Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery (AI Datasets)

The Unlocking Dataset Value for AI Enabled Scientific Discovery program is administered by the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency established in 1950 to support fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. This cross directorate initiative reflects NSF priorities to advance artificial intelligence capabilities and to improve the usability and impact of existing scientific datasets. The program is jointly supported by multiple NSF directorates including Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Technology Innovation and Partnerships, as well as the Office of Research Infrastructure. Its overarching goal is to unlock the latent value of existing datasets to accelerate AI driven discovery and interdisciplinary research. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance the usability, accessibility, and analytical value of scientific datasets through artificial intelligence and advanced data processing methods. The program focuses specifically on existing datasets rather than funding the creation of new data. Applicants are expected to propose methods that improve feature extraction, metadata generation, data integration, and dataset harmonization. Projects may also involve building advanced data pipelines that allow automated analysis and support AI training. Proposals must address challenges such as incomplete datasets, data inconsistency, and barriers to interoperability while enabling new research questions that extend beyond the original purpose of the data collection. Funding under this program is structured across multiple award types, including Planning Grants, Impact Awards, and Flagship Awards. Planning grants support early stage community coordination and concept development, while Impact and Flagship awards support more advanced research and large scale dataset enhancement efforts. Funding can be used for research activities, data infrastructure development, community engagement, and governance frameworks. However, voluntary cost sharing is explicitly prohibited, and all budget requests must comply with NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide requirements. Awardees are also expected to participate in regular program meetings and contribute to broader NSF data infrastructure initiatives. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive, allowing proposals from institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, state and local governments, tribal nations, and certain federal research entities. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals per organization or principal investigator. This inclusive eligibility reflects the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for diverse stakeholders to contribute to improving scientific data ecosystems. All applicants must submit proposals through Research.gov or Grants.gov and must maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier. The application process requires submission of a full proposal that adheres strictly to NSF guidelines. Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. Proposals must include a project summary with defined keywords, a detailed project description addressing dataset enhancement strategies, governance and integrity plans, and community engagement strategies. Additional sections must outline data availability, infrastructure use, and measures of success. Flagship proposals require additional justification due to their larger scope and funding levels. Evaluation of proposals is based on NSF merit review criteria, including intellectual merit and broader impacts, as well as program specific considerations such as dataset usability, community impact, and governance robustness. The deadline for full proposal submission is November 4, 2026, with recurring deadlines on the first Wednesday of November each year thereafter. Proposals must be submitted by 5 pm local time of the submitting organization. Following submission, proposals undergo panel review and evaluation by NSF program officers and external experts. Awards are expected to support projects for up to three years depending on the funding category. Recipients must comply with NSF reporting requirements, including annual progress reports and a final outcomes report. Program contacts are available through the designated program email address aidatasets at nsf dot gov, which serves as the primary communication channel for applicant inquiries. The program also emphasizes engagement with national data infrastructure initiatives and encourages collaboration with private industry and nonprofit sectors. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in enhancing the scientific value of data resources and enabling transformative research through artificial intelligence.

Emphasize dataset usability governance and community impact align with NSF priorities demonstrate AI driven innovation