This page was updated on 22 March 2004.
Recent mailings:
Contents of recent mailings:
Dear Colleagues, An updated program solicitation is now available: Approaches to Combat Terrorism (ACT) Opportunities in Basic Research in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences with the Potential to Contribute to National Security A Partnership Between the NSF Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Intelligence Community Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04561 Full Proposal Deadline: 11 June 2004 ------------------------------ From the solicitation: This solicitation calls for proposals for Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) with the potential to contribute to national security. Each of the five Divisions in the NSF Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate has identified basic research opportunities. Interdisciplinary efforts are particularly encouraged, including those involving participants whose area of expertise lies outside the MPS disciplines. Such efforts must be led by a Principal Investigator from an MPS discipline and technically centered in areas supported by the MPS Directorate. A number of possible research areas in the Mathematical Sciences are presented below. The examples provided are only meant to be illustrative and not exhaustive. Unanticipated approaches to enhancing national security are especially valuable. Important areas of opportunity are analysis and information synthesis from multimodal large datasets such as text and speech, often in multiple languages, and imagery, including video. Key issues in every area are mathematical techniques to represent, manipulate, and analyze data, and effective models, algorithms, and implementations. Analysis and information synthesis involves problems of uncertainty, data fusion, feature extraction, data synopsis and metadata, partial disclosure, and high dimensionality. Image recognition and analysis involves the same issues with the complication that the data are images. Other problems include feature detection, landmarks and registration and characterization of natural images. Data presentation is a critical issue, especially of metadata and in processes that require human mediation. Other important areas include new mathematical approaches to materials, processes, and devices such as fuel cells, miniature mass spectrometers, and other sensors; optimization problems such as the choice of placement and components in sensor arrays; mathematical epidemiology; and multiscale models of complicated diffusion and transport processes. Especially important for Intelligence Community (IC) applications are new mathematical techniques in knowledge discovery in such areas as social network analyses traditionally done on contact graphs of transactional data (business transactions, communications between individuals, etc.) with the content contained in the transactions. A second area of particular interest is the identification (postulation) of missing data given a hypothesis or identification of data that would change an analytic conclusion. Pattern recognition algorithms that are robust to missing data, erroneous data and ambiguity are of considerable interest. Finally, incorporation of both temporal and geospatial information within text, speech and imagery pattern recognition and data mining algorithms are important in analyzing data that is widely distributed in both space and time. An additional area of interest in imagery is the study of the effects of steganographic techniques (e.g., watermarking and fingerprinting) on image quality and on the efficiency of image retrieval, including retrieval of derived images. Both still and video imagery are of interest. In image analysis, the IC has particular interest in research that ultimately supports computational techniques that improve the speed and reliability with which images can be automatically analyzed. Such analysis is referred to as Automated Data Extraction (ADE). ADE is construed to include automated registration (AR), change detection (CD), automated feature extraction (AFE) and automated target recognition (ATR). These are loosely defined as follows: AR: the means of bringing two or more images into congruence so that pixels of one image can be matched to corresponding pixels of other images. AR generally requires knowledge of the sensor geometry models as well as the physics of the imaging systems. CD: the means of detecting differences between two or more images that are in some way significant. Changes may be major or minor in extent, such as the presence of a vehicle in one image and its being missing in another. Major changes that are "normal," such as effects due to temporal changes (lighting conditions, moisture changes, other seasonal variations) must be recognized and accounted for so as to not result in false positives. AFE: the means of identifying and categorizing predefined "features" in the image. These features include but are not limited to roads, buildings, vegetation, bodies of water and lines of communications. In some instances, it is of interest to attribute the characteristics of the features; e.g., road materials such as asphalt vs. concrete and types of trees such as deciduous, conifer or mixed. ATR: the means of identifying targets, typically of intelligence value. These include traditional military targets such as ships, tanks and aircraft. However, non-traditional targets are becoming increasingly important. ATR also includes the detection and potential identification of hidden objects such as a facility or vehicle camouflaged or concealed in woods, tunnels and by other means. The images of interest to which the above techniques will be applied include electro-optical visible, IR, radar, and spectral, and combinations thereof. Research interest is in three broad areas: (i) Extending the state of the art (i.e., improving speed and/or reliability) of currently available techniques such as pixel classification and statistical pattern recognition; (ii) Investigating alternative techniques such as those employing neuroscience-based approaches; and (iii) Work which shows/proves the theoretical limits of existing techniques affiliated with either (i) or (ii). The last area is of interest because years of work, especially in the traditional approaches (i.e., those in area (i) above) seem to indicate that correct results rarely exceed the 80-90% threshold. Research in ancillary areas will also be considered. For example, techniques for compression, super-resolution, shape and edge detection, de-blurring, and de-noising of images will be considered to the extent that they directly enhance the speed and/or reliability of automatically performing AR, CD, AFE and ATR techniques. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, This e-mail is to advertise the position of Executive Officer for the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) at NSF. The holder of this position is a Senior Executive Service appointee of the Federal Civil Service and a member of the senior management team of the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences at NSF. It represents a significant opportunity for an individual whose experience encompasses research, administration and governmental policy making. The following URL will provide both detailed information about the position as well as technical information about the application procedure. http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?s20040043c The closing date is 03/26/2004. Inquiries or questions should be directed to: Executive Personnel Staff at (703) 292-8755; hearing impaired individuals should call TDD (703) 292-8044. Bill Rundell Director, Division of Mathematical Sciences National Science Foundation ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, An updated program solicitation is now available: Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program (IGERT) Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04550 Preliminary Proposal (required) Due Date: 29 April 2004 Full Proposal (by invitation only) Deadline: 29 October 2004 ------------------------------ From the solicitation: Proposals submitted to the IGERT program must be integrative, research-based, graduate education and training activities in emerging areas of science and engineering. The IGERT project should be organized around an interdisciplinary theme involving a diverse group of faculty members and other investigators with appropriate expertise in research and teaching. The interdisciplinary theme provides a framework for integrating research and education and for promoting collaborative efforts within and across departments and institutions. Students should gain the breadth of skills, strengths, and understanding to work in an interdisciplinary environment while being well grounded with depth of knowledge in a major field. As an opportunity for faculty to experiment with new approaches to graduate education, the IGERT project should provide students with experience relevant to both academic and nonacademic careers. This may involve such activities as internships and mentoring in industrial, national laboratory, academic, or other settings. Globalization of research and career opportunities places importance on providing students with an international perspective. This may be gained through programs within the institution, or through strongly integrated, collaborative research experiences and/or fieldwork at foreign institutions and sites. The graduate experience should contribute to the professional and personal development of the students and equip them to understand and integrate scientific, technical, business, social, ethical, and policy issues to confront the challenging problems of the future. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, A new program solicitation is now available: Mathematical Social and Behavioral Sciences (MSBS) Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04548 Proposal deadline date: 30 April 2004 ------------------------------ Synopsis of Program: This solicitation invites submission of research proposals for projects that advance the mathematical or statistical foundations of research in the social, behavioral, or economic sciences. The resulting research is expected both to further understanding of social and/or behavioral science phenomena and to address a topic of interest to the mathematical sciences. Proposals for workshops or symposia that foster the interaction of social, behavioral, and/or economic scientists with mathematicians and/or statisticians also are welcome. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, A new program solicitation is now available: Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM) Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04546 Next proposal deadline date: 26 April 2004 ------------------------------ Synopsis of Program: The goal of the Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics (UBM) activity is to enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences. The core of the activity is long-term research experiences for interdisciplinarily balanced cohorts of at least four undergraduates. Projects should focus on research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences. Projects should provide students exposure to contemporary mathematics and biology, addressed with modern research tools and methods. That is, projects must be genuine research experiences rather than rehearsals of research methods. Projects must involve students from both areas in collaborative research experiences and include joint mentorship by faculty in both fields. In addition, it is expected that projects will strengthen the research and education capacity, infrastructure, and culture of the participating institutions. To this end, projects should create models for education in the mathematical and biological sciences and influence the direction of academic programs for a broad range of students. UBM is a joint effort of the Education and Human Resources (EHR), Biological Sciences (BIO), and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) directorates at the National Science Foundation (NSF). ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, Two new funding opportunities, both with a deadline date of 7 April 2004, have been announced for the first time in the NSF program solicitation Mathematical Sciences: Innovations at the Interface with the Sciences and Engineering (NSF 04-538) http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04538 These two activities are: (a) New Mathematical and Statistical Tools for Understanding Complex Systems in the Environment (MSPA-CSE) (b) Interactions Between the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science (MSPA-MCS) Please inform interested colleagues about these new opportunities as soon as possible. The solicitation NSF 04-538 also contains information about other activities related to the Mathematical Sciences Priority Area (MSPA). These include activities covered by existing target dates or deadlines previously announced for FY 2004, activities covered by separate solicitations, and competitions whose announcement is expected in the next few months. See the full text of NSF 04-538 and the separate solicitations for detailed information. -----------------------------
Dear Colleagues, A new program solicitation is now available: Mathematical Sciences: Innovations at the Interface with the Sciences and Engineering Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04538 Due Dates: October 01, 2003 - April 07, 2004 Deadlines, target dates and submission windows in FY 2004 vary by competition category. See full text of this solicitation for detailed information. ------------------------------ From the solicitation: The goal of the Mathematical Sciences Priority Area (MSPA) is to advance frontiers in three interlinked areas: (1) fundamental mathematical and statistical sciences, (2) interdisciplinary research involving the mathematical and statistical sciences with science and engineering, and (3) critical investments in mathematical and statistical sciences that embed training in research activities. Investments in the Mathematical Sciences will deepen support for fundamental research in mathematics and statistics and the integration of mathematical and statistical research across the full range of science and engineering disciplines. Initial investments in interdisciplinary research will focus primarily on three scientific themes: . mathematical and statistical challenges posed by large data sets, . managing and modeling uncertainty, and . modeling complex nonlinear systems. These themes provide the basis for most of the interdisciplinary competitions that are part of the MSPA. Innovative educational activities that foster closer connections between research and education in the mathematical sciences will also be supported. This solicitation describes many of the opportunities available as part of the MSPA for addressing some of the issues listed above. In FY2004, a set of focused competitions will be held; these are described or referenced in this solicitation. In future years, it is expected that some of these competitions will be broadened in scope. 1. New activities with specific deadline dates include: (a) New Mathematical and Statistical Tools for Understanding Complex Systems in the Environment (b) Interactions Between the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science 2. Activities covered by existing target dates or deadlines previously announced for FY 2004 include the following. Proposals already submitted that meet the guidelines for these activities may be considered for funding: (a) Interactions Between the Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (b) Interactions Between the Mathematical Sciences and the Physical Sciences 3. Existing activities, covered by separate solicitations and summarized in this document for information purposes, include the following: (a) Collaborations in the Mathematical Geosciences (CMG) (b) Joint DMS/BIO/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research in the Area of Mathematical Biology (c) Focused Research Groups in the Mathematical Sciences (FRG) (d) Enhancing the Mathematical Sciences Workforce in the 21st Century (EMSW21) The existing activities are fully described in separate solicitations. URLs for these solicitations are provided at the end of each summary description of the activity. 4. Over the next few months, it is expected that competitions involving (a) undergraduate research activities on the interface between the mathematical sciences and biology and (b) interactions between the mathematical sciences and the social, behavioral, and economic sciences will be announced. Preliminary information about (a) is provided in this document. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, An updated program solicitation is now available for the NSF program in Information Technology Research for National Priorities (ITR). Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04012 DEADLINE for (required) LETTER OF INTENT: January 14, 2004 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: February 24, 2004 ------------------------------ Synopsis of Program: In FY 2004, the Information Technology Research (ITR) Program is focusing on Information Technology Research in support of National Priorities, where National Priorities are defined as: * Advances in Science and Engineering; * Economic Prosperity and Vibrant Civil Society; and * National and Homeland Security. NSF encourages the submission of proposals targeting one or more of these National Priorities. Today, networks link people, software, hardware, computational resources and data archives, and they enable unprecedented communications, coordination and collaboration among them. Powerful distributed applications enable new forms of scientific research by collecting, disseminating, and analyzing observational or experimental data, or data from models or simulations. Other powerful applications include the networked services essential to our daily lives, such as cell phones, email, banking systems, transportation systems, critical infrastructures, distributed inventory control systems, and modern environmental observing systems. New knowledge is needed to improve the design, use, behavior, and stability of these widely distributed systems. A better understanding of this historical shift towards increasing connections and interdependencies among heterogeneous systems and how to harness their potential in service to society is necessary. The three National Priority Areas encompass a broad range of science and engineering research and education topics in which Information Technology (IT) plays a critical role. A number of Technical Focus Areas cut across these National Priorities, including: * Integration of computing, networking, human-computer interfaces, and information management to support reliable, complex, distributed systems; * Innovative approaches to the integration of data, models, communications, analysis and/or control systems, including dynamic, data-driven applications for use in prediction, risk-assessment and decision-making; * Interactions and complex interdependencies of information systems and social systems; and * Innovation in computational modeling or simulation in research or education. In this competition, proposers must identify at least one of the Technical Focus Areas described above, although proposers are encouraged to work over more than one area where applicable. ITR is an activity that includes all NSF Directorates and programmatic Offices. The ITR Program places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary research and education projects. Proposers should read this solicitation carefully as there are a number of important changes from last year's announcement. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, An updated NSF program solicitation is now available for the Interdisciplinary Grants in the Mathematical Sciences (IGMS) Program. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04518 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: February 19, 2004 ------------------------------ Synopsis of Program: The objective of the Interdisciplinary Grants in the Mathematical Sciences (IGMS) program is to enable mathematical scientists to undertake research and study in another discipline so as to: * expand their skills and knowledge in areas other than the mathematical sciences; * subsequently apply this knowledge in their research; and * enrich the educational experiences and broaden the career options of their students. Recipients of an IGMS award are expected to spend full time in a non-mathematical science department in an academic institution or an industrial, commercial or financial organization. The expected outcome is sufficient familiarity with another discipline so as to open opportunities for effective collaboration by the mathematical scientist with researchers in another discipline. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, An updated NSF program solicitation is now available for the Scientific Computing Research Environments for the Mathematical Sciences (SCREMS) Program. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04513 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: January 26, 2004 ------------------------------ Synopsis of Program: The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) of the National Science Foundation plans a limited number of grants for the support of computing environments for research in the mathematical sciences. SCREMS proposals are for computing environments dedicated to research in the mathematical sciences. Proposals may request support for the purchase of computing equipment and limited support for professional systems administrators or programmer personnel for research computing needs. These grants are intended to support research projects of high quality that require access to advanced computing resources. Requests for routine upgrades of standard desk-environment workstations or laptop computers are not appropriate for this program. Awards are made to provide support for specific research projects rather than to provide general computing capacity. Proposers are encouraged to include projects involving symbolic and algebraic computations, numerical computations and simulations, and graphical representations (visualization) in aid of the research. The SCREMS program is compatible with the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program except that the MRI program has limits on the number of proposals that an institution may submit in any year. If possible, within the context of the institutional limits, SCREMS proposals should be submitted as MRI proposals. Effective in FY 2004, and consistent with MRI, cost sharing is no longer required for SCREMS proposals from non-PhD granting institutions. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, An updated NSF program solicitation is now available for the Major Research Instrumentation Program. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04511 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: January 22, 2004 ------------------------------ Program Title: Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) Instrument Development and Acquisition Synopsis of Program: The Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) is designed to increase access to scientific and engineering equipment for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education, research museums and non-profit research institutions. This program seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, and to foster the integration of research and education by providing instrumentation for research-intensive learning environments. The MRI program encourages the development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-institutional use and in concert with private sector partners. The MRI program assists in the acquisition or development of major research instrumentation by institutions that is, in general, too costly for support through other NSF programs. The maintenance and technical support associated with these instruments is also supported. Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common or specific research focus. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, An updated NSF program solicitation is now available for the Collaborations in Mathematical Geosciences program. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04508 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: January 14, 2004 ------------------------------ Program Title: Collaborations in Mathematical Geosciences FY2004 (CMG) Opportunities for Research Collaborations Between the Mathematical Sciences and the Geosciences Synopsis of Program: The purposes of the CMG activity are: (A) to enable collaborative research at the intersection of mathematical sciences and geosciences, and (B) to encourage cross-disciplinary education through summer graduate training activities. Research topics under (A) should fall within one of three broad themes: (1) mathematical and statistical modeling of large, complex geosystems, (2) representing uncertainty in geosystems, or (3) analyzing large geoscience data sets. Research projects supported under this activity should be essentially collaborative in nature. Research groups should include at least one mathematical scientist and at least one geoscientist. Projects under category (A) should be of three to four years in duration. It is not the intent of this activity to provide general support for infrastructure. Projects under category (B) are not restricted to topics (1)- (3). The award duration for category (B) will be two years. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, The Division of Mathematical Sciences at NSF is recruiting for a high-level staff position to assist the Division management and the scientific program officers. Please circulate this announcement to potentially interested individuals. This is an opportunity for someone interested in scientific policy and the management and funding of the scientific enterprise. One of the main duties of the position would be in the production of reports and studies that drive our funding decisions. Another would be to form a liaison with mathematical scientists to help explain our current portfolio and how members of the community can best benefit from it. The position would provide an opportunity to work in the highly integrated environment of the Foundation and to gain a working knowledge of some of the practices and ideas driving other scientific disciplines. Excellent people skills and an ability to work with data in a programming environment are essential. A Ph.D. in Mathematics or Statistics would be ideal, but we would consider an application from a candidate with a masters degree and additional experience or a candidate with a higher degree in a mathematics-related discipline. The position is permanent and the starting point of the salary scale ($48,451 to $89,774) is commensurate with experience. Thus, for example, a postdoc with some experience past the doctoral degree could benefit from this flexibility. There is a full position description on the NSF web page at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/e20040005/e20040005.pdf Contact Information: Bill Rundell Director Tel: 703-292-5301 Deborah Lockhart Acting Executive Officer Tel: 703-292-4858 Division of Mathematical Sciences National Science Foundation -----------------------
Dear Colleagues, A new NSF program solicitation is now available: Enhancing the Mathematical Sciences Workforce in the 21st Century (EMSW21) Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03575 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: September 16, yearly This program solicitation replaces NSF 02-120 (VIGRE). ------------------------------ Synopsis of Program: The long-range goal of the EMSW21 program is to increase the number of U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who are well-prepared in the mathematical sciences and who pursue careers in the mathematical sciences and in other NSF-supported disciplines. EMSW21 builds on the VIGRE program and now includes a broadened VIGRE activity, an additional component for Research Training Groups (RTG) in the Mathematical Sciences and an additional component for Mentoring through Critical Transition Points (MCTP) in the Mathematical Sciences. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues,
A new NSF program solicitation is now available:
Approaches to Combat Terrorism (ACT)
Opportunities in Basic Research in the Mathematical and Physical
Sciences with the Potential to Contribute to National Security
A Partnership Between The NSF Directorate of Mathematical and
Physical Sciences and The Intelligence Community
Please see
http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03569
PROPOSAL DEADLINE: July 17, 2003
This document solicits proposals for workshops, small grants for exploratory
research (SGER), and supplements to existing NSF awards.
------------------------------
Synopsis of Program:
The National Science Foundation's Directorate for Mathematical and Physical
Sciences (MPS) and the Intelligence Community (IC) are coordinating efforts
to identify bold new concepts in basic research and workforce development in
the MPS disciplines with the potential to contribute to national security.
This solicitation is intended to inform researchers in disciplines supported
by the MPS Directorate -- the Divisions of Astronomical Sciences, Chemistry,
Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics -- that NSF welcomes
requests for supplements to existing grants, proposals for Small Grants for
Exploratory Research, and proposals for workshops that promote the
objectives of this ACT pilot program.
------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, The document referenced below invites holders of current NSF awards to request supplemental funding for projects that intensify undergraduate education at the interface of the mathematical sciences and biology. The activity is jointly sponsored by the NSF Directorates for Biological Sciences (BIO), Education and Human Resources (EHR), and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). ----------------------- Joint Announcement of Opportunities for FY 2003: Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM) [nsf03037] URL : http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03037 Type : Program Announcements & Information Subtype : Biology Subtype : Education Subtype : Math/Physical Sciences ----------------------- We encourage you to explore these opportunities with us through the most relevant point of contact (see announcement). You should also be alert to future opportunities in this area from the three directorates involved in the joint announcement (BIO, EHR, and MPS).
Mathematicians and statisticians may be interested in this new NSF Program Announcement that has recently been released. The overall topic is human and social dynamics, and it has three subtopics: Decision Making Under Uncertainty Enhancing Human Performance Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models Of special importance to mathematicians and statisticians is the language in the subcompetition for Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models: 'Additional support may be available for EITM proposals that include explicit collaborations between social and/or behavioral scientists and mathematicians and/or statisticians.' (This does not preclude mathematicians and statisticians from being involved in the other subtopic areas.) The Program Announcement is available electronically at: Human and Social Dynamics: Special Competition for FY 2003 (HSD) URL : http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03552 Deadlines for proposals are in June and July, 2003.
Dear Colleagues, A new NSF program solicitation is now available: Ultra-High-Capacity Optical Communications: Challenges in Broadband Optical Access, Materials Processing, and Manufacturing. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf03537 LETTER OF INTENT DUE DATE: March 31, 2003 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: May 06, 2003 Note in particular that topical areas (8) and (9) in the program description (below) call for mathematical developments. ------------------------------ Program Description: This solicitation will emphasize forward-looking, high-impact research relating to optical communications, with the goal of assuring continued growth in data capacity in optical communications systems throughout the next decade. It is envisioned that research will be carried out by single investigators, or small interdisciplinary groups that generate new concepts and approaches stimulated by the interaction of diverse disciplines. Proposals offering incremental advances of existing technologies are discouraged. Research should focus on critical enabling technologies for long-term growth. Such research might include concepts for all-optical communications, novel technologies for significantly increasing the optical fiber communications bandwidth, schemes to achieve higher spectral efficiency, the optical-wireless interface, components for broadband optical access, new experimental techniques to facilitate low-cost processing and manufacturing, and new mathematical modeling and simulation tools. Proposals should discuss effective ways in which education and outreach to underrepresented groups is integrated within the research program. TOPICAL AREAS Some of the materials, device, and systems topical challenges that will be addressed by this solicitation include but are not limited to: (1) High-speed all-optical fiber communications employing advanced switching schemes. (2) Seamless hybridization and integration of microwave wireless signals with the optical backbone. (3) Next-generations of optoelectronic materials and devices that will fuel future capacity and functionality revolutions, such as photonic crystals, nonlinear processors, and advanced integration and packaging. (4) Revolutionary advances in optical communications beyond current technologies for erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). (5) Fundamental advances to achieve greater than 300-nm-wide useful spectral bandwidth. (6) Technologies that will help achieve greater than 50-terabit/s in a single optical fiber, with resulting system capacities. (7) Innovative fiber and component technologies for broadband optical access; new approaches for low-cost processing and manufacturing of critical optical components and structures, addressing hybrid processes, thermal management and mechanical failure mechanisms. (8) New robust mathematical models to enable accurate simulation of new device and system performance. (9) Powerful coding, modulation, and mathematical tools and techniques to achieve better spectral efficiency; identification of fundamental limitations. (10) Optical-electronic interface for greater than 40-Gbit/s/channel systems. ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, The new program solicitation for the NSF Collaborations in Mathematical Geosciences (CMG) Program is now available. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf03508 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: February 20, 2003 ------------------------------ From the solicitation: Synopsis of Program: The purposes of the CMG activity are: (A) to enable collaborative research at the intersection of mathematical sciences and geosciences, and (B) to encourage cross-disciplinary education through summer graduate training activities. Research topics under (A) should fall within one of two broad themes: (1) mathematical and statistical modeling of large, complex geosystems, or (2) representing uncertainty in geosystems. Research projects supported under this activity should be essentially collaborative in nature. Research groups should include at least one mathematical scientist and at least one geoscientist. Projects under category (A) should be of three to four years in duration. It is not the intent of this activity to provide general support for infrastructure. Projects under category (B) are not restricted to topics (1) and (2). ------------------------------
Dear Colleagues, The new program solicitation for the NSF-DARPA COMPUTATIONAL and ALGORITHMIC REPRESENTATIONS of GEOMETRIC OBJECTS - FY 2003 (CARGO-FY03) Program is now available. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf02155 PROPOSAL DEADLINE: December 3, 2002: ------------------------------ From the solicitation: Synopsis of Program: The Division of Computer and Communications Research (C-CR) and the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Defense Sciences Office (DSO) of the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) plan to support research and development teams focusing on mathematical and computational innovations relevant to representation and computational manipulation of geometrical objects. These awards will be administered by NSF. Areas of specific interest include: - Computational Topology and Geometry - Computational and Geometric Cartography, including Spatial Statistics - Geometric aspects of Graphics and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) We particularly encourage proposals for efforts involving collaborations of experts in the mathematical and computational sciences with other scientists, engineers, and practitioners representing diverse application areas. Proposals for incremental improvements of ongoing efforts will not be selected for funding. Rather, we seek proposals that offer new approaches and promising significant breakthroughs. ------------------------------
| NSF Home Page |
Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate Home Page |
FastLane Home Page for submission of proposals and reviews.
This is not an official National Science Foundation (NSF) web page.
NSF takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over,
the organization, views, or accuracy of the information contained on this server.