Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems

The Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) program, managed by the National Science Foundation, supports innovative research in circuit and system hardware, signal processing techniques, and system architectures for communications and sensing. The program emphasizes the integration of computation, communication, and sensing technologies to enable next-generation cyber-physical systems. The goal is to develop complex systems spanning nano- to macro-scales, employing innovative engineering principles to address societal and technological challenges across fields such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, disaster mitigation, intelligent transportation, manufacturing, and energy systems. Research areas supported by CCSS include RF circuits and antennas for communications and sensing, communication systems and signal processing, and dynamic bio-sensing systems. RF circuits and antennas research focuses on areas such as RF technologies from kilohertz to terahertz, wireless energy transfer, secure communication circuits, and reconfigurable subsystems through sensing and machine learning. Communication systems and signal processing research explores advanced wireless and optical networks, full-duplex and massive MIMO systems, integrated sensing and computational systems, and quantum communication systems. Dynamic bio-sensing systems research supports projects on micro- and nano-systems, low-power wearable and implantable sensors, chemical and biological diagnostics, and neuroengineering technologies. The program encourages proposals leveraging emerging technologies and applications in communication and sensing, including high-speed terabit-per-second communications, microwave to terahertz frequency sensing, personalized health systems, and machine-learning-enabled autonomous sensing systems. Projects should aim to develop transformative technologies with broad applicability, addressing challenges in scalability, integration, and operational efficiency. Proposals must align with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide if submitted via Research.gov, or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide if submitted through Grants.gov. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, and researchers interested in Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research or Rapid Response Research funding mechanisms must consult a program director before submission. Proposals for supplemental funding or workshops are also accepted at any time, with prior communication encouraged. Proposals will be evaluated using NSF’s standard merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Intellectual merit assesses the project’s potential to advance knowledge in circuit and system hardware, communication technologies, and sensing systems. Broader impacts evaluate the societal benefits of the proposed work, including workforce development, STEM education, and contributions to infrastructure for scientific research. The CCSS program operates under the Directorate for Engineering and the Division of Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems. Researchers are encouraged to contact program directors, including Huaiyu Dai, Yogesh B. Gianchandani, Jenshan Lin, and Rosa Lukaszew, for pre-submission guidance. Additional information, including details about previously funded projects and ongoing opportunities, can be found on the NSF CCSS program webpage.