ACED: Accelerating Computing-Enabled Scientific Discovery

The Accelerating Computing-Enabled Scientific Discovery (ACED) program, led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), fosters reciprocal advancements between computing technologies and scientific discovery. The program focuses on collaborative, interdisciplinary research between computing experts and researchers from fields within NSF's directorates for Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematical and Physical Sciences. ACED emphasizes the dual goals of leveraging computational technologies to address scientific challenges and advancing computing methodologies with potential for broad applications beyond initial domains. ACED offers two tracks for funding. Track I, Emerging Ideas Proposals, supports speculative, multidisciplinary research exploring new directions. With funding up to $500,000 for 18–24 months, these projects aim to develop preliminary results and refine research plans. Track II, Discovery Proposals, targets transformative research with demonstrated potential for significant advancements. These projects can receive up to $750,000 annually over four years, totaling $3,000,000. Track II proposals require preliminary collaborations and results to support the project's feasibility and impact. Eligible applicants include accredited two- and four-year institutions of higher education in the United States, as well as non-profit, non-academic organizations engaged in educational or research activities. Each proposal must involve interdisciplinary teams comprising at least one researcher in computing and one from another NSF-supported discipline. Individuals must hold a tenured, tenure-track, or full-time research/teaching position at a U.S.-based institution. Proposal submissions are limited to one per individual as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI. Proposals must adhere to NSF guidelines and include a dedicated section titled "Contributions to Computing and Scientific Discovery," describing the innovative contributions to both fields and their potential generalization across domains. Proposals should also include a two-page Collaboration Plan detailing roles, project management, and mechanisms to foster cross-disciplinary integration. Additional sections include a budget, timeline, and evaluation plan. Proposals are submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. The program's evaluation criteria focus on intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, emphasizing the importance of the scientific and computing challenges addressed, the potential for a virtuous cycle of innovation, and the effectiveness of collaboration mechanisms. For Track II proposals, additional emphasis is placed on plans for field demonstrations and evaluation. Approximately $15 million in total funding is available, supporting about 30 Track I and 12 Track II awards. Deadlines for Track I proposals begin June 17, 2024, while Track II submissions will be accepted in 2025 and 2026. Annual ACED Principal Investigator meetings will convene researchers to share progress and foster community building. Applicants must budget travel for these meetings in their proposals.