The NSF program *Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science (SCH)* (NSF 23-614) promotes interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer, data, and engineering sciences with biomedical and public health fields. This collaborative effort between the NSF and NIH seeks innovative, high-risk/high-reward projects that leverage AI, machine learning (ML), and advanced data science to address complex health challenges.

The program emphasizes transformative research requiring contributions from multiple disciplines, including computer science, engineering, mathematics, behavioral sciences, and social sciences. Teams must develop tools and methods that intelligently collect, analyze, and interpret health-related data from individuals, devices, and systems to optimize health outcomes. Traditional medical, clinical, or pharmacological studies are outside the program’s scope.

Projects under SCH align with several themes, including:

1. Fairness and Trustworthiness in AI/ML models – addressing biases and disparities in health outcomes.
2. Transformative Analytics – developing innovative models for data integration and inference in biomedical research.
3. Next-Generation Sensing Systems – creating multimodal wearable or implantable sensors with real-time data capabilities.
4. Cyber-Physical Systems and Automation – designing systems to automate healthcare processes.
5. Robotics for Health – building robots for healthcare, rehabilitation, and enhanced social connectedness.
6. Biomedical Image Interpretation – improving the perception and interpretation of complex medical imagery.
7. Health Equity and Disparities – developing models to address social and structural determinants of health.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit research organizations, and museums. The program strongly encourages cross-institutional collaborations, with researchers from different disciplines working together. A collaboration plan is required, detailing how team members from various fields will integrate their efforts.

The program provides awards for up to four years, with annual funding of up to $300,000 per project, totaling $15 to $20 million in funding each year. Proposal deadlines include November 9, 2023, October 3, 2024, and annually on October 3 thereafter.

Applicants must submit proposals through either NSF’s Research.gov or Grants.gov platforms. Each proposal must include a project description (limited to 15 pages), an evaluation plan, and a data management and sharing plan. The SCH program will use NSF's standard merit review process, emphasizing both intellectual merit and broader impacts. NIH representatives will observe but not lead the review process.

For successful projects, NSF will manage the grant, while NIH-funded projects may require resubmission to NIH systems. Reporting includes annual project reports and final outcome summaries, with all research products stored in digital formats.

This solicitation encourages early-stage discussions with NSF program officers to refine project concepts and ensure alignment with program objectives.