The far-reaching impact and rate of innovation in the computer and information science and engineering fields has been remarkable, generating economic prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for people throughout the world.
More than a decade ago, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) established the Expeditions in Computing (Expeditions) program to build on past successes and provide the CISE research and education community with the opportunity to pursue ambitious, fundamental research agendas that promise to define the future of computing and information.
In planning Expeditions projects, investigators are strongly encouraged to come together within or across departments or institutions to combine their creative talents in the identification of compelling, transformative research agendas that look ahead by at least a decade and promise disruptive innovations in computer and information science and engineering for many years to come.
Now funded at levels up to $15,000,000 for seven years, Expeditions projects represent some of the largest single investments currently made by the CISE directorate. Together with the Science and Technology Centers and the National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes that CISE supports, Expeditions projects form the centerpiece of the directorate's center-scale award portfolio. With awards funded at levels that promote the formation of large research teams, CISE recognizes that concurrent research advances in multiple fields or sub-fields are often necessary to stimulate deep and enduring outcomes. The awards made in this program will complement research areas supported by other CISE programs, which target particular computer and information science and engineering fields.
Additionally, CISE offers Innovation Transition (InTrans) awards for teams nearing the end of their Expeditions as well as Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Frontier projects. The goal of InTrans is to continue the long-term vision and objectives of CISE’s center-scale projects. Through InTrans awards, CISE will provide limited funds to match industry support.
Expeditions Deadlines:
- Required Preliminary Proposals: June 19, 2024; June 19; 2026
- Full Proposals: March 31, 2025; March 31, 2027
InTrans Submission Window:
- April 25 - April 24, Annually
Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
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Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., with undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs in computer and information science and engineering fields may submit proposals as lead or collaborative institutions. Subawardees may include two-and four-year U.S. IHEs, non-profit non-academic organizations such as independent museums, institutes, observatories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with education or research activities in the computer and information science and engineering fields. Other organizations such as national laboratories, for-profit organizations and organizations in other countries may participate in the proposed activities if they have independent sources of support; they will not be supported by NSF.
An individual may participate in no more than one preliminary and if invited, one full Expeditions proposal per competition as PI, co- PI, or senior personnel.
In the event that an individual exceeds this limit for a given deadline, any Expeditions proposal submitted to that deadline with this individual listed as a PI, co-PI, or senior personnel after the first proposal is received at NSF will be returned without review. No exceptions will be made.
Estimated program budget is up to $60,000,000 for each competition, subject to the availability of funds. Two to four new awards will be made in each competition. Expeditions projects with total budgets of up to $15,000,000 for a duration of seven years will be supported.