Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering

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Description

The National Science Foundation's Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) meta-program aims to drive major scientific and engineering advances by supporting research that harnesses innovative computational and data-driven approaches. The program is designed to fund projects that go beyond the typical use of computation or data analysis in their respective fields, enabling new discoveries and capabilities that would not be possible otherwise.

CDS&E welcomes proposals from any research area supported by participating NSF divisions, provided the project features a substantial and novel computational or data science component. Projects may focus on developing new computational methods, integrating theory, computation, experiment, and observation, or enabling progress on previously intractable problems. The program is not intended for projects that simply apply established computational or data analysis methods.

Proposals should be submitted to the most relevant participating division or program, following the associated deadlines or submission windows. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult program descriptions and contact the appropriate Program Officer before preparing a proposal.

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Due Dates

• ENG / Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET):
  September 1–15, annually (2025 window closes September 15, 2025)
• ENG / Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI):
  September 1–15, annually (2025 window closes September 15, 2025)
• MPS / Division of Chemistry (CAT, CMFP, SYN):
  September 1–30, annually (2025 window closes September 30, 2025)
• MPS / Division of Materials Research (DMR):
  October 15, annually
• MPS / Division of Astronomical Sciences (ATI, AAG):
  October 1–November 15, annually (2025 window closes November 15, 2025)
• MPS / Division of Chemistry (CMI, ECS, MSN):
  October 1–31, annually
• MPS / Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS):
  October 15–31, annually
• MPS / Division of Physics (Plasma Physics):
  Third Monday in November, annually (2025: November 17)
• MPS / Division of Chemistry (CLP, CSD, CTMC):
  Full proposals accepted anytime

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Funding Amount

• Award size and duration: Varies by division and program; there is no fixed minimum or maximum.
• Typical awards: Consult the relevant NSF division or program for guidance on expected budgets and project durations.

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Eligibility

• Eligible applicants: Unrestricted; open to all categories of proposers, including universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government entities, subject to NSF's general eligibility requirements.
• Project requirements: Proposals must feature a significant, innovative computational or data science component that exceeds standard disciplinary practice.
• Note: Proposals that do not meet the program's computational/data science threshold may be reviewed within the context of a standard disciplinary program or returned without review.

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Application Process

• Proposal preparation:
  • Proposals must begin the title with the acronym "CDS&E:".
  • Carefully review the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for current requirements.
  • Select the most relevant participating division or program for submission.
  • Contact the appropriate Program Officer for guidance if needed.
• Submission:
  • Submit via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.
  • Adhere to the submission window or target date for the chosen division/program.
• Review process:
  • Proposals are evaluated for intellectual merit and broader impacts, with special attention to the novelty and significance of the computational/data science component.

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Additional Information

• Scope:
  • The program is not intended for projects that simply apply existing computational or data analysis methods; it seeks projects that push the boundaries of what is possible with computation and data.
  • Algorithm and pilot software development are eligible if they support substantive science or engineering research.
  • Proposals focused on implementing proven methods into robust cyberinfrastructure should consider the Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program instead.
• Supplement requests:
  • Supplements to existing NSF awards may be considered if they introduce a significant new computational/data science component.

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External Links

• NSF CDS&E Program Page
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• Browse funded CDS&E projects
• Apply via Grants.gov

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Contact Information

For general NSF inquiries:

• Email: info@nsf.gov
• Phone: 1-703-292-5111
• NSF Contact Page