Company Research Report: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
Company Overview
- Name: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Mission: NSF was established to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity, and welfare, and secure national defense.
- Founded: 1950 by Congress
- Key People: Sethuraman Panchanathan (NSF Director)
- Headquarters: 2415 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Number of Employees: Approximately 1,500 federal employees and 200 scientists in temporary positions.
- Revenue: NSF’s Fiscal Year 2023 enacted budget is $9.9B.
- What the Company is Known For: NSF is known for supporting science and engineering across all 50 states and U.S. territories, contributing significantly to research, innovation, and education.
Products and Services
- Funding: Provides grants supporting basic research across various fields excluding medical sciences. Includes competitive awards for research, education, and training.
- Partnerships: Collaborates with colleges, universities, industry, nonprofits, and government bodies globally to accelerate discovery and societal benefits.
- Infrastructure: Investments in supercomputers, telescopes, research stations, etc., fostering scientific exploration and training for future scientists.
- Education and Training: Offers funding opportunities from pre-K to graduate school and beyond to nurture a capable workforce.
Key Features
- Science & Engineering Grants: About 25% of federal support for America’s colleges and universities in basic research.
- Support Volume: An average year sees ~12,000 competitive awards; supports ~2,000 institutions and ~318,000 researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and teachers.
Recent Developments
- New Initiatives: NSF announced the ExLENT program to expand the U.S. workforce in key technologies.
- Strategic Partnerships: Reinforcing strategic partnerships to maintain the United States’ competitive edge in scientific research and application.
- Innovation in STEM: Continued investment in discovery, such as the recent uncovering of new dark comets and advancements in machine learning models to better understand ecological patterns.
Upcoming Events
- Virtual Grants Conference: December 9-12, 2024. An opportunity to discuss NSF funding opportunities and strategic directions.
- CISE Advisory Committee Meeting: December 11, 2024, and December 12, 2024. Focus on computer and information science engineering.
- SBE Sciences Advisory Committee Meeting: December 12-13, 2024. Discussing the social, behavioral, and economic sciences within NSF's framework.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Promote Discovery: Constantly backing projects that aim to unveil nature's mysteries and support technological advancement for practical solutions.
- Enhance Diversity: Implementing programs and initiatives to bolster diversity and inclusivity within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Advance National Interests: Prioritizing science and technology areas critical for national security and economic prosperity.
Feedback and Contact Information
- Address: 2415 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Phone: (703) 292-5111
- [Additional Information and Resources](https://www.nsf.gov)
For more details on NSF’s extensive range of programs, strategic initiatives, and latest news, visit their official website or contact directly through the listed channels.