NSF Seeks Project Proposals on Practical Privacy-Enhancing Technologies

The National Science Foundation has opened a new funding program for research studies on privacy-enhancing technologies and their uses to address real-life problems. 

Dubbed Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing in Practice, the NSF project seeks to improve data sharing and analysis for various uses and applications, including important cases for federal agencies. PDaSP is aligned with one of the action steps under the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, the NSF said.

According to Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for technology, innovation and partnerships, the program will prioritize use-inspired and translational research to empower the government and private sectors to adopt “leading-edge PETs.”

The NSF seeks PDaSP proposals for funding in three tracks, which include practical solutions in confidential data sharing and analytics, with a project funding of $500,000 up to $1 million for up to two years.

Another track focuses on trustworthy data-sharing solutions in applications, with funding of between $1 million and $1.5 million for up to three years.

The third track is for tools and testbeds for sharing of private or confidential data, with funding in the $500,000-$1 million range for up to three years.

The NSF will hold informational webinars for the PDaSP program on July 12 and July 23.