National Science Foundation

NSF

NSF building

National Science Foundation

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Agency overview
Formed	May 10, 1950
Jurisdiction	Federal government of the United States
Headquarters	Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Employees	1,400
Annual budget	$8.3 billion (FY 2021)
Agency executive	Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director
Parent department	United States Department of Defense
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. 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.

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.

Mission

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).

Organization

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

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.

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

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.

Headquarters

The NSF headquarters is located in Alexandria, Virginia. The agency moved to this location in 2017 from its previous headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

See also

• National Institutes of Health
• United States Department of Defense
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Office of Science and Technology Policy
• National Academy of Sciences