Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering

The National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency, leads efforts to support fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering in the United States. Through its Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) meta-program, NSF aims to foster transformative advances by leveraging computational power and data-driven methodologies in scientific inquiry. The program capitalizes on the synergy between data analytics, modeling, and simulation to drive innovations that were previously unattainable through traditional methods. CDS&E is designed to support research that applies novel computational and data science techniques to make breakthroughs in science and engineering disciplines. It specifically targets projects that transcend the objectives of individual disciplinary programs and encourages integration across theory, computation, experimentation, and observation. Rather than duplicating the function of existing programs that already support data-intensive or computation-based work, the CDS&E meta-program supports research that substantially extends computational or data capabilities. Proposals must begin with the identifying acronym "CDS&E:" and clearly demonstrate the novelty and significance of the computational or data science elements beyond standard practice. Eligible research proposals can be submitted under participating NSF divisions, including those within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) and the Directorate for Engineering (ENG). Each division has specific windows or deadlines for submissions, ranging annually from September through November, depending on the program. Importantly, proposals that do not meet the CDS&E description may be reassigned or returned. Interested applicants are advised to consult with relevant program officers and review participating programs' guidelines to ensure alignment. Proposals may include software development, algorithm design, or infrastructure components, but only when directly tied to significant science and engineering outcomes. Applicants seeking support for implementing existing methodologies into infrastructure should instead apply to the Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program. The CDS&E program also considers supplement requests to ongoing awards where appropriate. To submit, researchers must use either Research.gov or Grants.gov platforms, adhering to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) applicable on the submission date. Proposals must conform strictly to all submission requirements. Evaluation is based on intellectual merit, broader impacts, and the alignment of the proposed work with CDS&E goals. Contacts for this opportunity include program officers across various divisions such as MPS, ENG, and others listed under the "Related Programs." Due dates for submissions vary by division and are typically annual. For example, the Division of Mathematical Sciences accepts proposals from October 15 to October 31 annually. The Division of Physics has a deadline on the third Monday in November each year. Proposal windows for other divisions fall between September and November. Full proposal deadlines are clearly specified for each division, and recurring cycles are noted in advance for planning purposes.