Mechanics & Engineering Materials

The NSF Computer and Information Science and Engineering: Future Computing Research (Future CoRe) program (NSF 25-543) supports foundational computing research and education with a strong emphasis on AI and machine learning. The program funds research that advances the foundations of computing including AI/ML theory, algorithms, systems, and applications. Future CoRe supports small to medium-sized research projects that can have significant impact on computing foundations. The program has target dates of February 5, 2026 and September 10, 2026 for proposal submissions (note: these are target dates, not deadlines, meaning proposals may be submitted at any time but will be reviewed in batches around these dates). Investigators may not serve as PI, co-PI, or Senior/Key Personnel on more than two proposals submitted within any consecutive 12-month period across all Future CoRe programs. This is one of NSF's primary mechanisms for funding fundamental AI and machine learning research at U.S. academic institutions, covering areas such as machine learning theory, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics foundations, and human-AI interaction.

Films and coatings for circular packaging is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based films and coatings for packaging products. Improved technical performances of packaging products compared to fossil based and/or bio-based benchmarks. Improved circularity of packaging products against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL. Scope: Many research projects have focused on developing and piloting bio-based coatings and films for application in food and non-food packaging. When targeting packaging, a primary challenge is achieving adequate barrier properties (against oxygen, moisture, grease and volatiles), as bio-based materials are typically more hydrophilic than conventional plastics like PE or PET. Processing methods, including bio-based coating deposition, face scalability and reproducibility issues. Coatings must adhere well to substrates while maintaining technical properties and not hindering sustainable EoL. Printability is another concern, as bio-based surfaces can cause ink issues like smudging or poor adhesion. Durability under stress and operating conditions is still a challenge for certain bio-based applications. Finally, design for sustainability and sustainable EoL are critical to reduce over-packaging, avoid littering and increase circularity, according to the principles set out in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation . Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) innovative technologies for obtaining bio-based films and/or coatings suitable for improving performance of packaging products. Both food and non-food packaging are in scope. At least one non-food packaging application should be addressed. While coatings and films must be bio-based, any (bio-based and/or non-bio based) material is in scope as a substrate. Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) the applicability of the developed solution(s) in the manufacturing of packaging product prototypes, ensuring compatibility with industrial packaging manufacturing processes. Assess targeted products properties according to the intended application(s) under conditions occurring during the use phases, including transport and storage. Such properties may include mechanical, barrier, surface properties, resistance to low or high temperatures, weathering, moisture and/or corrosion; compatibility with food contact requirements (when addressing food packaging), printability. Apply the eco-design principles, in line with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation , to reduce overpackaging and enable/facilitate sustainable at EoL. Test the selected EoL alternatives (at TRL 5 and above). Circular EoL includes mechanical, chemical and/or enzymatic recycling, and composting and their possible combinations. Re-use and remanufacturing are also in scope when compatible with the application and common practices. Landfilling or incineration are out of scope. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end users and engage consumers (when applicable) starting from the early stages to assess market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development. Assess the compatibility with the regulatory framework, in particular the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUP) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), identify opportunities for bio-based products and/or potential bottlenecks and provide recommendations for addressing them. Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based films and coatings. For Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Applied and industrial chemistry, Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics filled composites), Materials engineering (biomaterials, metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.), Polymers and plastics, bio-based coatings, bio-based films, circular packaging, eco-design, end of life, food packaging, non-food packaging, recycling, safe and sustainable by design, STEP-Biotech

High-performance, circular-by-design, bio-based thermosets is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Chemical Industry Action Plan, and the Clean Industrial Deal. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based thermoset materials meeting high technical performance requirements. Improved circularity of thermosets and downstream application(s) against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL. Scope: Bio-based thermosets have a proven capability to achieve challenging technical performances for high demanding applications including transport, energy, electronics, among others. However, due to their cross-linking nature, the recycling of thermoset materials (including composites) is more challenging without compromising the technical performances. Thus, eco-designing bio-based thermoset materials to be both circular and high-performing remains a significant challenge in scaling-up towards competitiveness and higher sustainability. Some of the key challenges to address for bio-based thermosets include processability during manufacturing (including aspects of thermal stability), technical performance (e.g., mechanical properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability) of the end-product along its life cycle, durability, EoL and circularity, including recycling, re-using or upcycling solutions. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the resource-efficient production of innovative bio-based thermosets, targeting both high performances and circularity. Functionalisation by introducing bio- or non-bio-based additives is also in scope. Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the developed bio-based thermosets conversion into circular end-products, proving that technical performance (e.g., mechanical and thermal stability properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability, etc.) meets market requirements and is compatible with existing manufacturing equipment. Apply eco-design principles, in line with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation , to enable circularity of the thermoset materials, addressing major challenges of EoL for the targeted end-use. Test the selected EoL alternatives (at TRL 5 and above). Landfilling or incineration are out of scope. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end-users, including consumers when applicable, starting from the early stages to assess market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development. Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based thermosets and derived products. For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design . Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects. [1] https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics filled composites), Materials engineering (biomaterials, metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.), New materials: oxides, alloys, composite, organic-inorganic hybrid, nanoparticles, Polymers and plastics, bio-based products, bio-based thermosets, circularity, composites, eco-design, recycling, safe and sustainable by design, upcycling, STEP-Biotech