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NSF Creation and Mission
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of the
U.S. Government,established by the
National Science Foundation Act of 1950
,
as amended, and related legislation, 42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq., and was given
additional authority by the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act
(42 U.S.C. 1885), and Title I of the Education for Economic Security Act
(20 U.S.C. 3911 to 3922).
The Foundation consists of the National Science Board of 24 part-time
members and a Director (who also serves as ex officio National Science Board
member), each appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the U.S.
Senate. Other senior officials include a Deputy Director who is appointed by
the President with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate, and eight
Assistant Directors.
The Act established the NSF's mission:
To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health,
prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.
The Foundation's organic legislation
authorizes it to engage in the following activities:
- Initiate and support, through grants and contracts, scientific and
engineering research and programs to strengthen scientific and
engineering research potential, and education programs at all levels, and
appraise the impact of research upon industrial development and the
general welfare.
- Award graduate fellowships in the sciences and in engineering.
- Foster the interchange of scientific information among scientists and
engineers in the United States and foreign countries.
- Foster and support the development and use of computers and other
scientific methods and technologies, primarily for research and education
in the sciences.
- Evaluate the status and needs of the various sciences and engineering and
take into consideration the results of this evaluation in correlating its
research and educational programs with other Federal and non-Federal
programs.
- Maintain a current register of scientific and technical personnel, and in
other ways provide a central clearinghouse for the collection,
interpretation, and analysis of data on scientific and technical
resources in the United States, and provide a source of information for
policy formulation by other Federal agencies.
- Determine the total amount of Federal money received by universities and
appropriate organizations for the conduct of scientific and engineering
research, including both basic and applied, and construction of
facilities where such research is conducted, but excluding development,
and report annually thereon to the President and the Congress.
- Initiate and support specific scientific and engineering activities in
connection with matters relating to international cooperation, national
security, and the effects of scientific and technological applications
upon society.
- Initiate and support scientific and engineering research, including
applied research, at academic and other nonprofit institutions and, at
the direction of the President, support applied research at other
organizations.
- Recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies for the
promotion of basic research and education in the sciences and
engineering. Strengthen research and education innovation in the sciences
and engineering, including independent research by individuals,
throughout the United States.
- Support activities designed to increase the participation of women and
minorities and others underrepresented in science and technology.
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