National Science Foundation: Difference between revisions

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[[file:NSF.svg|thumb|NSF]] [[file:Controlling_the_taxonomic_variable_-_Taxonomic_concept_resolution_for_a_southeastern_United_States_herbarium_portal_-_NSF_Grant_Proposal.pdf|Controlling the taxonomic variable - Taxonomic concept resolution for a southeastern United States herbarium portal - NSF Grant Proposal|left]] [[file:NSF_building.jpg|thumb|NSF building]] {{short description|United States government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering}}
[[File:NSF.svg|thumb]] [[File:Controlling the taxonomic variable - Taxonomic concept resolution for a southeastern United States herbarium portal - NSF Grant Proposal.pdf|thumb]] [[File:NSF building.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox organization
{{Infobox government agency
| name = National Science Foundation
| agency_name = National Science Foundation
| abbreviation = NSF
| abbreviation = NSF
| logo = National Science Foundation logo.svg
| formation = [[May 10]], [[1950]]
| logo_width = 150px
| type = [[Independent agency]]
| formed = [[May 10]], [[1950]]
| jurisdiction = [[Federal government of the United States]]
| headquarters = [[Alexandria, Virginia]], [[United States]]
| headquarters = [[Alexandria, Virginia]], [[United States]]
| employees = 1,400
| budget = $8.5 billion (FY 2021)
| budget = $8.3 billion (FY 2021)
| director = [[Sethuraman Panchanathan]]
| chief1_name = [[Sethuraman Panchanathan]]
| website = [https://www.nsf.gov www.nsf.gov]
| chief1_position = Director
| parent_department = [[United States Department of Defense]]
| website = [https://www.nsf.gov/ www.nsf.gov]
}}
}}


The '''National Science Foundation''' ('''NSF''') is an independent agency of the [[United States government]] that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of [[science]] and [[engineering]]. Its medical counterpart is the [[National Institutes of Health]]. With an annual budget of about $8.3 billion (FY 2021), the NSF funds approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities.
The '''National Science Foundation''' ('''NSF''') is an independent agency of the [[United States government]] that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. The NSF's mission is to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the national defense.


== History ==
== History ==
The NSF was established by the [[National Science Foundation Act of 1950]]. The foundation's creation was a response to the need for a centralized body to support and promote scientific research and education following the technological advancements and scientific achievements during [[World War II]].
The NSF was established by the [[National Science Foundation Act of 1950]]. The foundation was created in response to the need for a centralized body to support scientific research and education in the United States, particularly in the wake of [[World War II]]. The first director of the NSF was [[Alan T. Waterman]], who served from 1951 to 1963.


== Mission ==
== Organization ==
The mission of the NSF is to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. The NSF achieves this by funding research and education projects in the fields of [[science]], [[technology]], [[engineering]], and [[mathematics]] (STEM).
The NSF is governed by the [[National Science Board]] (NSB), which consists of 24 members appointed by the President of the United States. The NSB establishes the policies of the NSF and serves as an advisory body to both the President and Congress on policy issues related to science and engineering.


== Organization ==
The NSF is divided into seven directorates, each focusing on a different area of science and engineering:
The NSF is divided into seven directorates, each focusing on a different area of science and engineering:
* Biological Sciences (BIO)
* Biological Sciences (BIO)
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== Funding and Grants ==
== Funding and Grants ==
The NSF provides grants to support research, education, and infrastructure projects. These grants are awarded through a competitive process that involves peer review. The foundation also supports various programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields and improving STEM education at all levels.
The NSF funds approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. The foundation awards grants through a competitive process, which involves peer review by experts in the relevant fields. The NSF supports a wide range of research projects, from individual investigator awards to large-scale collaborative efforts.
 
== Major Programs ==
Some of the major programs and initiatives supported by the NSF include:
* [[Graduate Research Fellowship Program]] (GRFP)
* [[Research Experiences for Undergraduates]] (REU)
* [[Faculty Early Career Development Program]] (CAREER)
* [[National Nanotechnology Initiative]] (NNI)


== Impact ==
== Impact ==
The NSF has played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in the United States. Many groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements have been made possible through NSF funding. The foundation also contributes to the development of the STEM workforce by supporting education and training programs.
The NSF has played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in the United States. It has supported groundbreaking research in fields such as [[computer science]], [[physics]], [[biology]], and [[engineering]]. The NSF also funds educational programs and initiatives to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels.


== Headquarters ==
== Challenges and Criticisms ==
The NSF headquarters is located in [[Alexandria, Virginia]]. The agency moved to this location in 2017 from its previous headquarters in [[Arlington, Virginia]].
The NSF has faced challenges related to budget constraints and political pressures. Some critics argue that the NSF's funding priorities do not always align with national needs, while others contend that the peer review process can be biased or inefficient. Despite these challenges, the NSF remains a vital institution for supporting scientific research and education in the United States.


== See also ==
== Also see ==
* [[National Institutes of Health]]
* [[National Institutes of Health]]
* [[United States Department of Defense]]
* [[Department of Energy]]
* [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]
* [[NASA]]
* [[Office of Science and Technology Policy]]
* [[Office of Science and Technology Policy]]
* [[National Academy of Sciences]]
* [[American Association for the Advancement of Science]]


== References ==
{{US government agencies}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Science and technology in the United States}}


== External links ==
[[Category:United States federal agencies]]
{{Commons category|National Science Foundation}}
[[Category:Science and technology in the United States]]
{{US-gov-stub}}
[[Category:Research organizations]]
 
[[Category:National Science Foundation]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Independent agencies of the United States government]]
[[Category:Scientific organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Science and technology in the United States]]
[[Category:Research and development in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 9 December 2024

File:Controlling the taxonomic variable - Taxonomic concept resolution for a southeastern United States herbarium portal - NSF Grant Proposal.pdf

National Science Foundation
[[File:|250px|alt=]]
Formation May 10, 1950
Type Independent agency
Headquarters Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Membership N/A
Language N/A
Leader title N/A
Leader name N/A
Website www.nsf.gov


The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of the United States government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. The NSF's mission is to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the national defense.

History[edit]

The NSF was established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. The foundation was created in response to the need for a centralized body to support scientific research and education in the United States, particularly in the wake of World War II. The first director of the NSF was Alan T. Waterman, who served from 1951 to 1963.

Organization[edit]

The NSF is governed by the National Science Board (NSB), which consists of 24 members appointed by the President of the United States. The NSB establishes the policies of the NSF and serves as an advisory body to both the President and Congress on policy issues related to science and engineering.

The NSF is divided into seven directorates, each focusing on a different area of science and engineering:

  • Biological Sciences (BIO)
  • Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
  • Education and Human Resources (EHR)
  • Engineering (ENG)
  • Geosciences (GEO)
  • Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)
  • Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE)

Funding and Grants[edit]

The NSF funds approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. The foundation awards grants through a competitive process, which involves peer review by experts in the relevant fields. The NSF supports a wide range of research projects, from individual investigator awards to large-scale collaborative efforts.

Impact[edit]

The NSF has played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in the United States. It has supported groundbreaking research in fields such as computer science, physics, biology, and engineering. The NSF also funds educational programs and initiatives to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels.

Challenges and Criticisms[edit]

The NSF has faced challenges related to budget constraints and political pressures. Some critics argue that the NSF's funding priorities do not always align with national needs, while others contend that the peer review process can be biased or inefficient. Despite these challenges, the NSF remains a vital institution for supporting scientific research and education in the United States.

Also see[edit]

Template:US government agencies Template:Science and technology in the United States

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