Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
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This grant is for researchers and research institutions interested in advancing science and engineering through innovative computational and data-analysis methods. Eligible applicants include universities, colleges, research institutions, and other organizations supported by NSF participating divisions and directorates. Proposals must demonstrate novel computational or data science approaches that go beyond standard methods in the field. The research may span single or multiple disciplines and should address significant scientific challenges through theory, computing, experiment, or observation.
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Program description
Large-scale simulations and the ability to accumulate massive amounts of data have revolutionized science and engineering. The goal of the Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) meta-program is to identify and capitalize on opportunities for major scientific and engineering breakthroughs through new computational and data-analysis approaches and best practices. The CDS&E meta-program supports projects that harness computation and data to advance knowledge and accelerate discovery above and beyond the goals of the participating individual programs. The intellectual drivers may be in an individual discipline or cut across more than one discipline in various Divisions and Directorates. A CDS&E proposal should enable and/or utilize the development and adaptation of advances in research and infrastructure in computational and data science.
The CDS&E meta-program encourages research that pushes the envelope of science and engineering through computation and data, welcoming proposals in any research area supported by the participating divisions. A proposal may address topics that develop or enable interactions among theory, computing, experiment, and observation to achieve progress on hitherto intractable science and engineering problems. Areas of emphasis for CDS&E vary by program. PIs are advised to consult the “related programs” links below before submitting.
The CDS&E meta-program is not intended to replace existing programs that support projects involving computation or the analysis of large or complex data sets using established methods. Rather, proposals submitted to the CDS&E meta-program must have a significant component of computational or data science that goes well beyond what would typically be included in these programs.Any proposal submitted to the CDS&E program that is not responsive to this Program Description may be transferred to or reviewed within the context of an individual program. A proposal requesting consideration within the context of CDS&E should begin the title with the identifying acronym “CDS&E:”. Supplement requests to existing awards may also be considered. A CDS&E proposal should include substantive science, engineering, or computing research. Algorithm and pilot software development supporting science and engineering may also be appropriate, depending on the program. Proposers who seek to implement proven, existing methods into robust cyberinfrastructure are referred instead to the program on Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI).
A CDS&E proposal should be submitted to one of the “Related Programs” or Divisions by the associated submission window, deadline, or target date listed in the table below. In picking the most relevant program, PIs are advised to read program descriptions and solicitations carefully and consult with cognizant Program Officers before proposal preparation. Proposal submissions outside the receiving program’s scientific scope may be transferred to a different program or returned without review.
Due Dates
| Directorate | Division and Program | Submission Window or Target Date |
|---|---|---|
|
ENG |
Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems |
September 01, 2024 – September 16, 2024 September 01- September 15, Annually Thereafter |
|
ENG |
Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation |
September 01, 2024 – September 16, 2024 September 01- September 15, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Chemistry – Chemical Catalysis (CAT), Chemical Mechanism, Function, and Properties (CMFP), Chemical Synthesis (SYN) |
September 01, 2024 – September 30, 2024 September 01 – September 30, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Materials Research |
October 15, 2024 October 15, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Astronomical Sciences – Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation |
October 01, 2024 – November 15, 2024 October 01 – November 15, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Chemistry – Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI), Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS), and Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) |
October 01, 2024 – October 31, 2024 October 1 – October 31, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Mathematical Sciences |
October 15, 2024 – October 31, 2024 October 15 – October 31, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Astronomical Sciences – Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants |
October 01, 2024 – November 15, 2024 October 01 – November 15, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Physics: Investigator-Initiated Research Projects – Plasma Physics program |
November 20, 2024, Third Monday in November, Annually Thereafter |
|
MPS |
Division of Chemistry – Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP), Chemical Structure and Dynamics (CSD), Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods (CTMC) |
Full proposals accepted anytime |
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSF Cover Sheet (SF-424)
- Project Narrative/Proposal Description
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Letters of Collaboration (if applicable)
- Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4261
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.041 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$41,946,862
-
$39,155,237
-
$38,277,956
-
$37,936,436
-
$36,940,111
-
$36,277,271
-
$36,183,087
-
$32,471,912
-
$32,414,114
-
$31,561,058
Top States by Funding
- TX 3 awards $90.6M
- CA 7 awards $85.0M
- IL 5 awards $83.9M
- AZ 2 awards $68.7M
- NC 2 awards $63.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.041). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $752,230,000 | |
| 2025 | $727,730,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $181,990,000 |
FAQ
What makes a CDS&E proposal different from a regular computational research proposal?
Your proposal must have significant computational or data science components that go well beyond typical approaches. Simply applying established methods to analyze data doesn't qualify.
Which program should I submit to?
Submit to one of the "Related Programs" within NSF divisions listed in the deadline table. Check program descriptions and contact a Program Officer before you prepare your proposal.
Can I submit algorithm development as the main project?
Algorithm and pilot software development is appropriate if it supports science or engineering research goals. Standalone software projects without substantive research backing are not competitive.
What's the typical award size and duration?
Award amounts and project durations vary by division and program. Contact your program officer for details specific to your research area.
Can I resubmit if my proposal is transferred to another program?
If NSF transfers your proposal to a different program outside your intended scope, you may have the option to resubmit to the correct program. Confirm with the relevant program officer.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start your proposal title with "CDS&E:" to signal NSF that you want CDS&E review. This prevents misrouting to other programs.
- Contact a Program Officer in your division before writing. Their guidance on current priorities will strengthen your application.
- Show how your computational methods are novel or adapted in new ways. Explain why established approaches won't work for your problem.
- Demonstrate integration of computation with theory, experiment, or observation. Strong proposals show how data science enables breakthroughs, not just supports them.
- Align your submission with the specific division's deadline. Each NSF division has its own submission window, so verify the correct date before you submit.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals using only established computational methods without novel advances get rejected. Applications that lack clear integration with substantive science or engineering research are not competitive. Projects submitted outside the correct division deadline or without the "CDS&E:" title prefix often face routing or rejection.
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