The Division of Computer and Network Systems (CNS) supports research and education activities that lead to novel or enhanced computing and networking technologies, or that explore new ways to make use of existing technologies. CNS seeks to develop a better understanding of the fundamental properties and tradeoffs involved in computer and network systems as well as the abstractions and tools used in designing, building, measuring, and using them. This solicitation seeks proposals tackling ambitious problems in computing and networking that are well suited to an integrated systems-oriented approach.
The CNS Core (CNS Core) program supports research that advances computer and network systems, develop a better understanding of the fundamental properties and tradeoffs involved, as well as the abstractions and tools used in designing, building, measuring, and using them.
Current and future systems need to satisfy various requirements, both generic and purpose-driven. General system requirements include security, reliability, manageability, usability, and sustainability, as well as cost-effectiveness and fitness for purpose. Depending on the context, other requirements may include performance, privacy-preservation, scalability, responsiveness, and survivability.
This solicitation solicits innovative research that considers technology trends and emerging challenges, while emphasizing a systems focus and awareness of the types of requirements mentioned above. This solicitation recognizes the interdependency and blurring of boundaries among computing, storage, and networking (sub)systems and the research associated with them. As such, specific sub-programs are not called out. It is not the intent to limit the scope of the program, compared to previous solicitations. Rather, the intent is to encourage cross-fertilization among areas of CNS research. Project descriptions must be comprehensive and well-integrated, and should make a convincing case that the collaborative contributions of the project team will be greater than the sum of each of their individual contributions. Rationale must be provided to explain why a budget of this size is required to carry out the proposed work.
Research of interest for this solicitation:
- Explores fundamental principles and creates innovative technologies, protocols, and systems that define the future or—more realistically—harness current and emerging technologies, trends, and applications;
- Produces practical abstractions, techniques, tools, artifacts, or data sets that address/enhance both general and functional requirements such as those outlined above;
- Reflects a clear understanding of what each component does and how it interfaces with the rest of the system and the environment;
- Disseminates artifacts in such a way that others can repeat, reproduce, validate, or otherwise verify the results.
Note - Only Large Projects will be accepted for this round of funding
Submitted proposals must be consistent with one of three project classes:
- Small Projects - Small projects are well suited to one or two investigators (PI and one co-PI or other Senior Personnel) and at least one student and/or postdoc. A collaboration plan (up to 2 pages) may be provided under Supplementary Documentation;
- Medium Projects - Medium Projects are well suited to one or more investigators (PI, co-PI and/or other Senior Personnel) and several students and/or postdocs. Medium project descriptions must be comprehensive and well-integrated, and should make a convincing case that the collaborative contributions of the project team will be greater than the sum of each of their individual contributions; and
- Large Projects - Large proposals are well suited to two or more investigators (PI, co-PI(s), or other Senior Personnel), and a team of students and/or postdocs. Large project descriptions must be comprehensive and well-integrated, and should make a convincing case that the collaborative contributions of the project team will be greater than the sum of each of their individual contributions. Large projects will typically integrate research from various areas, either within a cluster or across clusters, or tackle ambitious goals not feasible with smaller projects.
In general, any topic having to do with augmenting, understanding, enhancing, or transforming computing and communication systems undertaken from a systems point of view is within scope.
Previously funded projects can be viewed at https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=7354%2C7363&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results
CISE has long been committed to Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC). The underrepresentation of many groups—including women, Blacks and African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, and persons with disabilities—in computing deprives large segments of the population of the opportunity to be creators of technology and not only consumers. Ending underrepresentation will require a range of measures, including institutional programs and activities as well as culture change across colleges, departments, classes, and research groups. Each project must include a BPC plan at the time of submission, which will be separately reviewed and must be approved by time of award