EER supports research thattransforms biotechnologyand manufacturingto createdomesticsourcesof energy;engineered chemical, biological, and/or geo-physical processesmay be involved.The programsupports studieson the sustainability of benign manufacturing.EERsupports thedevelopment ofinnovativetechnologies that minimize or re-use waste discharges to soil, water, and air by closing resource loops.EER also supports research on sustainable recycling and management ofwastematerials and critical minerals. EER supportsstudieson life cycleassessment, materials flow analysis, andAImodeling to advance the circular economy.

EERresearch encompasses thechemistry,biochemistry, transport, andfateof nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern in air, water, soil, and sediments. It also includesthebiochemical reactivityof pollutantsinthe built environment.EER welcomesideasthatgrowfundamental and quantitative understanding ofhownanomaterials andnanosystemsinteractwith biological and environmental media.The program also supports researchonengineered systems that safeguard health and quality of life throughtheaccuratedetectionofandrapidresponsetopathogensandtoxinsin water,soiland air.

Proposals with amaingoal of understanding earth systems are moreappropriate fortheNSF Directorate for Geosciences. Proposalsthatfocus on human behavior orsocialresponses to environmental issues area better fitfortheNSF Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.  

Partnerships:Tospeeddiscovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, internationalgroups, and others. Current opportunities are atNSF ENG Partnerships.