Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Name	Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Formed	1986
Jurisdiction	Federal government of the United States
Headquarters	Alexandria, Virginia
Chief1 name	Margaret Martonosi
Chief1 position	Assistant Director
Parent agency	National Science Foundation
Website	https://www.nsf.gov/dir/index.jsp?org=CISE

Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering. It is a primary unit within the National Science Foundation responsible for advancing foundational research and education across computing and information disciplines. Established to address the growing national importance of information technology, it supports pioneering work that underpins innovations in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. The directorate plays a critical role in maintaining United States leadership in these transformative fields through strategic investments in academia and industry.

History and mission

The directorate was formally established in 1986, recognizing the escalating strategic significance of computer science following earlier initiatives like the NSFNET. Its creation was influenced by key reports such as those from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and aligns with broader federal science policy. The core mission is to steward national investments in fundamental computing research, foster the integration of computational thinking across all scientific domains, and develop a diverse, globally competitive workforce. This mission supports overarching goals of the National Science Foundation to promote the progress of science and advance national prosperity.

Organizational structure

The directorate is led by an Assistant Director, a position held by notable figures like Farnam Jahanian and current head Margaret Martonosi. It comprises several cohesive divisions: the Division of Computing and Communication Foundations, the Division of Computer and Network Systems, and the Division of Information and Intelligent Systems. These units are supported by cross-cutting offices such as the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure. The structure facilitates collaboration with other NSF directorates like the Directorate for Engineering and the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, as well as with external partners including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Department of Energy.

Research areas and programs

Core research areas span the theoretical and applied spectrum of computing. This includes fundamental work in algorithms, computer architecture, and programming languages supported by programs like the Faculty Early Career Development Program. The directorate funds critical advancements in networking and cybersecurity through entities like the Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program. Major investments are directed toward machine learning, robotics, and human-computer interaction, often via interdisciplinary centers such as the National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes. It also champions quantum computing and bioinformatics through collaborations with institutes like the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing.

Major initiatives and achievements

The directorate has launched several landmark initiatives that have shaped the technological landscape. It provided foundational support for the Internet through early networking projects and continues with efforts like the Global Environment for Network Innovations. It established the Cyber-Physical Systems program, catalyzing research in the Internet of Things. Through the Expeditions in Computing program, it has enabled ambitious, long-term research endeavors in areas like data science. Its funding has contributed to breakthroughs recognized by awards such as the Turing Award and the Gordon Bell Prize, and it plays a pivotal role in national strategies like the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative.

Leadership and governance

Strategic direction is set by the Assistant Director, who advises the NSF Director and engages with advisory bodies like the National Science Board. Leadership has included influential computer scientists such as Peter Freeman and Jeannette Wing, who have shaped national research priorities. Governance involves rigorous peer review processes managed by program directors, many of whom are rotators from institutions like MIT and Stanford University. The directorate also coordinates with interagency groups such as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program to align federal research and development efforts.

Funding and budget

The directorate's funding is allocated through the annual United States federal budget process as part of the National Science Foundation appropriation. Its budget supports individual investigator grants, center-scale awards, and major research infrastructure, competing with priorities across other NSF directorates like the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. A significant portion of funding is dedicated to educational programs such as the Computer Science for All initiative and partnerships with entities like the Computing Research Association. Budget decisions are influenced by congressional mandates and recommendations from advisory committees, ensuring alignment with national needs in STEM education and technological innovation.

Category:National Science Foundation Category:Computer science organizations in the United States Category:Science and technology in the United States government