National Science Foundation (USA)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defens" With an annual budget of about $6.9 billion (FY 2010), we are the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. NSF's 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 nation's 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.