Research programs at NSF and emerging opportunities in electrical and computer engineering

The mission of the National Science Foundation is to support learning and the discovery of new knowledge in science and engineering, to help the Nation use such knowledge for the benefit of humankind and the environment, today and in the future, and to assure all Americans the opportunities provided by a first-rate education in science and mathematics. In support of this mission the Engineering Directorate provides support for fundamental engineering research performed primarily, but not exclusively, in academic institutions. The research supported by the Electrical, Communications, and Cyber-Systems Division is directed towards topics typically associated with ECE Departments. The research budget is divided towards defined programs, associated with specific initiatives, and a core directed towards high quality unsolicited proposals of interest. The goal is to further advance existing research areas, as well as to identify new and emerging areas of research. There is significant interest in identifying translational and transformative research that can establish the basis for innovation that will lead to new industries and job creation. In this presentation the structure and programs of NSF will be presented, and some new and emerging areas will be discussed. Some historical trends in research and innovation will be presented and used as the basis to describe current opportunities.