Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS)
The CSCS program from the U.S. National Science Foundation funds innovative research in circuits and systems to advance next-generation communication and sensing technologies.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (proposals accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: No fixed maximum; typical NSF ENG/ECCS awards range from $200,000–$500,000 over 2–4 years.
Summary: Supports transformative research in circuits, systems, and signal processing to advance next-generation communication and sensing technologies, with emphasis on AI, quantum, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Key Information: Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov under NSF 24-1; not accepted through Grants.gov.
Description
The Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS) program funds innovative research in electrical engineering aimed at enabling the next generation of communication and sensing systems. The program supports advances that integrate communication, sensing, and computation across scales, including both classical and quantum technologies. Key research areas include biomedical sensing, 6G and beyond wireless networks, terahertz and optical communication, advanced signal processing, and compact circuit and antenna design. CSCS also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum engineering, and biotechnology, and promotes partnerships with federal agencies, industry, and international collaborators to accelerate discovery and innovation.
