Expeditions in Computing

The National Science Foundation's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) has established the Expeditions in Computing program. This program encourages creative inter-departmental research collaborations intending to shape the future of computing and information. The main focus is on ambitious research agendas that have the potential for transformative changes within the field, with an outlook extending at least a decade into the future.

Expeditions projects, now funded up to $15 million for seven years, are among the most significant investments made by CISE. Within the CISE award portfolio, they form the centerpiece, supported by the Science and Technology Centers and the National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes. These projects facilitate the formation of large research teams, acknowledging the necessity of simultaneous advancements in multiple areas for truly impactful change.

The funding levels reflect CISE's understanding that breakthroughs in multiple fields or subsets are often necessary for profound, enduring outcomes. The projects funded by the Expeditions program complement research areas supported by other CISE initiatives, focusing on specific fields of computer and information science and engineering.

Towards the end of Expeditions projects, teams can apply for Innovation Transition (InTrans) awards, which align with CISE's centre-scale projects' long-term vision and objectives. In addition, CISE also offers opportunities for Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Frontier projects. Through InTrans awards, CISE offers limited funds, matching industry support, to ensure the endurance of research innovations.