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News Release 07-012

National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security Partner to Address Nuclear Threats

Agencies issue joint solicitation for development of new domestic nuclear threat detection technologies


February 20, 2007

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) have issued a joint solicitation to encourage long-term, transformational advances in nuclear detection technology.

The agencies envision the research leading to next-generation detection systems for identifying nuclear weapons, nuclear material, radiation dispersal devices and related threats.

"Five NSF directorates and two offices will be participating in the initiative," said NSF program director Bruce Hamilton. "Expertise will span multiple academic disciplines, necessary for forming a comprehensive platform to guide fundamental research on domestic nuclear detection."

DNDO intends to provide $58 million over 5 years to fund the effort with proposals going to NSF for review through the agency's merit-based process. Peer-review panels will consist of experts recruited jointly by NSF and DNDO.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Joshua A. Chamot, NSF, (703) 292-7730, email: jchamot@nsf.gov
Andrea Hoshmand, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, DHS, (202) 254-7311, email: andrea.hoshmand@dhs.gov

Program Contacts
Bruce K. Hamilton, NSF, (703) 292-8320, email: bhamilto@nsf.gov

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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