This document has been archived and replaced by NSF-95-138

Bioengineering and Environmental Systems
Civil and Mechanical Systems
Chemical and Transport Systems
Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation
Electrical and Communications Systems
Engineering Education and Centers

ENG's investment strategy is one of maintaining an appropriate balance among overlapping needs, such as fundamental research in pursuit of new knowledge for its own sake and for its strategic importance to the Nation, mature and emerging fields of research, and disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research. This balance is based on conscious policy and priorities developed through ENG's strategic planning process. Overall, NSF provides about 30 percent of the total Federal support for engineering research at U.S. universities and colleges.

The specific goals of the Directorate for Engineering are as follows:

• To improve the quality of engineering education and the attraction and retention of students to yield well- educated, professionally oriented engineers who are able to assume broad leadership roles in society.

• To foster intellectual growth and technological advances by supporting leading-edge research in the engineering disciplines, at disciplinary interfaces, and in multidisciplinary areas.

• To encourage integration and synergy among education and research, the fields of science and engineering, and research and practical applications.

• To capitalize on the rich diversity of human resources by increasing the number of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities who participate fully in engineering education, research, and practice.

• To promote new partnerships and cooperation among the diverse engineering constituencies, including academe, industry, other Federal agencies, and other nations.

NSF's engineering programs address the overall health of engineering research and education, in contrast to the focused agendas of mission agencies. Other agencies that support significant amounts of academic engineering research are the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The Directorate's six divisions are as follows: The Bioengineering and Environmental Systems (BES) Division is concerned with expanding the knowledge base of bioengineering; extending engineering methodologies to the solution of problems in the biological and medical sciences; employing biological principles for the development of innovative engineering methods and systems; improving our ability to apply engineering principles to correct problems that impair the usefulness of land, air, and water; and exploring basic engineering concepts in the development, conservation, and use of ocean resources and systems.

The Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) Division seeks to improve and expand fundamental engineering knowledge in the broad areas of mechanics, structures, geomedia, constructed systems and construction, and industrial materials engineering. It also seeks to develop a basic engineering understanding of potentially destructive natural phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, sea level rise, greenhouse effects, expanding and collapsing soils, destructive winds, landslides, tsunamis, and storm surges, and techniques to mitigate their impacts on society. Research is supported that will improve existing construction and industrial processes and create new technology in areas such as the formulation and processing of innovative engineering materials, management of contaminant transport in geomedia, development of underground space, the performance and service life of machines and equipment, and more efficient construction techniques for large-scale structures.

The Chemical and Transport Systems (CTS) Division funds research that strengthens the engineering base for manufacturing technologies involving chemical, thermal, and flow processes. These processes are important in areas such as microelectronics, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy production and thermal transfer, molecular engineering of advanced materials, chemical processing of hazardous waste, and environmentally benign chemical processes.

The Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation (DMII)has the dual purpose to develop and expand the intellectual foundations of design and manufacturing systems, and to support research that can affect U.S. industrial productivity. The first goal is met through outreach to the academic community and research support thereto in the areas of design, manufacturing systems, manufacturing equipment, manufacturing processes, management of technological innovation, operations research, and production systems. The second goal is met through outreach to the small business community engaged in research in engineering, science, and education. Support to this community aims to improve the speed and efficiency with which the results of research and technology are commercialized and introduced to the marketplace.

TheElectrical and Communications Systems (ECS) Divisionsupports fundamental engineering research and educational activities in the conceptualization, analysis, design, and fabrication of materials, devices, systems, and phenomena that involve electrical, electronic, micro-electromechanical, and optical technologies. Also supported is research on analytical methods and computational algorithms for modeling, optimization, and control of engineering systems, including large- scale nonlinear systems. Emphasis is placed on creativity in approach as well as advancement of the field.

The Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) Divisionseeks to enhance U.S. economic well- being and industrial competitiveness through new paradigms to improve the quality of the Nation's engineering research and education. Its programs emphasize engineering practice through the cross-disciplinary team approach; systems integration; industrial linkages; and curriculum, classroom, and laboratory innovations. The objective is to yield well- rounded, professionally oriented engineers with a global outlook and the ability to assume leadership roles in industry, academe, and society.

Eligibility
The most frequent recipients of support for research are academic institutions, although awards are occasionally made to profitmaking organizations, individuals, and government agencies at all levels.

Most awards result from unsolicited research proposals, which should be prepared according to the guidelines set forth in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 94-2). In addition to the proposal format described in the GPG, investigators should include a separate section that describes the impacts of the proposed research. This section should discuss potential new discoveries or advances that are expected as a result of the research and the specific contributions the proposed work will make toward expanding or developing the knowledge and technology base. Reviewers are being asked to provide specific comments on this aspect of the research, including the principal investigator's own assessment of the potential contributions. Proposers are also asked to comment on the results from their research previously funded by NSF.

Deadlines and Target Dates
For regular research programs, submit proposals at any time. Those received too late for review in a particular fiscal year (which ends September 30) are considered in the following year if the program is continued. If a specific start date for the project is important, clearly explain the circumstances and allow at least six months' lead time for review and processing.

For the special programs described above, refer to the NSF Bulletin for deadlines and target dates.

For More Information
For further information, contact the Systems Analyst, Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1300.

Bioengineering and Environmental Systems

Areas of Research

• Bioengineering--The four categories in which research is conducted in this program are as follows:
  1. Biochemical Engineering--Supports the research and development of traditional fermentation and recombinant DNA processes for manufacturing substances of biological origin. Projects are supported that utilize biological microorganisms for the transformation of organic, raw materials (biomass) into useful products, and for the process engineering of foods. Downstream processing is becoming increasingly important as new advances in separation and purification technologies accelerate. Process integration, optimization, and design utilizing advanced monitoring and control methods are also very important.

  2. Biotechnology--Links the expertise of engineering with the life sciences in order to provide a fundamental basis for the economical manufacturing of substances of biological origin. Engineers working together with life scientists on group projects are supported by this part of the program. Synergy among the various disciplines in these types of projects is a very important evaluation criterion. Topic areas include, but are not limited to, cell culture systems; bioreactor design; separation and purification processes; monitoring and control methods; and process integration, optimization, and design.

  3. Biomedical Engineering--Supports fundamental engineering research that has the potential to contribute to improved health care and the reduction of health care costs. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, fundamental improvements in deriving information from cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; extraction of useful information from complex biomedical signals; new approaches to the design of structures and materials for eventual medical use; and new methods for controlling living systems.

  4. Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities--Is directed toward the characterization, restoration, and/or substitution of normal functions in humans. Emphasis is placed on the advancement of fundamental engineering knowledge rather than on product development. The program anticipates the research will lead to the development of new technologies or the novel application of existing technologies. Undergraduate design projects are supported that provide prototype "custom-designed" devices and software for persons with mental and/or physical disabilities.
• Environmental and Ocean Systems-- Activities in this program are conducted under the following two categories:
  1. Environmental Systems--Supports research with the objective of discovering and learning how to apply engineering principles to reduce adverse effects of solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges to land, water, and air that impair their resource values. The program also supports research on innovative biological, chemical, and physical processes used alone or as components of engineered systems to restore the usefulness of polluted land, water, and air resources.

  2. Ocean Systems--Seeks to advance fundamental engineering knowledge of the ocean environment and foster technological innovations related to the conservation, development, and use of the oceans and their resources in an environmentally acceptable manner. Specific areas include fundamental research in advanced sea robotics and other instrumented and remotely operated systems.

Civil and Mechanical Systems

The programs within the Hazard Mitigation Section seek to develop a basic engineering understanding of potentially destructive natural phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, sea level rise, greenhouse effects, expanding and collapsing soils, destructive winds, landslides, tsunamis, and storm surges.

Unsolicited proposals submitted to the programs within the Mechanical and Structural Systems Section are reviewed via panels twice during the year. Beginning in 1995, the deadlines for submitting proposals will be April 1 and October 1.

Areas of Research

• Mechanical and Structural Systems Section--Research in this section is conducted under the following programs:
  1. Dynamic Systems and Control--This program supports research on the dynamic behavior and control of machines, processes, structures, and other engineered physical systems. The primary emphasis is on the physical modeling of a variety of dynamic systems to improve the knowledge base for analyzing their performance and aspects of their control. Research topics include nonlinear dynamics theory, control of mechanical systems, acoustics and noise control, and machine dynamics. The major program support addresses significant gaps in, or extends the knowledge base of, these disciplines. Current interests focus on innovative real-time, sensor-based control of automated, flexible manufacturing systems.

  2. Structures, Geomechanics, and Building Systems--This program supports research on progressive analysis, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of safe, long-lived, efficient, environmentally acceptable, and economical civil infrastructure systems and facilities, both above and below ground. It also supports research on understanding the science and technology of deteriorating infrastructure, and actions that can be taken to diagnose, repair, remediate, retrofit, and enhance the performance of existing constructed facilities and to incorporate the knowledge gained in improving the performance of new constructed materials and facilities.

  3. Surface Engineering and Tribology-- This program supports research on the unique characteristics of surface, near- surface, and interface material, as these characteristics affect the performance of mechanical components and structures subject to tribological conditions, mechanical and thermal stresses, and corrosion or environmental degradation. Also included is innovative research leading to new ways of generating or characterizing surfaces that are engineered for optimal topography and microstructure, leading in turn to improved tribological materials, lubricants, or coatings for operation under severe conditions. Modeling of tribosystems and the use of signals from tribological events for tribosensing and process control are also supported.

  4. Mechanics and Materials--This program supports research to develop scientific and engineering foundations for the design, mechanical response, and failure of all types of solids. Theoretical, experimental, and computational investigations of deformation, fatigue, and fracture behavior, and accounting for the underlying microstructural state and its origin, transformation, and evolution, are emphasized. Current research areas include design and realization of new materials for mechanical performance; physical experiments on micro and macro scales; constitutive modeling for inelastic deformation and failure under multiaxial static and dynamic loadings; and modeling and computer simulation of thermomechanical aspects of materials processing and manufacturing.
• Hazard Mitigation Section--This section consists of the following programs:
  • Earthquake Hazard Mitigation--This program conducts engineering and related research activities under four categories: (1) siting and geotechnical systems; (2) structural systems; (3) architectural and mechanical systems; and (4) earthquake systems integration. Basic science research in earthquake hazard mitigation is supported under the Earth Sciences Division in the Directorate for Geosciences. This program is part of the multiagency National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.

  • Natural and Technological Hazards Mitigation-- This program supports research activities that strengthen the knowledge base of the physical phenomena underlying natural hazards such as floods, droughts, tornadoes, and landslides, and the understanding of their interactions with and impact on populations, structures, buildings, and the natural environment.

Chemical and Transport Systems

Support is given for research on the development of fundamental engineering principles, process control and optimization strategies, mathematical models, and experimental techniques, with emphasis on those projects having the potential for innovation and broad application in strategic areas such as environment, materials, and chemical processing. Special emphasis is on environmentally benign chemical and material processing.

Areas of Research

• Chemical Reaction Processes--Supports fundamental and applied research on (1) rates and mechanisms of important classes of catalyzed and uncatalyzed chemical reactions as they relate to the design, production, and application of catalysts, chemical processes, and specialized materials; (2) chemical phenomena occurring at or near solid surfaces and interfaces; (3) electrochemical and photochemical processes of engineering significance or with commercial potential; (4) design and optimization of complex chemical processes; (5) dynamic modeling and control of process systems and individual process units; (6) reactive processing of polymers, ceramics, and thin films; and (7) interactions between chemical reactions and transport processes in reactive systems and the use of this information in the design of complex chemical reactors.

• Interfacial, Transport, and Separation Processes--This program supports research in areas related to interfacial phenomena, mass transport phenomena, separation science, and phase equilibrium thermodynamics. Research in these areas supports various aspects of engineering technology, with the major focus on chemical and material processing as well as bioprocess engineering. Research conducted in this program also contributes to the division's emphasis on the impact of basic knowledge on physicochemical hazardous waste treatment and avoidance. The program provides support for new theories and approaches that determine the thermodynamic properties of fluids and fluid mixtures in biological and other fluids with complex molecules. Separations research is directed at many areas, with special emphasis on bioprocessing and all forms of chromatographic, membrane, and special affinity separations.

• Fluid, Particulate, and Hydraulic Systems--Supports fundamental and applied research on mechanisms and phenomena that govern single and multiphase fluid flow, particle formation and transport, various multiphase processes, nanostructures, and fluid-solid system interaction. Research is sought that contributes to improving basic understanding, design, predictability, efficiency, and control of existing systems that involve the dynamics of fluids and particulates, as well as the innovative uses of fluids and particulates in materials development, manufacturing, biotechnology, and the environment.

• Thermal Systems-This program supports fundamental research in two major areas: (1) Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing and (2) Combustion and Thermal Plasmas. Projects should be aimed at gaining a basic understanding at the microscopic and macroscopic levels of thermal phenomena underlying the production of energy, synthesis and processing of materials, cooling and heating of equipment, and biological systems and the interaction of industrial processes with the environment. Higher priority will be given to those projects that deal with problems on the cutting edge of technology while developing human resources in engineering.

Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation

Areas of Research

• Design and Integration Engineering- Supports the development of a scientific foundation of principles and procedures for engineering design, including theories of design, methodologies and models of design, and organization and management of engineering design systems. Focus is also placed on understanding the informational framework, techniques, and systems that integrate design and manufacturing. While the main objective is to bridge design and manufacturing, efforts are also aimed at integrating all aspects of the manufacturing life cycle.

• Manufacturing Processes and Equipment--Supports the development of an engineering science base for current and future physical manufacturing processes that cover a wide range of raw materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and specially engineered materials. The program's primary focus is to understand the processing issues confronting the actual making of a product within the context of a complete design/production environment, as opposed to researching the processing characteristics of materials for their own sake.

• Operations Research and Production Systems-Supports research leading to the development of improved analytical and computational techniques for modeling, analysis, design, optimization, and operation of natural and man-made systems. While research funded is oriented toward basic methodologies, it should also be strongly motivated by relevant problems in engineering. The Production Systems Program encourages basic and applied research driven by real and relevant industrial problems in all aspects of production. Topics of interest include operational issues such as cost and performance analysis, inventory control, planning and scheduling, reliability, quality, material handling, logistics, distribution, and man-machine integration. Researchers in Operations Research and Production Systems must recognize the interdependency and intersection between these two areas and not attempt to create a separation between them.

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)--The SBIR Program offers opportunity and incentive for small and creative engineering-, science-, education-, and technology-related firms to conduct innovative, high-risk research on important scientific and technical problems--work that could have significant public benefit if the research is successful. This is a three-phase program that offers incentives for converting research done in Phases I and II to commercial application in Phase III, with the final effort funded by private capital. The program meets the requirements of the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P.L. 102- 564).

• Industry/University Liaison Program-- This program comprises the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program and the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) Initiative. STTR is a new Federal program that links entrepreneurs to the academic research community. It encourages commercialization of Government-funded research by the private sector, reinforcing the efforts of the SBIR Program. GOALI provides opportunities through a series of mechanisms for direct linkages between academic researchers and industry.

• Management of Technological Innovation (MOTI)--The MOTI Program supports research in the management of engineering and technology to create knowledge, methods, and tools to improve the ability of engineering design and manufacturing practice to better determine and meet market needs, and improve corporate ability to integrate technology strategy with business strategy. The program focuses on the interface between engineering and business, and supports interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Annual target dates for unsolicited proposals are April 1 and October 1 for all programs unless other program and initiative deadlines are published.

Annual solicitations are made by the SBIR and STTR Programs and are widely publicized by the Small Business Administration. They are also announced in the Commerce Business Daily and sent to those on NSF's small-business mailing list. Solicitations list specific deadlines for proposals.

For More Information
For further information, contact the Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1330.

To request the latest SBIR solicitation, contact the Program Manager, Small Business Innovation Research, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1391.

Electrical and Communications Systems

Areas of Research

• Quantum Electronics, Waves, and Beams--Supports scientific and engineering research primarily in the areas of quantum electronics, lightwave technology, plasmas, and electromagnetics as well as theoretical and experimental research related to the generation, propagation, interaction, manipulation, and analysis of electromagnetic radiation and charged particles and their technology implementation. Topics in lightwave technology include optoelectronic and photonic materials, devices, and systems; optical computing; photonic packaging; sensors; and mass data storage.

• Communications and Computational Systems--Supports research focused on issues that advance large-capacity, high- connectivity communications systems that utilize a fiber-optic backbone. Activities include design and demonstration of optical systems, networks, and related components, and wireless integration in the network. Close interaction between device, systems, and network researchers is encouraged. Computational engineering supports the development of computational algorithms and the integration of numerical experiments with advanced analysis and physical experiments for engineering applications, with special emphasis on support of multidisciplinary groups addressing high performance computing and communications issues.

• Solid State and Microstructures-- Supports fundamental research in areas of novel electronic and micro- electromechanical devices, materials, and processes. Specific areas of interest are electronic materials growth and characterization, analog circuits and devices, device physics, simulation and modeling of advanced device concepts, fabrication and modeling of micro- electromechanical systems, advanced semiconductor processing and manufacturing, advanced lithography, and electronics packaging.

• Engineering Systems-Supports research on analytical and computational methods for modeling, analysis, estimation, identification, optimization, and control of engineering systems. Emphasis is on generic methods motivated by a wide variety of engineering systems such as robots, power systems, manufacturing and production systems, and electronic systems. The application of these tools to the issues of largeness, nonlinearities, and other complexities of systems like the power generation/transmission/distribution system is of particular interest. In addition, the neuroengineering component develops tests and evaluates new algorithms that can be implemented as artificial neural networks.

Engineering Education and Centers

Areas of Emphasis

• Engineering Research Centers.

• Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers and State/Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers.

• Engineering Education.

• Human Resource Development.

• Engineering Research Centers (ERCs)-This program focuses major cross-disciplinary programs of research and education on engineering systems important for competitiveness. The ERCs have been established to work in close collaboration with industry to improve industrial input into research and education programs and to speed the transfer of knowledge into engineering systems important for industry. The ERCs have major educational programs designed to improve the contribution of engineers to competitiveness, emphasizing experience with research organized to promote cross-disciplinary teamwork and experimentation with engineering testbeds. ERCs are located at academic institutions where they are expected to promote strong links between research and education.

• Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRCs)--The I/UCRCs are centers that encourage highly leveraged industry/university cooperation by focusing on fundamental research recommended by Industrial Advisory Boards. Each center is established to conduct research that is of interest to both industry and the university, with a provision that industry take over full support of the center within five years.

  The successful I/UCRC Program model has been extended to encompass a new type of center, the State/Industry University Cooperative Research Centers (S/IUCRCs) These centers are focused more actively on State or regional local economic development and are initiated at the State level with industrial support. They compete for NSF support in an announced competition. This new model extends the I/UCRC model to focus on more active means of technology transfer, which can include experimentation with testbeds, hands-on teaching of new concepts to upgrade small business, etc. These centers also may extend their work to include proprietary projects designed to speed development with the support of industry and the State.

• Engineering Education Coalitions--This program was developed to stimulate bold, innovative, and comprehensive models for systemic reform of undergraduate engineering education and to increase the retention of students, especially women and those minorities underrepresented in engineering.

  The Engineering Education Coalitions share the following common program-level goals: (1) to design and implement comprehensive, systemic, and structural reform of undergraduate engineering education; (2) to provide tested alternative curricula and new instructional delivery systems that improve the quality of undergraduate engineering education; (3) to create substantive resource linkages among engineering baccalaureate-producing and precollege institutions; and (4) to increase the number of baccalaureate engineering degrees awarded, especially to women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities.

• Engineering Education Innovations--Support is provided for a limited number of individuals, groups, and centers focused on developmental work in curriculum innovation that integrates research-based developments into the curricula at all levels. Support is provided to develop experimental courseware, multimedia educational software, etc. Awardees are responsible for development, testing, and assessment. Support is also provided to initiate a limited number of lifelong learning efforts to focus on curricula, teaching/learning modules, and pedagogical experiments to upgrade the knowledge of engineering principles in the technical workforce at all levels. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with industry in these efforts.

• Combined Research-Curriculum Development--Addresses the need to increase the rate at which research advances in important technology areas are incorporated into the upper-level undergraduate and graduate engineering curricula.

• Graduate Research Traineeships--This program was established to encourage more U.S. citizens, especially women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, to complete doctorates in engineering. Awards are made directly to academic institutions to provide funds for student support and associated expenses.

• Engineering Research Equipment Grants--Grants are made for the acquisition or upgrading of research equipment that will provide new research capabilities or improve the quality and broaden the scope of engineering research at academic institutions. Substantial cost-sharing is required.

• Support to Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions--Support is provided through the regular research programs as well as under two special activities: Research in Undergraduate Institutions and Research Opportunity Awards for Small College Faculty. The goal of these activities is to increase support to institutions where the primary emphasis is on undergraduate education and where research participation is a means to prepare students for graduate study and research careers.

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Awards--Provides support for proposals that seek to attract talented students into academic research careers in engineering. Proposals are in two major categories: REU Sites and REU Supplements. Site awards are institutional grants designed to initiate and conduct undergraduate research participation projects for a number of students appropriate to the discipline and setting. Supplements are made to ongoing NSF research grants to provide research experience on these grants for a small number of undergraduates.

• Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Minority Engineers-Research Planning Grants are one-time, limited awards made to minority engineers for preliminary studies and other activities to facilitate the development of more competitive NSF research proposals. Career Advancement Awards for Minority Engineers expand opportunities for minority researchers to advance their careers. They are particularly appropriate for independent investigators whose careers are still evolving, or for experienced researchers who are changing research direction or who have had significant research interruption.

• Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Women Engineers--Awards are made to women engineers who have not had prior independent Federal research support, to enable them to develop competitive research proposals and to provide opportunities for them to undertake one- year enhancement projects to increase their research capabilities and productivity.

• Supplemental Funding for Support of Women, Minority, and Disabled Engineering Research Assistants--Support is provided for supplemental funding for investigators who wish to include women, minorities, and undergraduate or high school students with disabilities as research assistants on their projects. Supplemental funding of up to $5,000, including indirect costs, may be requested for each student to be added to the project. Funds provided by this program are limited to two students per grant. Up to 10 percent of this amount may be used for supplies and services. The support may be used for a summer, a quarter, or an academic year.

  Additional funds in excess of $5,000 may be requested, if necessary, to provide special equipment, modify equipment, or provide other services required specifically for participation of persons with disabilities. The equipment must be specifically related to the research work (e.g., prosthetic devices to manipulate a specific piece of equipment) and not for general assistance (e.g., wheelchairs or ramps).

For More Information
For further information, contact the Division of Engineering Education and Centers, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, (703) 306-1380.