National Science Foundation Launches Pilot Program to Strengthen Research in Areas of National Importance

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced the launch of its new NSF Convergence Accelerator (NSF C-Accel) Pilot. The NSF C-Accel aims to pilot a new NSF capability to accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance; and initiate convergence team-building capacity around exploratory, potentially high-risk proposals in three convergence topics (tracks). 

NSF C-Accel projects can be submitted to one of three tracks:

• A1: Open Knowledge Network. This track aligns with NSF’s Big Idea Harnessing the Data Revolution, and seeks to advance the progression from data to information to knowledge to create an “Open Knowledge Network.”
• B1: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Future Jobs. This track aligns with NSF’s Big Idea Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier and is focused on delving into and understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on workers and work, exploring the human-technology partnership, developing new technologies to increase and improve human performance, and understanding the risks and benefits of new technologies.
• B2: National Talent Ecosystem. This track also aligns with NSF’s Big Idea Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier and is focused on innovative new ways employers can support their workers gain new skills in AI, data science, predictive analytics, and other technologies of the future.

NSF announced that it plans to fund roughly 50 Phase 1 awards for up to $1 million each. These projects can last up to 9 months. Additional funds will be available for a smaller number of Phase 2 awards. To submit a project and get involved with the NSF C-Accel Pilot, a 2-page Research Concept Outline (RCO) that aligns with one of the tracks. The first-step to become part of the NSF C-Accel Pilot is to submit a 2-page Research Concept Outline (RCO), aligned with one of the tracks. Submissions must be received by April 15, 2019.

Those interested in submitting an RCO must send their outline to: C-Accel@nsf.gov