Computer and Information Science and Engineering : Future Computing Research (Future CoRe)

Overview

The NSF Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) supports transformative research and education projects that develop new knowledge in all aspects of computing, communications, and information science and engineering through multiple research programs. These programs support research and education activities that advance: 

• mathematical, scientific and technological foundations of computing communication, hardware, software and emerging technologies; 
• understanding and development of computer and network systems, cyber-physical systems, and cybersecurity as well as their roles in solving complex scientific, engineering, and societal problems; and
• understanding of the inter-related roles of people, computers, and information.

The NSF CISE Directorate supports research and education projects that develop new knowledge in all aspects of computing, communications, and information science and engineering through the following Future Computing Research (Future CoRe) programs: 

• Algorithmic Foundations (AF) program; 
• Communications and Information Foundations (CIF) program; 
• Computer Systems Research (CSR) program; 
• Computing Education Research (CER) program; 
• Cyber-Physical System Foundations and Connected Communities (CPS) program; 
• Foundations of Emerging Technologies (FET) program;  
• Human-Centered Computing (HCC) program; 
• Information Integration and Informatics (III) program; 
• Networking Technology and Systems (NeTS) program;  
• Robust Intelligence (RI) program; and 
• Software and Hardware Foundations (SHF) program;

Broadening Participation In STEM: NSF has a mandate to broaden participation in science and engineering, as articulated and reaffirmed in law since 1950. Congress has charged NSF to “develop intellectual capital, both people and ideas, with particular emphasis on groups and regions that traditionally have not participated fully in science, mathematics, and engineering."

Merit Review Criteria
All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities.

The two merit review criteria are listed below. Both criteria are to be given full consideration during the review and decision-making processes; each criterion is necessary but neither, by itself, is sufficient. Therefore, proposers must fully address both criteria. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i). contains additional information for use by proposers in development of the Project Description section of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the criteria, including PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), prior to the review of a proposal.

When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider what the proposers want to do, why they want to do it, how they plan to do it, how they will know if they succeed, and what benefits could accrue if the project is successful. These issues apply both to the technical aspects of the proposal and the way in which the project may make broader contributions. To that end, reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria:

• Intellectual Merit: The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge; and
• Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.

[Note: This RFP may be using outdated verbiage regarding Broader Impacts. Check with MLFC RD Office if you are interested in this call, and we will follow up with the sponsor for clarification.]

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 2

Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant
Estimated Number of Awards: 400 to 600
Anticipated Funding Amount: $280,000,000 
Dependent upon the availability of funds.
The CISE Future Computing Research program anticipates a portfolio of awards with a range of budgets and durations, including projects of smaller scope. Project durations and budgets must be commensurate with the scope of the proposed work up to the maximum limit of $1,000,000 with the duration up to 4 years.  Typical projects are approximately $150,000 to $250,000 per year and are 3 to 4 years in duration. Projects are discouraged from exceeding $300,000 in any single year.  Estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.

Full Proposal Target Date(s): 

• September 11, 2025
  Second Thursday in September, Annually Thereafter
• February 05, 2026
  First Thursday in February, Annually Thereafter

While proposals are accepted anytime, proposers are highly encouraged to submit by the target dates to ensure consideration during the corresponding panel review cycle.