National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF announces a $14.5M investment in the inaugural set of awards through the Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education (ITYC) program. 🎓 "Community colleges play a critical role in training people from all parts of the country for a variety of STEM careers including future scientists, engineers and technicians," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "The Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education program is essential to how we expand pathways and opportunities so that more talented people from every part of the nation have the opportunity to make their way into STEM. I'm pleased that Congress recognized the critical role of community colleges in the 'CHIPS and Science Act of 2022' and the foundation they provide for educational opportunities. Programs like ITYC are how we build on that foundation to reach more young people who have bright futures ahead of them in the STEM community." Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Xml33F 📷: Florida Advanced Technological Education Center for Manufacturing

NSF is pleased to announce the appointment of David B. Berkowitz as the new assistant director for the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Directorate. "David Berkowitz's extensive knowledge and expertise at the interface of chemistry, biology and engineering are an invaluable addition to NSF's work to advance the frontiers of science and research," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "His superior leadership capabilities, combined with his proven track record for supporting diverse talent and cutting-edge research, will help accelerate our nation's progress at the forefront of discovery and innovation. Dr. Berkowitz is not new to the agency. The experience he brings with him from his time as a division director and program director will put him on track to lead the way from day one. I eagerly await his insight and perspective." Learn more about David Berkowitz: https://bit.ly/4cHh5qS. 📷: Craig Chandler

Join NSF's upcoming webinar to learn everything you need to know about the NSF Game Maker Awards! 🎮 Date: Sept. 10, 2024. Time: 2-3 p.m. ET. Get insights, tips and answers to all your questions about the challenge! Register now: https://bit.ly/3MmOKLD. #GameMakerAwards #NSF75 #STEM #LifeIn2100 #NSF75

Last week, the U.S. National Science Foundation made major strides in research, innovation and conservation, marked by key announcements and engagement with the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE). On August 20, Director Sethuraman Panchanathan joined Revolution Chairman/CEO, AOL Co-Founder, and NACIE Co-Chair Steve Case; former President, The Ohio State University, and NACIE Co-Chair Kristina Johnson; and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of USPTO Kathi Vidal to co-chair a meeting of NACIE. The director highlighted the ongoing implementation of recommendations from their February 2024 report, “Competitiveness Through Entrepreneurship: A Strategy for U.S. Innovation.” This national strategy strengthens America’s ability to compete as the world’s leading nation of startup companies. That same day, NSF announced a $16 million investment in 10 projects to address conservation challenges in partnership with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. These projects, supported through the NSF Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice program, aim to translate basic science into real-world applications. NSF announced $38 million in new support through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research for researchers in Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island. These investments through the NSF E-CORE RII and NSF E-RISE RII programs bolster research infrastructure, foster new partnerships, and enhance STEM workforce development in regions that have historically received less funding.  On August 21, NSF unveiled four new Engineering Research Centers with a potential 10-year investment of up to $208 million. These centers will focus on pioneering advancements in biotechnology, manufacturing, robotics, and sustainability. "NSF's Engineering Research Centers ask big questions to catalyze solutions with far-reaching impacts," said Director Panchanathan.  The director’s emphasis on workforce development was also spotlighted in a recent Forbes article, where he underscored the importance of community colleges in supporting the success of NSF Engines: "None of the Regional Innovation Engines will be successful if we don't have the capacity of the skilled technical workforce unleashed at full force and full scale, everywhere." https://bit.ly/4geB6Z1 Through targeted and strategic investments, NSF continues to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring a brighter future for all.

📚Come see us at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., tomorrow! NSF scientists will present two live science demonstrations featuring solutions that change color, bubble and smoke! This show will be educational, entertaining and engaging for scientists of any age. Both live demos will be tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at 🕑 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT https://bit.ly/3WWzZnU and 🕧 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT https://bit.ly/4cU9Mwh. Location: 🗺️ Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall DE (Level 2, North Building) at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 See you there! #NationalBookFestival # #NatBookFest l #books

The U.S. National Science Foundation has unveiled the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP), a new program designed to support exceptional graduate students in STEM fields who received Honorable Mention from the Graduate Research Fellowship Program within the last three years. This program provides up to $37,000 per student annually, covering stipends and educational costs for up to three years. Supported by all eight NSF directorates and the Office of Integrative Activities, NSF EGFP is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, and beyond. Institutions within eligible NSF EPSCoR jurisdictions are encouraged to submit proposals and utilize the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) system to recruit prospective fellows. Students interested in this opportunity should apply through NSF ETAP and connect with potential host institutions. For more information on eligibility and application tips, read the full solicitation and start your journey with EGFP today: https://bit.ly/471wnWo #NSFGRFP

🌟 Job opportunity!   🌎 NSF seeks a qualified candidate for an Interdisciplinary Antarctic Research Support Manager in the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section within the NSF Directorate for Geosciences Office of Polar Programs. The qualified candidate will be responsible for the planning, development and coordination of operational support plans for over one hundred scientific projects that annually take place on the continent of Antarctica and research vessels in the Southern Ocean. A good working knowledge of science support techniques and technologies is required, including but not limited to aircraft and surface logistics, marine research, field laboratory systems, data processing and communications.   Application closes on Sept. 4. Learn more about this opportunity: https://bit.ly/4cxwyK9. 📸: Marissa Goerke

The NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate is hiring! 📢💼🤝 Support startup company teams to accelerate the development and commercialization of their breakthrough technologies by applying to join the team as a program director for America's Seed Fund, powered by NSF. Program directors manage the NSF review process that awards non-dilutive funding to small businesses willing to swing for the fences with creative ideas for technologies that will change the world. It is a fantastic opportunity to think beyond the horizon at what is possible and a front-row seat as you watch it unfold. America's Seed Fund, powered by NSF, funds hundreds of deep-tech startups annually. Each startup can receive up to $2 million to support research and development. Learn more about NSF funding for startups at https://bit.ly/4dPSOjl. Interested in joining the team? Apply by Sept. 13, 2024: https://bit.ly/4dSwpSx

The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $38 million through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to strengthen research infrastructure, build vital partnerships and advance STEM workforce development in Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Puerto Rico and Rhode Island. These funds made available through the new EPSCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence and Research Infrastructure Improvement programs, will enhance research facilities, form new networks and accelerate economic growth in regions that have historically received less research funding. "These new E-CORE and E-RISE awards will advance STEM research, infrastructure, and workforce development while creating opportunities in EPSCoR jurisdictions and beyond," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. NSF EPSCoR plays a crucial role in addressing disparities in research funding and fostering an inclusive culture of scientific excellence. Learn more about these projects: https://bit.ly/4cD3fWt #NSFfunded

HAPPENING TODAY: Waterman Awardee Distinguished Lecture titled "Equitable Medical Imaging," presented by Muyinatu A. Lediju Bell, The Johns Hopkins University. 📅 Date: Aug. 21, 2024. 🕦: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. 🔗 Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4cu2jne Bell will address the critical issue of equity in medical imaging. Traditional imaging technologies, like ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging, often rely on algorithms that do not account for individual differences such as skin tone, tissue density and body mass. Tune in to hear Bell present innovative signal-processing techniques designed to overcome these limitations. This lecture offers a unique opportunity to explore how technological advancements can address health disparities and enhance clinical practices.