Expeditions in Computing (Expeditions) | 26 525

Expeditions in Computing (NSF CISE) - FAQs

What is the Expeditions in Computing program?

Expeditions in Computing (Expeditions) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) program, offered through the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), that supports unusually ambitious, long-horizon research projects intended to shape what computing and information science will look like a decade or more from now.

What kind of projects is this program designed to fund?

The program is designed for foundational, forward-looking work that is too large, too risky, or too cross-cutting for standard single-investigator or short-duration awards. Projects are expected to pursue a compelling, integrated vision and to aim for disruptive advances and lasting scientific direction for the computing field.

How is an Expeditions award different from typical NSF CISE awards?

Expeditions awards emphasize time, scale, and flexibility for a sustained research effort. They are positioned as flagship investments that complement (rather than replace) other NSF CISE opportunities by enabling a different scale and tempo of research than standard awards typically allow.

Does NSF expect proposals to be multidisciplinary?

Yes. A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on transformative, multidisciplinary agendas. NSF explicitly encourages large teams and integrated research plans where major progress depends on advances across multiple areas or sub-areas of computing, and where the research question is broader than what one discipline can realistically pursue alone.

Do proposals need to involve large teams or multiple institutions?

NSF is explicitly encouraging investigators to form large teams. Teams may be assembled within one institution (for example, across multiple departments) or across multiple universities. The key expectation is an integrated plan built around a compelling vision, rather than a narrow topic.

What are examples of research directions that fit the Expeditions spirit?

The solicitation provides illustrative directions, including:

• Fundamentally new architectures for intelligence, along with the hardware and computing substrates that would enable them
• Rigorous physical and mathematical theories explaining how learning systems learn and generalize, and how their behavior can be interpreted
• Neuroscience-inspired approaches to learning, memory, reasoning, and methods for steering behavior
• Embodied intelligence in the physical world, including general physical intelligence, advanced robotics hardware, and new architectures and learning paradigms for embodied systems
• Transformative approaches to next-generation communications and networking
• Other high-risk, high-reward research frontiers requiring deep integration across fields

Are proposals limited to the example topics listed?

No. The solicitation highlights example directions but makes clear that proposals are not limited to those topics. The common thread is that projects should be foundational, forward-looking, and designed to open new paths for the broader computing research community.

What is the maximum funding amount and project duration?

The opportunity describes funding levels up to $15,000,000 over a seven-year period.

Why is the award duration so long?

The seven-year duration is intentional and is meant to provide runway for bold ideas to mature over time. The program is designed for sustained efforts where key results may take years to fully emerge, enabling iteration and the development of theories, systems, prototypes, and other community-shaping artifacts that are difficult to produce on standard timelines.

How many awards does NSF expect to make?

NSF anticipates making roughly four awards under this competition, reflecting how selective and high-impact the program is intended to be.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. Institutions of Higher Education. Proposals may be submitted only by accredited two-year or four-year colleges and universities (including community colleges) that have a campus located in the United States, submitting on behalf of their faculty.

Can an institution include work performed at an international branch campus?

Yes, but with a specific requirement. If a proposal includes funding that would flow to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including via subawards or consultant arrangements), the proposal must clearly explain why work at the international branch campus benefits the project and why those activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.

What type of grant is this?

This is an NSF discretionary grant opportunity in the science and technology research and development category.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity lists CFDA 47.070.

What is the official title and opportunity number?

The funding opportunity is titled "Expeditions in Computing (Expeditions)," with opportunity number 26-525.

What is the listed closing date?

The listed original closing date is July 27, 2027.

Which NSF directorate is offering this program?

The program is offered through NSF's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE).

What is NSF ultimately trying to achieve with Expeditions awards?

The program aims to enable research teams to tackle foundational problems at a scale that can produce disruptive advances and set lasting scientific direction, with the expectation that successful projects could influence what computing and information science look like a decade or more into the future.

Does the opportunity align with any broader federal research priorities?

Yes. The program aligns with federal R&D priority guidance emphasizing foundational research in the physical sciences and engineering, including computing.