Research centers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF ENG) work to advance engineering knowledge, breakthroughs in critical and emerging technologies, and the nation's health, economy and security. The centers not only drive engineering discovery and innovation but also serve as training grounds for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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NSF Engineering Research Centers (NSF ERC)
For more than 40 years, the NSF ERC program has established strategic university-industry partnerships that pursue high-risk, high-payoff fundamental research across technology areas and prepare a skilled engineering workforce.
NSF ENG currently supports 16 ERCs that are developing future biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, microelectronics and quantum technologies.
National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes
The National AI Research Institutes, led by NSF, are strategic investments in the foundational science behind AI and its use in critical sectors of the economy. These institutes represent one of the biggest public-private investments to date in AI research and development.
NSF ENG manages two AI Research Institutes — the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization and the NSF AI Institute in Dynamic Systems — and helps support several others.
NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (NSF IUCRC)
The NSF IUCRC program accelerates the impact of basic research through close relationships between industry innovators, world-class academic teams, and government leaders. IUCRCs conduct high-impact research to meet shared industrial needs, enhance U.S. global leadership in technology innovation, and develop a high-tech, skilled workforce.
ENG currently supports 40 IUCRCs in biotechnology, energy technology, manufacturing, microelectronics and other areas.
NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (NSF QLCI)
Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes are large-scale interdisciplinary research projects focused on advancing quantum information science, engineering and technology through collaboration, education and innovation.
ENG participates in the NSF QLCI program with other NSF directorates and manages several QLCIs as they engineer technologies for quantum sensing, communication, and networks.
NSF Science and Technology Centers (NSF STCs)
NSF Science and Technology Centers create new science and engineering paradigms, establish new disciplines and develop transformative technologies which have the potential for broad scientific or societal impact.
ENG manages two NSF STCs: the NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability Center and the NSF Center for Engineering Mechano-Biology.