The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (NSF CISE) advances the frontiers of knowledge in computer science, information science and computer engineering.
Through fundamental research, cutting-edge innovation and transformative education, NSF CISE empowers discoveries that drive progress across science and society.
CISE supports a wide range of academic institutions, research centers and community-based organizations across the United States and its territories. These investments reach thousands of individuals annually, from K-12 teachers and students to undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty, helping to build a strong, future-ready workforce that meets the global science and innovation demands.
On this page
What we support
To achieve its mission, CISE:
Supports America’s growth and global competitiveness
We invest in cutting-edge research and education across all areas of computer and information science and engineering, including breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, chips and semiconductors, and quantum computing.
Fuels American innovation and prosperity
Through strategic partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations with academia, industry, other federal agencies and communities across the U.S., accelerating technological developments in areas like health, education, advanced wireless research and more.
Bolsters national security
By advancing research and initiatives that enhance the nation's cyberinfrastructure across all scientific and engineering domains. CISE also supports efforts to strengthen the resilience and security of critical areas such as supply chains, digital assets and blockchain technologies.
Builds a future-ready workforce
By equipping American talent with the critical computing and information technology skills necessary for success in an increasingly competitive global market.
Who we are
Ellen Zegura
Acting Assistant Director
Irina Dolinskaya
Deputy Assistant Director
Divisions and offices
The CISE Directorate is divided into divisions and offices. Each one is responsible for specific research areas and initiatives.
Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CISE/CCF)
Promotes research and education in mathematical, scientific and technological foundations of computing, communication, hardware, software and emerging technologies.
Division of Computer and Network Systems (CISE/CNS)
Supports research on computer and network systems, cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity and their role in strengthening the security and resilience of the U.S. cyberinfrastructure and cyberspace — key to national security and economic growth.
Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (CISE/IIS)
Invests in research and education that explore the dynamic interactions between people, computers and information, including artificial intelligence, robotics and human-centered computing.
Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (CISE/OAC)
Enables transformative science and engineering by investing in design, deployment and operation of advanced research cyberinfrastructure such as advanced computing and data systems, networking and cybersecurity.
Focus areas
Artificial Intelligence and human-AI teaming
CISE supports AI research and education through targeted investments in foundational AI research, interdisciplinary collaborations and workforce training. CISE funds core AI research in areas such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing and robotics. It also leads the NSF-led National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes program, a multi-agency initiative that establishes long-term research centers focused on advancing AI in areas of national importance, including agriculture, education and public health.
Education and training
CISE supports programs that strengthen computing education at all levels and help build a strong pipeline of talent in computer and information science. This includes support for K–12 learning initiatives, undergraduate and graduate education, research experiences for students, postdoctoral training and faculty development. CISE also funds opportunities that help students and educators gain the skills needed for careers in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and advanced computing technologies.
Quantum computing
CISE invests in foundational and applied research that advances quantum algorithms, programming languages, architectures and systems. CISE funds efforts that explore the mathematical and theoretical principles of quantum information science, while also collaborating with other NSF directorates and federal agencies to accelerate progress in this critical field. These investments aim to enable breakthroughs in quantum technologies that can transform computing, communications and cybersecurity and develop the workforce needed to sustain U.S. leadership in quantum innovation.
Scalable infrastructure
CISE invests in high-performance computing systems that enable researchers to tackle complex problems in science and engineering at scale — from climate modeling to genomics to AI. The directorate also supports cyberinfrastructure programs, including data storage, networking, software tools and cloud platforms, connecting researchers to computational resources and enabling multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations. CISE plays a central role in the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, a vision for a shared national research infrastructure for responsible discovery and innovation in AI.
Secure and resilient cyberspace
CISE supports a portfolio of programs that address foundational, use-inspired and translational research in cybersecurity. The NSF Secure, Privacy, and Trust in Cyberspace (SaTC 2.0) program leads by funding multidisciplinary research to enhance security, privacy and trustworthiness in cyberspace. Beyond SaTC 2.0, the NSF Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure program specifically targets the protection and resilience of scientific cyberinfrastructure, promoting usable and collaborative security solutions for research environments. CISE also invests in fundamental research on secure systems, networks and cyberphysical infrastructures, supporting innovations that strengthen national cyberinfrastructure resilience.
Semiconductors
CISE supports programs like the NSF Future of Semiconductors, which promotes interdisciplinary research and codesign of materials, devices and systems to develop energy-efficient and high-performance semiconductor technologies. CISE also leads efforts such as the NSF Enabling Access to the Semiconductor Chip Ecosystem for Design, Fabrication, and Training program to expand access to semiconductor chip design infrastructure, fostering innovation in AI, communications and computing. Together, these efforts ensure sustained U.S. leadership in semiconductor research and technology innovation.
Communications and wireless
CISE supports a portfolio of programs designed to accelerate innovation in next-generation communication technologies. The NSF Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research program funds large-scale test beds across the U.S. to enable experimentation with emerging wireless systems, including 5G and beyond. The NSF-led Resilient and Intelligent Next-Generation Systems program supports research on wireless systems that are secure, resilient and capable of leveraging AI to adapt in real time. Additionally, the Verticals-enabling Intelligent Network Systems program supports research and innovation to enhance wireless communications and intelligent network systems for faster, more reliable user-to-cloud connections.