Engineering (ENG): Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)
NSF ENG CMMI funds foundational engineering research in advanced manufacturing, civil infrastructure, intelligent dynamic systems, and deformation/failure of materials for eligible U.S. applicants.
⚑ NSF foundational research portfolio; no near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome required · Eligibility not stated in notice; general NSF institutional eligibility rules apply
This is a core engineering/basic materials and systems program, not the team’s social-behavioral risk, policy, survey, or public-opinion portfolio. Even the built-environment and intelligent systems topics here are framed as engineering mechanics/design rather than the human perception, communication, or evaluation research this team typically pursues.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-08-18
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds basic research |
| IPPRA | 48 partial | outside portfolio topics; social/behavioral work is minor; funds basic research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Engineering (NSF ENG) supports foundational research projects for civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation through the following programs:
The Advanced Manufacturing, Design, and Operations (AMDO) program supports foundational research on advanced manufacturing, materials and service processes; their integration into facilities, supply chains, and other systems; and the optimal operation and design of these systems.
The Engineering for the Built Environment (EBE) program supports foundational research on civil infrastructure and civil infrastructure systems, from materials to network sciences, for prosperous, resilient, and safe communities.
The Intelligent and Interactive Dynamic Systems (IIDS) program supports foundational research to advance the science and engineering of intelligent dynamic systems, including engineered systems that interact with people.
The Mechanics of Advanced Materials Systems (MAMS) program supports foundational research on deformation and failure in engineered and biological materials.
NSF ENG anticipates a portfolio of ENG: Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) awards with a range of budgets and durations. Estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.
NSF ENG is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: U.S. National Science Foundation <grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · National Science Foundation conventions SEE AN NSF EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — National Science Foundation's document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.