Engineering (ENG): Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS)

Engineering (ENG): Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation, Directorate for Engineering (NSF ENG). Supports foundational research for electrical, communications, and computing systems, including electronics, computing, communications, power, and quantum technologies for future devices, systems, and networks.

ENG Electrical, Communications and Computing Systems - Directorate for Engineering (ENG) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation ENG Electrical, Communications and Computing Systems View image credit & caption Directorate for Engineering (ENG) The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF ENG) invests in fundamental engineering research and education to drive advances in future computing, wireless, microelectronics, semiconductors and quantum technologies.

These investments lead to new capabilities in computing and communications, spur emerging and critical technologies, and strengthen the nation's competitiveness, while advancing artificial intelligence and quantum systems. They help prepare students across the U.S. to lead at the forefront of computer engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering and other fields.

NSF ENG investments in electrical, communications and computing systems research expand what's possible through engineering and address national needs. Advances in fundamental engineering are essential for quantum computing, sensing and networks; secure and reliable energy and power; and high-performance, low-energy devices for extreme conditions.

Learn about some of our areas of interest: Communications and wireless Quantum information science and technology Semiconductors and microelectronics ENG invests in fundamental engineering research and education through core programs. ENG core programs support individual researchers, small teams and interdisciplinary research spanning multiple programs. Several ENG core programs advance electrical, communications and computing systems.

Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices Supports research to create novel classical and quantum devices, exploring matter's electronic, photonic and magnetic properties to enable new applications. Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing Supports research on classical and quantum aspects of advanced components, systems and signal processing for communications and sensing.

Energy, Power, Control, and Learning Supports research on systems and control, learning, optimization, artificial intelligence and networked multi-agent systems, and their applications, with emphasis on power and energy systems.

Centers and research infrastructure ENG supports multidisciplinary research centers that bring together cutting-edge engineering, industry expertise and workforce development to address complex national challenges. These long-term partnerships allow new ideas to be developed, integrated and tested to make real, beneficial impacts on society.

The NSF AI Institute in Dynamic Systems is advancing fundamental artificial intelligence and machine learning theory, algorithms and applications specifically for safe, real-time learning and control of complex dynamic systems. The NSF Institute for Data, Econometrics, Algorithms, and Learning investigates key aspects of machine learning, high-dimensional data analysis and inference, and data science and society.

Areas include theoretical foundations of deep learning, reinforcement learning, machine learning and logic, network inference, high-dimensional data analysis, data science with strategic agents, and trustworthiness, fairness and reliability. See more engineering centers ENG-supported research infrastructure enables groundbreaking discoveries, technologies and solutions that address societal challenges.

These shared-use experimental facilities, foundries and tools are accessible to researchers and students across the nation, serving as training grounds for the next generation of scientists and engineers. The NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) provides state-of-the-art resources for the nanotechnology revolution.

The network's university-based sites provide leading-edge tools, training and expertise within all disciplines of nanoscale science, engineering and technology.

The NSF-funded Distributed Energy Resource Connect (DERConnect) provides a fully integrated and programmable power grid environment — involving electric vehicles, energy storage, photovoltaics and building loads — for experimentation and testing to improve grid capabilities, security and reliability.

See more engineering research infrastructure Education and workforce development ENG provides opportunities to improve engineering education and expand engineering workforce development. These prepare engineers to lead rewarding careers in industries ranging from energy and electronics to wireless communications and information technology.

See more engineering education and workforce development Gain insights into the NSF merit review criteria and what makes a good proposal. Find funding and contact a program director See the latest award announcements and research highlights. Connect with NSF Engineering