Formal Methods in the Field

This program provides funding to support collaborations between formal methods researchers and experts in various computer and engineering fields to improve system design and reliability through innovative methodologies and educational initiatives.

The Formal Methods in the Field (FMitF) Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to foster collaboration between researchers in formal methods and those in various fields of computer and information science and engineering (CISE). The program encourages the application of formal methods—logical and mathematical approaches for system design, specification, modeling, verification, and analysis—across diverse computing and engineering domains to improve correctness, reliability, and performance.

The program is open to proposals in three tracks: (1) Track I - Research Proposals, which require collaboration between formal methods experts and domain experts to develop new theories and methodologies with provable guarantees; (2) Track II - Transition to Practice (TTP) Proposals, which focus on developing and deploying robust formal methods research tools to facilitate usability and accessibility for a wider audience, particularly in operational environments; and (3) Track III - Education Proposals, which aim to develop and disseminate educational materials to increase accessibility to formal methods, particularly in institutions that lack strong formal methods curricula.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (IHEs) such as accredited two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, as well as nonprofit, non-academic organizations like independent museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies associated with educational or research activities. Each Track I proposal must have at least one investigator focusing on formal methods and one focusing on an application area within computer and information science and engineering.

The funding for this program totals approximately $10,500,000, with an estimated 18 awards distributed as follows: nine Track I research awards (up to $1,000,000 each for up to four years), seven Track II TTP awards (up to $150,000 each for up to two years), and two Track III education awards (up to $250,000 each for up to three years). Cost-sharing is not required.

The proposal submission process follows NSF's guidelines, with applications accepted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals must be prepared according to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Submission deadlines fall on the third Tuesday in February each year (e.g., February 20, 2024; February 18, 2025; February 17, 2026).

Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s merit review criteria, which assess Intellectual Merit (potential to advance knowledge) and Broader Impacts (benefit to society). Additional review criteria apply depending on the track. For example, Track I proposals must demonstrate fundamental contributions to both formal methods and the target field, while Track II proposals must outline a transition plan and identify an early adopter user base.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact NSF program directors Pavithra Prabhakar (pprabhak@nsf.gov, 703-292-8910), Alhussein A. Abouzeid (aabouzei@nsf.gov, 703-292-8950), and others listed in the solicitation. More information is available on NSF’s website.

Basic Information

Name
Formal Methods in the Field
Funding Source Type
Federal
Funding Source
National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation)
Geographic Scope
Nationwide
Eligible States
All
Eligible Geographies
All
Primary Category
Science and Technology

Funding Information

Award Ceiling
$1,000,000.00
Award Floor
Not Specified
Total Program Funding
$10,500,000.00
Number of Awards
Not Specified
Match Required
No
Funding Details
Not Specified

Important Dates

Next Deadline
Not Specified
Application Opens
Closed
Application Closes
February 17, 2026

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