NSF

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a United States government agency that funds research and education in non-medical fields of science and engineering. Established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, its mission is to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.

NSF supports basic research and education through competitive grants, cooperative agreements, and fellowships. It funds researchers at universities, national laboratories, and other institutions, often through merit-based peer review. The agency supports a wide range of programs and facilities, including graduate fellowships (GRFP), undergraduate research experiences (REU), and career development programs such as CAREER, as well as investments in research centers and national facilities.

NSF's organizational structure consists of seven directorates: Biological Sciences (BIO), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Engineering (ENG), Geosciences (GEO), Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), and Education and Human Resources (EHR). It also houses cross-cutting offices and the Office of International Science and Engineering. The National Science Board provides policy oversight; the Director of NSF leads the agency and is appointed by the President with Senate confirmation. The agency is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

NSF's work shapes science policy and education nationwide, supports the training of a diverse STEM workforce, and funds research with broad societal impact. It emphasizes merit review, data sharing, and reproducibility, helping to drive innovation and foundational knowledge across disciplines.