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."

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.