Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Core Programs | 23 561

Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 561

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Core Programs opportunity is a broad, flagship funding mechanism designed to support research and education that advances the state of the art in computing, communications, and information science and engineering. The intent is to fund work that creates new fundamental knowledge, explores emerging computing technologies, and strengthens the cyberinfrastructure that modern research and society increasingly rely on. Projects supported under this umbrella can range from theoretical foundations and algorithms to systems, networks, intelligent and interactive technologies, and the core research needed to build and evolve advanced computing infrastructure.

The opportunity is organized across four major NSF CISE units, each with its own set of core programs. Within the Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF), proposals can target foundational areas including Algorithmic Foundations (AF), Communications and Information Foundations (CIF), Foundations of Emerging Technologies (FET), and Software and Hardware Foundations (SHF). These programs collectively cover topics such as the theory and design of algorithms, fundamental limits and principles of communication and information, early-stage concepts that could define future computing paradigms, and the underlying principles that govern reliable, efficient software and hardware. In practice, this division is where many proposals focused on deep technical foundations, rigorous methods, and new conceptual frameworks tend to fit.

Within the Division of Computer and Network Systems (CNS), the core programs include Computer Systems Research (CSR) and Networking Technology and Systems (NeTS). This part of the solicitation supports research that advances the design and operation of computing systems and networked environments. Typical themes include system architectures, operating and distributed systems, cloud and edge computing, trustworthy and resilient systems, and new networking approaches, protocols, and technologies that improve performance, reliability, scalability, and security. Projects here often bridge fundamental research with realistic constraints found in deployed computing and networking platforms.

The Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS) supports core programs in Human-Centered Computing (HCC), Information Integration and Informatics (III), and Robust Intelligence (RI). These programs cover research that connects computing with people, data, and intelligent behavior. Human-Centered Computing focuses on interactive systems and experiences, including usability, accessibility, collaborative technologies, and the social and ethical dimensions of computing. Information Integration and Informatics centers on methods for representing, managing, integrating, and extracting value from data across complex environments and domains. Robust Intelligence supports advances in AI and machine learning with an emphasis on systems that are reliable, generalizable, and effective in real-world conditions, including reasoning, learning, perception, and decision-making.

The Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (OAC) participates through the OAC Core Research (OAC Core) program. This track is focused specifically on advancing cyberinfrastructure itself, meaning the foundational computing, data, and software capabilities that enable research and education at scale. Proposals to OAC Core typically concentrate on new approaches that strengthen computational and data infrastructure, improve usability and efficiency of shared resources, and enable new scientific or engineering capabilities through better infrastructure-oriented research.

The solicitation invites proposals in several project classes, which mainly differ by budget size, project duration, and where they can be submitted. Small Projects have total budgets up to $600,000 and durations up to three years, and they may be submitted to CCF, CNS, and IIS (but not to OAC under this class). Medium Projects have total budgets from $600,001 to $1,200,000 and can run up to four years, and they may also be submitted to CCF, CNS, and IIS. Separately, OAC Core Projects have total budgets up to $600,000 and durations up to three years, and these may be submitted only to OAC. The solicitation notes that fuller definitions and expectations for these project classes are provided in the program description section of the official document, which is where applicants typically confirm details such as scope, collaboration expectations, and any special requirements.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary NSF grant opportunity in the science and technology research and development category (CFDA 47.070). The opportunity number is NSF 23-561, and the agency anticipated a large overall award volume (the listing indicates an expectation of about 600 awards). The posting shows an original closing date of October 23, 2023, and eligibility is described as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice. Overall, this opportunity functions as a central entry point for a wide range of computing research proposals, giving applicants multiple pathways to align their ideas with the most appropriate CISE division and program while choosing a project size that matches the maturity, ambition, and resourcing needs of the work.

• 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" 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 Feb 16, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 23, 2023 MEDIUM Projects OAC Core Projects SMALL Projects. (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 600 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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