The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense." NSF is vital because we support basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future. This type of support: Is a primary driver of the U.S. economy, Enhances the nations security, Advances knowledge to sustain global leadership. The NSF was established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. Its stated mission is "To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a United States government agency 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 US$7.0 billion (fiscal year 2012), the NSF funds approximately 24% of all federally supported basic research conducted by the United States colleges and universities.[3] In some fields, such as mathematics, computer science, economics, and the social sciences, the NSF is the major source of federal backing.
The NSF seeks to fulfill its mission chiefly by issuing competitive, limited-term grants in response to specific proposals from the research community. The NSF also makes some contracts. Some proposals are solicited, and some are not; the NSF funds both kinds. The NSF does not operate its own laboratories, unlike other federal research agencies, notable examples being the NASA and the National Institutes of
Health (NIH).
The NSFs workforce numbers about 1,700, nearly all working at its Arlington headquarters. That includes about 1,200 career employees, 150 scientists from research institutions on temporary duty, 200 contract workers, and the staff of the National Science Board office and the Office of the Inspector General, which examines the foundations work and reports to the NSB and Congress.In June 2013 it was announced that the NSF would relocate its headquarters to Alexandria, Virginia in 2017.
NSFs goals--discovery, learning, research infrastructure and stewardship--provide an integrated strategy to advance the frontiers of knowledge, cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive science and engineering workforce and expand the scientific literacy of all citizens, build the nations research capability through investments in advanced instrumentation and facilities, and support excellence in science and engineering research and
education through a capable and responsive organization. They believe that NSF is "where discoveries begin."
Last Updated on: Jan 20, 2025