Special Presentation by Ellen Zegura (NSF, USA)

Hosted by the Future Networks Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AIML) Working Group

Date/Time: Thursday, 18 June 2026 @ 12:00 UTC (8 AM EDT)

Topic:

National Science Foundation (NSF) and AI Investments 

Abstract:

In this talk, I will briefly review National Science Foundation (NSF) past and current investments in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) space with some focus on the telecommunications/networking domain. These investments span research, education/workforce, infrastructure, and translation. I will then highlight selected research areas with long(er) time horizons and opportunities to pursue within NSF’s current funding solicitations.

Speaker:

Dr. Ellen Zeruga is Regents and Fleming Professor in the School of Computer Science at Georgia Tech. Since August 2023, she has been on loan from Georgia Tech to the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Her current role is Senior Science and Engineering Advisor in the Office of the Director with responsibility for the AI portfolio, which spans research, education/workforce, infrastructure, and translation. She is a Fellow of the IEEE and a Fellow of the ACM.

About the National Science Foundation (NSF):

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to: Promote the progress of science, Advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and Secure the national defense. The NSF fulfills its mission chiefly by making grants. Its investments account for about 25% of federal support to America’s colleges and universities for basic research: research driven by curiosity and discovery. The NSF also supports solutions-oriented research with the potential to produce advancements for the American people. (https://www.nsf.gov/about)

Brochure (PDF): Webinar-AIML-2026-06-18-Zegura-NSF-AI-Brochure.pdf