National Science Foundation announces $1.5B in research funding

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced 12 new funding opportunities totaling more than $1.5 billion for foundational research in science and engineering. The initiative aims to support both basic and use-inspired research, with a specific focus on ambitious projects that challenge existing scientific paradigms and bridge multiple disciplines.

Key areas of emphasis include artificial intelligence, advanced computation, and automation. The funding push is part of a broader effort to strengthen infrastructure for AI-driven research, following a recent $100 million program to establish regional AI Infrastructure Hubs.

Specific programs include the NSF Expeditions in Computing, which targets large-scale, complex challenges through multidisciplinary teams, and the PESOSE program, which focuses on securing and building sustainable open-source ecosystems. The PESOSE program aims to translate research tools—such as machine learning models and data platforms—into safe, publicly accessible technologies.