for research questions that naturally sit at the intersections of areas like algorithms, systems, networking, AI, human-centered computing, information science, and emerging technologies, where progress depends on a tightly integrated team rather than separate, loosely connected efforts.

The solicitation is specifically tied to the CISE core programs across three divisions. Within the Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF), the relevant programs are Algorithmic Foundations (AF), Communications and Information Foundations (CIF), Foundations of Emerging Technologies (FET), and Software and Hardware Foundations (SHF). Within the Division of Computer and Network Systems (CNS), the programs are Computer Systems Research (CSR) and Networking Technology and Systems (NeTS). Within the Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS), the programs are Human-Centered Computing (HCC), Information Integration and Informatics (III), and Robust Intelligence (RI). A key requirement is that the proposed research must clearly align with topics of interest to at least two of these core programs; proposals that fit only one program area are considered out of scope for this particular competition.

This opportunity emphasizes large-scale integrated collaboration. Teams must include two or more investigators (such as a PI and co-PIs, or other senior/key personnel) who bring complementary expertise that is genuinely necessary to solve the proposed problem. NSF is signaling that it wants projects where the joint outcome is transformative and greater than what each investigator could produce independently. The solicitation also encourages partnerships across a broad range of institutions, suggesting that NSF values diverse research environments and collaboration structures that can produce novel approaches and strengthen the overall project.

The funding level is intentionally set for major projects rather than small awards. Proposals should request a total budget between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000, with project durations of 3 to 5 years. There is also a hard cap on the spending rate: the budget cannot exceed $1,000,000 in any single year. NSF anticipates making around 6 awards under this solicitation. Importantly, the solicitation is not meant to fund research infrastructure projects, so proposals that primarily aim to build or acquire shared infrastructure (as opposed to conducting fundamental research) are not appropriate.

Eligibility is limited to certain types of U.S.-based organizations. Proposals may be submitted by accredited U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (including two- and four-year colleges and community colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty, as well as non-profit, non-academic organizations in the United States that are directly associated with educational or research activities, such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, or professional societies. For project leadership, any PI, co-PI, or other senior/key personnel must, at the time of submission, hold either a tenured or tenure-track position, or a primary, full-time, paid research or teaching appointment at a U.S.-based campus of an eligible submitting organization. Limited exceptions may be granted for family or medical leave as determined by the submitting organization. Individuals whose primary appointments are at for-profit non-academic organizations or at overseas branch campuses of U.S. institutions are not eligible to serve in these senior roles.

Administrative details included in the source information identify this as an NSF discretionary grant opportunity (CFDA 47.070) titled "Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Core Programs, Large Projects" with opportunity number 24-572. The listed original closing date is 2025-09-29. Overall, the solicitation is best understood as NSF CISEs mechanism for backing a small number of big, cross-cutting, multi-investigator research efforts that can reshape foundational understanding across multiple computing and information science areas, rather than incremental work within a single specialty or projects centered on infrastructure buildout.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Core Programs, Large Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.070.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-09-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 24 572

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