The Engineering Design and Systems Engineering (EDSE) program supports fundamental research aimed at advancing design science and systems science through the creation of new knowledge about the design of engineered artifacts. These artifacts include devices, products, processes, platforms, materials, organizations, systems, and systems of systems. The program emphasizes viewing design as an interconnected system, where designers, the artifacts they create, the methods they employ, and their surrounding environments are all subjects of rigorous scientific investigation. Additionally, the program explores the interactions among these elements to uncover deeper insights into design processes.

The program strongly encourages multidisciplinary approaches, advocating for well-structured collaborations between experts in design or systems science and specialists in other domains, such as social, behavioral, computational, and natural sciences. Proposals must be grounded in theory and should clearly demonstrate the potential to improve design practices. They must also include a detailed plan to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the proposed research methodologies across the involved domains.

Research areas supported by the EDSE program include, but are not limited to, design representation, design optimization, design validation, mechanism design, robotics and intelligent systems design, design of engineered materials systems, design cognition, design collaboration, data science and artificial intelligence in design, design for under-resourced communities, immersive design, and design in extreme environments or at extreme scales. These focus areas represent a wide range of opportunities for researchers to address fundamental challenges in design and systems engineering.

The program seeks proposals that offer innovative and scientifically rigorous contributions to the field, with an emphasis on advancing theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Investigators are encouraged to discuss their research concepts with the Program Director before preparing and submitting their proposals to ensure alignment with the program's goals and priorities.

Eligibility for this program is not explicitly defined in the synopsis, but it generally aligns with standard National Science Foundation (NSF) eligibility requirements, typically including academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and research-focused entities. The program emphasizes collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, which suggests that teams composed of experts from diverse fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

While specific submission deadlines, application requirements, and evaluation criteria are not detailed in the synopsis, prospective applicants are advised to consult the official NSF solicitation or contact the Program Director for guidance. Researchers are encouraged to prepare proposals that not only address theoretical advancements but also include well-defined assessment plans for their methodologies and outcomes.