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The NSF Guide to Programs is a compilation of funding opportunities for research and education in science, mathematics, and engineering. General descriptions of NSF programs, research areas, and deadline and target dates for proposal submission are provided in each chapter. Many NSF programs offer announcements concerning specific proposal requirements. To obtain additional information about these requirements, contact the appropriate NSF program offices listed in this Guide.
Any changes in NSF's fiscal year 1997 programs occurring after press time for the Guide to Programs will be announced in the NSF Bulletin, available monthly (except July and August) at no charge, and in individual program announcements. The Bulletin is available as a printed publication and can be accessed electronically. To receive a sample printed copy of the Bulletin, write to: Editor, NSF Bulletin, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1245, Arlington, VA 22230. Below are further instructions on how to obtain electronic or printed copies of NSF publications.
Many NSF publications are available electronically on the NSF Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/. We highly recommend that you use this electronic method for fast, easy access.
Copies of publications in printed form are also available, at no charge, and may be ordered by writing Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room P15, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1130, by Fax, (703) 644-4278, or by e-mail, pubs@nsf.gov. In your request, include the NSF publication number and title, your name, and your complete mailing address.
The CFDA provides the user with a comprehensive, up-to-date, descriptive listing of assistance programs administered by federal departments and agencies. Information contacts with telephone numbers and addresses are included. The catalog is published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA). Copies can be ordered from the Government Printing Office (GPO). The assigned CFDA numbers for each NSF directorate are as follows:
| 47.041 | Engineering |
| 47.049 | Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
| 47.050 | Geosciences |
| 47.070 | Computer and Information Science and Engineering |
| 47.074 | Biological Sciences |
| 47.075 | Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences |
| 47.076 | Education and Human Resources |
| 47.077 | Academic Research Instrumentation |
IntroductionCriteria for the Selection of Research and Education Projects
Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
NSF is an independent federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1861-75). Its aim is to promote and advance scientific progress in the United States. The idea of such a foundation was an outgrowth of the important contributions made by science and technology during World War II. From those first days, NSF has had a unique place in the federal government: It is responsible for strengthening the overall health of science and engineering across all disciplines. In contrast, other federal agencies support research focused on specific missions, such as health or defense. The Foundation is also committed to ensuring the Nation's supply of scientists, engineers, and science educators, as well as providing a high quality education for every individual sufficient to enable them to pursue technical careers at all levels and meet the needs of the high performance workplace of the future.
NSF funds research and education in science and engineering. It does this through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, and other research institutions in all parts of the United States. The Foundation accounts for about 20 percent of federal support to academic institutions for basic research.
NSF receives approximately 30,000 new proposals each year for research, graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, and math/science/engineering education projects; it makes approximately 10,000 new awards. These typically go to universities, colleges, academic consortia, nonprofit institutions, and small businesses. The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, certain oceanographic vessels, and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative research between universities and industry and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.
The Foundation is led by a presidentially appointed Director and governed by the National Science Board (NSB). The Board is composed of 24 members, representing a cross section of American leadership in science and engineering research and education; appointed by the President to 6-year terms, with one-third appointed every 2 years; and selected solely on the basis of established records of distinguished service. The NSF Director is a member ex officio of the Board. In addition to governance of the Foundation, the Board serves the President and the Congress as an independent advisory body on policies affecting the health of U.S. science and engineering and education in science and engineering.
The NSF organizational structure reflects academic organization, with divisions for the various disciplines and fields of science and engineering and science education. However, NSF recognizes that the excitement of science and engineering transcends disciplinary boundaries and that new fields are constantly emerging. NSF staff share review of proposals and funding of awards across programs, divisions, and directorates. NSF also uses a formal management process to coordinate research in selected areas that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Foundation is helped by advisors from the scientific and engineering community and from industry who serve on formal review panels or review proposals by mail. This advisory system, which focuses on both program direction and specific proposals, involves more than 59,000 scientists and engineers a year. NSF program officers who are experts in a certain field or area use reviewer input to make award recommendations; applicants get anonymous verbatim copies of peer reviews and the program officer's explanation of the decision.
Awardees are wholly responsible for doing their research and preparing the results for publication; the Foundation does not assume responsibility for such findings or their interpretation.
NSF welcomes proposals on behalf of all qualified scientists and engineers and strongly encourages women, minorities, and people with disabilities to compete fully in its programs. In accordance with federal statutes and regulations and NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from NSF.
To provide for the fair and equitable selection of the most meritorious research and education projects for support, the National Science Foundation has established criteria for their review and evaluation. These criteria are meant to be applied to all proposals in a balanced and judicious manner, according to the objectives and content of each proposal. Four criteria for the selection of projects by the National Science Foundation are listed below, together with the elements that constitute each criterion.
(1) Competent performance of the research--This criterion relates to the capability of the investigator(s), the technical soundness of the proposed approach, and the adequacy of the institutional resources available.
(2) Intrinsic merit of the research--This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the research will lead to new discoveries or fundamental advances within its field of science or engineering or have substantial impact on progress in that field or in other scientific and engineering fields.
(3) Utility or relevance of the research--This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the research can contribute to the achievement of a goal that is extrinsic or in addition to that of the research field itself and thereby serve as the basis for new or improved technology or assist in the solution of societal problems.
(4) Effect of the research on the infrastructure of science and engineering This criterion relates to the potential of the proposed research to contribute to better understanding or improvement of the quality, distribution, or effectiveness of the Nation's scientific and engineering research, education, and workforce base.
Criteria (1), (2), and (3) constitute an integral set that is applied in a balanced way to all proposals according to the objectives and content of each proposal. Criterion (1), competent performance, is essential to the evaluation of the quality of every proposal. The relative weight given criteria (2) and (3) depends on the nature of the proposed research. Criterion (2), intrinsic merit, is emphasized in evaluating basic research proposals, while criterion (3), utility or relevance, is stressed in evaluating applied research proposals. Criterion (3) also relates to major goaloriented activities that the Foundation carries out, such as those directed at improving the knowledge base underlying science and technology policy, furthering international cooperation in science and engineering, and addressing areas of national need.
Criterion (4), effect on the infrastructure of science and engineering, permits the evaluation of proposals in terms of their potential for improving the scientific and engineering enterprise and its educational activities in ways other than those encompassed by the first three criteria. Included under this criterion are questions relating to scientific and engineering personnel, including participation of women and minorities and persons with disabilities; the distribution of resources with respect to institutions and geographical area; stimulation of quality activities in important but underdeveloped fields; and the use of interdisciplinary approaches to research in appropriate areas.
Any specific criteria that apply to individual programs, while falling within general criteria presented in this section, are contained in relevant program announcements or solicitations.
The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) promotes scientific progress in biology largely through grants to colleges, universities, and other institutions. In addition, support is provided for the following: early development of academic faculty as both educators and researchers through programs such as CAREER (Faculty Early Career Development); research workshops, symposia, and conferences; the purchase of scientific equipment for research purposes; maintenance and improvement of research collections; active research participation grants for undergraduates, research training groups, and postdoctoral research fellowships; and in selected areas, doctoral dissertation improvement grants.
The following programs allow NSF grantees to apply for supplemental funding to support research experiences for faculty, undergraduate students, and high school students. For more information, contact the cognizant program director or refer to the program announcement listed for each activity.
Research Opportunity Awards (ROA )--These supplemental awards are designed for faculty at 2- or 4-year colleges who want to participate in NSF-supported research projects. A request letter should briefly outline the nature of the planned research and include an expression of interest from the host scientist and the curriculum vitae of the guest scientist. These supplements may include (if applicable) summer or partial sabbatical salary and a modest amount for supplies and travel for the participant. For more information, see page 17 in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27).
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Supplements--These supplemental awards allow undergraduate students to participate in NSF-supported research projects by providing support for stipends, supplies, and other reasonable costs. To be eligible for support, a student must be either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must be an undergraduate who will not have received a baccalaureate degree prior to the receipt of the stipend. An REU request letter should be specific with regard to the student's qualifications and role in the research project. We particularly encourage requests that include students from groups traditionally underrepresented in science. For more information, see the program announcement Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF 96-102). REU also offers special training programs through the REU Sites Program. For more information, see the section on "Training" under the Division of Biological Infrastructure, located in this chapter.
Research Assistance for Minority High School Students (RAMHSS)--The purpose of these supplemental awards is to encourage high school students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in U.S. science, to participate in NSF-supported research projects. Please be specific in your letter about the student's minority status, qualifications, and nature of participation in the research. For more information, see the program announcement Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students (NSF 89-39, currently in revision). Additional details on these and other cross-directorate programs can be found in Chapter 9, "Other Programs and Activities."
Deadlines and Target Dates
Proposals for research projects may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed within 6 months if submitted by the target date listed. The earliest possible effective date for an award would be approximately 6 months after the target date. Multiuser instrumentation and instrument development proposals, postdoctoral research fellowships, doctoral dissertation improvement grants, and other special competitions have annual deadline dates. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact program staff concerning questions about target and deadline dates. Unless there is a program announcement stating otherwise, proposals must conform to all format requirements in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27), with special attention to page limitations, font size, and appendix materials (see pages 3 and 10). Some programs or specific competitions have program announcements that provide more details about their activities described in this Guide. These publications can be obtained through the NSF Forms and Publications office or through the program itself.
Areas of Research
The BIO Directorate is organized into four divisions: the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI), the Division of Environmental Biology (DEB), Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBN), and Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB). Incoming proposals are assigned to program officers within these divisions for merit review and recommendation. Support is normally not provided for bioscience research with disease-related goals, including work on the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of physical or mental disease, abnormality, or malfunction in human beings or animals. Animal models of such conditions or the development or testing of drugs or other procedures for their treatment also are not eligible for support.
Review of proposals that have been sent to another federal agency will be suspended until the other agency takes final action. Exceptions are made for proposals from beginning investigators, for conferences or workshops, or for fellowships, and in cases where a proposer and a federal program manager have previously agreed to a joint review and possible joint funding. A beginning investigator is defined as an individual who has not previously been a principal investigator on any federally funded award except a doctoral dissertation improvement grant, fellowship, or research planning grant. Applicants are encouraged to contact a program officer by phone or e-mail concerning their proposals.
Eligibility
The most frequent recipients of support for basic scientific research in the biological sciences are academic institutions and nonprofit research groups. In special circumstances, grants are awarded to other types of institutions and to individuals. In these cases, preliminary inquiry should be made to the appropriate program officer before a proposal is submitted. Support may be provided for projects involving a single scientist or a number of scientists. Awards are made for projects confined to a single disciplinary area and for those that cross or merge disciplinary interests. For more information on cross-disciplinary activities, see Chapter 9, "Other Programs and Activities."
The research programs in the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) are arranged in three clusters: Instrumentation-Related Activities, Research Resources, and Training Opportunities. The following briefly describes the activities and programs in each of these clusters. The program deadline or target date for submission of proposals is also listed.
The Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) supports fundamental research on the origins, functions, relationships, interactions, and evolutionary history of populations, species, communities, and ecosystems. Scientific emphases include biodiversity, molecular evolution, mesoscale ecology, computational biology (including modeling), data base development, conservation biology, global change, and restoration ecology.
DEB also supports (1) the curatorial improvement and computerization of research collections; (2) a network of long-term ecological research sites; (3) doctoral dissertation research; (4) research conferences and workshops; and (5) a variety of NSF-wide activities.
Target Dates
Unless otherwise stated, June 15 and December 15 are the target dates for submission of proposals to all DEB programs listed below. Proposals mailed by a target date will be considered in the next panel review cycleApril or May panel meetings for the December target date and October or November panel meetings for the June target date.
Areas of Research
The research programs in DEB are arranged in three clusters: Systematic and Population Biology, Ecological Studies, and Long-Term Projects in Environmental Biology. The following briefly describes the activities and programs in each of these clusters.
Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER)--Supports investigations of whole ecosystems and their component organisms and processes at sites that represent major biomes. Projects are multidisciplinary and actively encourage collaborative research with nonecological investigators. The deadline date for submission of proposals is announced via special solicitations.
Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB)--Supports smaller studies that focus on evolutionary or ecological phenomena and require long-term investigation. LTREB proposals are reviewed by disciplinary panels. The deadline dates for submission of proposals are June 15 and December 15.
Land-Margin Ecosystem Research (LMER)--A joint activity with the Biological Oceanography Program aimed at understanding land-margin ecosystems and their links with adjacent terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Competitions are announced via special solicitations.
Research Collections in Systematics and Ecology--Support projects for the improvement and preservation of research collections. The program particularly encourages the development of computerized data bases that will be openly available and easily accessible to the research community via electronic networks. The deadline dates for submission of proposals are January 15 and July 15.
Biotic Surveys and Inventories--Focus on collecting and recording the diversity of life on Earth. Collections that are well curated and permanent and the development of computerized data bases are strongly encouraged as end-products of the program's support. The deadline date for submission of proposals is November 15.
The Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBN) supports research aimed at understanding the living organism--plant, animal, microbe as a unit of biological organization. Research focuses on
Synthetic and analytic approaches that address this integration often require advanced computational techniques and interdisciplinary perspectives involving other areas of biology, behavioral science, physical science, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. In addition, the development and use of a wide diversity of organisms as biological models are encouraged to assist both in identifying unifying principles common to all organisms and in documenting the variety of mechanisms that have evolved in specific organisms. Current scientific emphases include biotechnology, biomolecular materials, environmental biology, global change, biodiversity, molecular evolution, plant science, microbial biology, and computational biology (including modeling). Research projects generally include support for the education and training of future scientists.
IBN also supports doctoral dissertation research; research conferences, workshops, and symposia; and a variety of NSF-wide activities.
Areas of Research
The research programs in the IBN Division are arranged in three clusters: Developmental Mechanisms, Neuroscience, and Physiology and Ethology. The following briefly describes the activities and programs in each of these clusters. Activities are not necessarily limited to the specific areas described.
Behavioral Neuroscience--Focuses on the neural regulation of behavioral events ranging from simple movements to complex adaptive and interactive responses. Major activities are sensorimotor integration, biological rhythms, and cognitive functions such as attention, spatial representation, and learning and memory. Approaches that use novel techniques to study behavior within an evolutionary and ecological context are encouraged.
Computational Neuroscience--Focuses on the computational functions of neurons, neural circuits, and nervous systems and encourages the development and testing of mathematical or computer models of neural systems. In addition to experimental studies on animals, the activity also welcomes theoretical approaches for developing innovative, testable concepts that will clarify and extend current experimental observations in all areas of neuroscience.
Developmental Neuroscience--Focuses on the development, regeneration, and aging of the nervous system. Use of model systems to elucidate basic mechanisms and principles that typically apply to many neuronal systems is encouraged. Current studies include aspects of axonal navigation and cell migration, cell lineage and determination, neuronal morphogenesis and neuron-glia interactions, synaptic specificity and plasticity, cell death, and the relationship of neural developmental mechanisms with learning. These studies may employ a wide range of approaches, from the use of cellular and molecular techniques to the study of development at the system or behavioral level.
Neuroendocrinology--Focuses on understanding the diverse relationships between the central nervous system, hormones, and behavior, especially in relation to environmental factors. Of particular interest is how the brain controls endocrine secretion and what effects steroid and peptide hormones have on the brain. Research ranges from the basic mechanisms underlying neuroendocrine development and regulation to the use of molecular biological tools to examine the interaction between physiologically and behaviorally related events and gene expression.
Neuronal and Glial Mechanisms--Uses innovative approaches and techniques such as original model systems to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal and glial cell function, including energy metabolism, ion and substrate transport, and synaptic mechanisms. Major thrusts include the genetic and biophysical bases of a membrane's electrical properties, their regulation by intracellular second messengers, and the integration of metabolism and signaling activity by interactions between neurons and glia in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Sensory Systems--Focuses on the mechanisms by which the nervous system acquires, encodes, and processes information about the environment. This includes research on neural processes at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels and psychophysical correlates of sensory neural processes. Topics include sensory transduction, neural coding and integrative mechanisms, and comparative aspects of sensory capabilities including vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, equilibrium, electrosensation, magnetic sensation, and other senses.
Animal Behavior--Focuses on the mechanisms, development, functions, and evolution of all animal behavior, studied observationally and experimentally in laboratory and natural settings. Specific areas include behavioral ecology and evolution, nonhuman learning and cognition, behavioral genetics, development of behavior, and behavioral physiology and motivation including behavioral endocrinology, animal communication, and animal orientation. These areas are neither limiting nor mutually exclusive, and interdisciplinary collaborations and other projects that integrate diverse approaches to the study of behavior are particularly encouraged.
Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology--Supports research that addresses ecological or evolutionary questions in the areas of evolutionary morphology, comparative physiology, physiological ecology, and biomechanics of plants, animals, protists, fungi, and bacteria, with emphasis on the study of whole organisms, living or extinct. These studies focus largely on how physiological or morphological mechanisms have evolved and how they may influence evolutionary pathways or interactions between organisms and their biotic or physiochemical environment.
Integrative Animal Biology--Focuses on the basic physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and whole-animal levels. Its encompassing theme is "the whole animal as an integrated system." The program includes research on integrative aspects of comparative physiology, functional morphology, endocrinology, epithelial transport, and biomechanics. Studies that focus on the nervous system are supported by the Neuroscience cluster.
Integrative Plant Biology--Supports research on plants as functional units and combines molecular, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to the understanding of plant form and function. Examples include whole-plant, tissue, and organ physiology; sensory mechanisms; and hormonal and environmental regulation of plant function. Examples also include plant physiological interactions with pathogens, nitrogen-fixing organisms, mycorrhizae and other beneficial or pathogenic organisms in the rhizosphere; and interactions with parasites, epiphytes, endophytes, and other commensal interactions. The emphasis is on understanding the physiological and metabolic basis of plant responses to such interactions. Also supported is research on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms through which plant function adapts to accommodate changing environmental conditions.
The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) primarily focuses on research and related activities that contribute to a fundamental understanding of life processes at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels. Programs in the division support fundamental research that will lead to technological innovation and multidisciplinary and small group research projects. Other focus areas include biodiversity and biotechnology, microbial biology, plant biology, theoretical or computational aspects of molecular and cellular studies, molecular evolution, and biomolecular materials. Also considered are proposals for the support of special meetings and workshops--both domestic and international--and a variety of NSF-wide activities. Supplemental funding is available for NSF grantees to support research experiences for faculty from 2- and 4-year colleges through the Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) Program; undergraduate students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program; and high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in U.S. science through the Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students (RAMHS) Program. For more information, contact the program director who administers your grant, or refer to the program announcement listed under each activity.
Target Dates
The target dates for submission of proposals to the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences are January 10 and July 10. Proposals received by the target date will be considered in the next panel review cycle--April or May panel meetings for the January target date and October or November panel meetings for the July target date.
Areas of Research
The research programs in the MCB Division are arranged in four clusters: Biomolecular Structure and Function, Biomolecular Processes, Cell Biology, and Genetics. The following briefly describes the activities and programs in each of these clusters.
Molecular Biochemistry--Emphasizes the correlation of function with the known structure of biological macromolecules and supramolecular structures such as multienzyme complexes, membranes, and viruses. Additional areas of responsibility include ribosomal function; the mechanism and regulation of enzyme and RNA catalysis; biochemical reactions involved in bioenergetic processes and photosynthesis; key biochemical processes involved in protein synthesis and folding; and the synthesis of biomolecular materials. To address these topics, approaches typically include combinations of biochemical, molecular biological, chemical, physical, and genetic techniques that are applied in an integrative manner.
Molecular Biophysics--Supports research on the structure, dynamics, and interactions of biological macromolecules. This includes the determination and study of three-dimensional structure of macromolecules; assembly and architecture of supramolecular structures such as multienzyme units, viruses, membranes, and contractile proteins; energy transduction; structure and dynamics of photosynthetic reaction centers; and mechanisms of electron and proton transfer in biological systems. Typical methodologies include theory and computation; x-ray diffraction; magnetic resonance; optical spectroscopy; specialized microscopy such as atomic force; and mass spectrometry.
Biochemistry of Gene Expression--Supports research using biochemical and molecular biological methods to investigate mechanisms for the replication, expression, transfer, and stability of genetic information, both DNA and RNA. These studies involve primarily in vitro biochemical approaches. Gene expression mechanisms are a major focus that includes transcription and processing of mRNA regulatory features including chromatin architecture, RNA stability, and translational mechanisms. Other areas of study include DNA replication, mutation, and repair.
Metabolic Biochemistry--Supports research on many aspects of the dynamic activities of cells, including characterization of the biochemical pathways and other processes by which all organisms acquire, transform, and utilize energy from substrates and synthesize new small molecules and macromolecular cell components. The diversity of primary and secondary metabolism and mechanisms of metabolic regulation, in response to both internal and external signals, are major topics of interest. Also of interest are biotransformations of environmentally significant compounds; manipulations of metabolism with practical applications; quantitative and temporal aspects of metabolism; integration and subcellular organization of metabolic processes; and the use of new methods and technologies to conduct metabolic studies.
Cellular Organization--Supports studies of the structure, function, and assembly of cellular elements such as the cytoskeleton, membranes, organelles, intracellular compartments, intranuclear structures, and the extracellular matrix including cell walls. This encompasses structural and dynamic aspects of cellular and intracellular motility, meiosis and mitosis, and cell shape and polarity, including the mechanisms of endocytosis, exocytosis, and intracellular trafficking of membranes and macromolecules.
Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation--Supports the study of intracellular and transmembrane signal transduction mechanisms and functions. These include signal reception, second messenger and signaling cascades, cellular mechanisms of recognition and defense, and the regulation of cell cycle progression.
Eukaryotic Genetics--Supports genetic studies of eukaryotic organisms, with the exception of fungi, as experimental organisms. Other research topics include organelle and nuclear genomes, viruses of eukaryotic organisms, and any parasitic or symbiotic interaction at the genetic level. Epigenetic phenomena and molecular evolution are also areas of interest.
Microbial Genetics--Supports genetic studies of eubacteria, archaebacteria, and fungi, including yeast, as experimental organisms. Also supported are studies on the genetics of bacterial viruses and other infectious agents of bacteria and fungi. Investigations of microbial interactions with other organisms are also considered if the emphasis of the study is on the microbe. Studies on molecular evolution of microbial genes are also considered.
Investigators seeking funds for any of the following continuing activities should submit proposals directly to the appropriate disciplinary program(s) by the target date(s) announced for these programs. Information about these activities is available on the BIO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/bio/start.htm.
The programs in the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate improve the fundamental understanding of "computing and information processing" in the broadest sense of the terms, enhance the training of scientists and engineers to contribute to that understanding, and encourage and facilitate the use of state-of-the-art information technologies and computational techniques in scientific and engineering research. Computing and information processing include the creation, representation, storage, transformation, and transmission of information. Special attention is given to the computing and communications technologies--including software--employed to manage these processes and to selected areas of application. Parallel processing, automation and robotics, large-scale integrated electronic systems, scientific computing, human-centered systems, high-confidence systems, knowledge networks, and networking are current areas of emphasis.
CISE is inherently multidisciplinary. In addition to supporting computer and information scientists and engineers, it also encourages their collaboration with scientists and engineers in all NSF-supported disciplines in research and education. Its fields are unique in combining science and engineering methods and in the close coupling of basic and applied research methods. Support to academic institutions is provided through research awards to individuals, groups, and centers; instrumentation grants; research initiation grants; and infrastructure improvement grants.
In addition to supporting research, CISE provides the general scientific community with access to advanced computing and networking capabilities. The national supercomputer centers give access to extremely powerful computing resources, train users, and develop the software required for effective use. Networking activities offer and build a national infrastructure for computer and human interaction, as well as communication for research and education. In addition, CISE supports capabilities for rapid prototyping of microelectronic components and systems for research and education, and educational development through various activities such as educational infrastructure and educational supplements.
The Foundation welcomes proposals from all qualified scientists and engineers and especially encourages those initiated by women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Scientists and engineers initiate proposals that are usually submitted on their behalf by their employing institution, and frequently most recipients of support for basic projects are colleges, universities, and nonprofit research organizations. In special cases (as noted in the introduction to this Guide), grants also go to other types of institutions or individuals. In these cases, a preliminary inquiry should be made to the appropriate program officer before a proposal is submitted. Support may be requested for projects involving one or more researchers. Awards are made for projects in a single discipline and for those that cross or merge disciplinary lines.
Deadline and Target Dates
Many programs in the CISE Directorate have an established deadline or target date for submission of proposals. To confirm a deadline, refer to the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs; the CISE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.cise.nsf.gov; or contact the appropriate program director.
Most programs that do not have an established deadline will accept proposals at any time. It takes approximately 6 months to process a proposal.
For More Information
For further information or answers to specific questions, contact the appropriate CISE division director, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or consult the CISE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.cise.nsf.gov/.
Areas of Research
Several CISE programs described below, such as Research Infrastructure, Instrumentation, and Educational Innovations, encompass all fields of computer and information science and engineering and are managed on a cross-divisional basis.
The Division of Computer and Computation Research (CCR) supports research through the following programs.
Although Theory of Computing is designated as a distinct program, it should be recognized that theory plays an important part in all areas of computer and computation research. Investigators whose use of theoretical techniques is applied to topics within the scope of one of the topic-oriented programs are encouraged to apply to that program.
The Information, Robotics, and Intelligent Systems (IRIS) Division supports research through the following programs.
Proposals Involving Human Subjects
Collectively, the IRIS Division supports research on human-centered information systems and digital libraries. Proposals that involve human subjects or those that use information about individuals must ensure that the subjects are protected from research risks in accordance with the Common Rule on Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 690) and must include the appropriate documentation. For more information, see the section titled "Proposals Involving Human Subjects" on page 12 of the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27).
The Division of Microelectronic Information Processing Systems (MIPS) supports research through the following programs.
Current approaches seek to extend the VLSI design paradigm to novel fabrication technologies, including solid free-form fabrication and micro-electromechanical systems.
Other activities include design tool research that focuses on implementation issues and the physical level of system design, and the support of microelectronics education including workshops, conferences, the development of curricular and courseware materials, and educational support services such as the Metal Oxide Semiconductor Implementation System (MOSIS).
The Division of Advanced Scientific Computing (ASC) supports research through the following programs.
NSF envisions an ACI consisting of one or more leading-edge sites joined together with cooperating partners. Leading-edge sites are expected to maintain high-end hardware systems that are one to two orders of magnitude more capable than those typically available at a major research university. The partners will, collectively, complete the overall infrastructure by, among other things, (1) facilitating research and experimentation with new hardware and software; (2) providing scalable resources for applications and applications development that can be done best on mid-level systems; (3) providing access to unique experimental systems and facilities; and (4) promoting education and training.
The Networking and Communications Research and Infrastructure (NCRI) Division supports research through the following programs.
The Office of Cross-Disciplinary Activities (CDA) supports research through the following activities.
The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) is responsible for the health and continued vitality of the Nation's science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education and for providing leadership in the effort to improve education in these areas. EHR has five major long-term goals.
(1) To help ensure that a high quality school education in science is available to every child in the United States and that it is sufficient to enable those who are interested, to pursue technical careers at all levels, as well as to provide a base for understanding by all citizens.
(2) To help ensure that the educational pipelines that carry all students to careers in science, mathematics, and engineering yield numbers of adequately educated individuals who can meet the needs of the U.S. technical workplace.
(3) To help ensure that those who select a career in a science or engineering discipline have available the best professional undergraduate and graduate education and that opportunities are available at the college level for interested nonspecialists to broaden their scientific backgrounds.
(4) To encourage the development of a cadre of professionally educated and trained teachers to ensure excellence in school education for every student and learner.
(5) To support informal science education programs and to maintain public interest in and awareness of scientific and technological developments.
These goals provide the focus for the various activities of the directorate's seven divisions/offices described in this chapter.
The Division of Educational System Reform (ESR) manages a cadre of programs that encourage and facilitate coordinated approaches to the standards-based reform of science and mathematics education.
Systemic reform relies on partnerships to identify needs, articulate visions, and develop goals, strategies, and activities for improvement of targeted areas. Although each initiative is unique in its approach, all must begin as a collaborative effort among individuals and organizations interested in enhancing educational opportunities for students, and to improve the scientific and technological infrastructure of a State, city, or region. The initiative develops a plan of action that will best utilize existing resources and provide for growth supported by expanding resources.
ESR sponsors programs that catalyze change. Activities include the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI), Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI), and Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI). These cultivate coordination within States, cities, rural areas, school systems, and other organizations involved with education, thereby resulting in a comprehensive impact on curriculum, policy, professional development, assessment, resource allocation, and student performance.
The Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI) Program is a major effort by NSF to encourage improvements in science, mathematics, and engineering education through comprehensive systemic changes in the education systems of the states. State-level initiatives are an important way to reach the more than 15,000 school districts that make up the Nation's diverse school system and seed them with proven, effective methods for encouraging the spread of successful change at every level. Systemic and lasting educational improvements in the United States depend on effective State policies, State adoption of high quality materials and curricula, and well-prepared teachers and administrators. Strong State education programs and policies are vital links between national education goals and classroom implementation of the practices that will help us achieve these goals.
Eligibility
In fiscal year 1996, a competition limited to awardees from the 1991 cohort was held. In fiscal year 1997, a similar competition will be held for awardees from 1992. Currently 17 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are active awardees.
For More Information
For a detailed description of this initiative, write the Statewide Systemic Initiatives Program, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 875, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1682; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI) Program in science, mathematics, and technology education was established in fiscal year 1993 to challenge the Nation's commitment to bring about sustained school reform in its urban centers. Through this initiative, the Foundation targets the cities with the largest numbers of school-age children living in poverty, to launch systemic programs to foster experimentation, accelerate the rate of change, and implement system-wide improvement in mathematics, science, and technology for grades pre-K through 12. "Systemic" refers to fundamental, comprehensive, and coordinated changes in science, mathematics, and technology education through attendant changes in policy, resource allocation, governance, management, content, and pedagogy.
The importance of USI is made apparent by the fact that urban school systems in the United States enroll approximately half of all public school students in grades K through 12. Recent studies point to a continued disparity between the academic performance of these students and that of their counterparts in suburban schools. The challenge is to reduce the gap between these groups while supporting an upward trajectory for all.
The design and implementation of USI engage several organizational components of the Foundation, as well as private foundations, business and industry, and other federal agencies. Principal participants in urban areas must collaborate to develop a rich array of networks and partnerships that will ensure that all children learn quality science and mathematics.
Eligibility
USI Program eligibility includes the 25 cities with the largest number of school-age children (ages 5 to 17) living in economic poverty, as determined by the 1990 census. In addition, three cities in Puerto Rico have recently been identified as eligible to become USIs, bringing the total target group to 28.
Currently 20 cities have received implementation awards.
Deadline
A competition among the remaining eight cities is planned for the second half of fiscal year 1997. The proposal receipt dates have not yet been established. For updates on program deadlines and target dates, refer to the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
For More Information
For further information, write the Urban Systemic Initiatives Program, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 875, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1684; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI) Program completes the trilogy of Educational System Reform efforts. The goal of RSI is to promote systemic improvements in science, mathematics, and technology education for students in rural and economically disadvantaged regions of the Nation, particularly those that have been underserved by NSF programs, and to ensure sustainability of these improvements by encouraging community development activities in conjunction with instructional and policy reform.
Students in rural areas, particularly those characterized by high and persistent poverty, typically receive much less instruction in science and mathematics than do students in suburban or advantaged urban classrooms. Moreover, societal conditions in such areas compound the barriers to students' achievement. Taken together, these circumstances negatively affect the children's chances of pursuing postsecondary degrees or careers that can provide a better quality of life. The cycle of poverty continues for these students, condemning them to low-skill jobs and incomes that decrease in real dollars over the course of their lives.
The premise of RSI is that a variety of educational, economic, and social factors must be aligned to significantly affect the achievement levels of students in disadvantaged circumstances. Therefore, RSI proposals must be submitted on behalf of consortia formed to address curriculum reform, teacher preservice and in-service education, policy restructuring, assessment, and implementation of national standards as well as the economic and social well-being of the targeted regions.
RSI has two programmatic activities: development awards (typically $100,000 to $200,000) and implementation awards (up to $2 million per year for up to 5 years). Only development awardees will be invited to submit proposals for the implementation awards.
Eligibility
Regions that are eligible under RSI are composed of rural counties that have been designated under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's County Types Code as 6-9, and in which 30 percent or greater of the school-age children (ages 5 to 17) are living in economic poverty, as determined by the 1990 census. Proposing consortia must include representatives from State and local education agencies, business and industry, local school districts, community colleges, health and human service agencies, and economic development agencies. State-level agencies or federally funded research and development organizations are not eligible.
Deadline
A competition is planned for fiscal year 1997 for development awards. For information on upcoming program plans and deadlines, refer to the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
For More Information
For further information, write the Rural Systemic Initiatives Program, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 875, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1684; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Programs in the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education (ESIE) work together to provide quality learning opportunities in science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) that comprehensively address the needs of all students, from pre-K through grade 12. Central to its task of promoting quality science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education is the effective utilization of both formal (classroom) and informal education settings; promotion of collaboration and partnerships among major stakeholders; and development of capacity and resources to support systemic education reform. ESIE seeks to achieve these goals by supporting projects that
Proposals are accepted in response to general program announcements and to program solicitations that focus on specific high-priority problems and opportunities. Preliminary interaction with program staff is encouraged.
The division supports projects through the following programs.
The Teacher Enhancement (TE) Program supports professional development projects that lead to new levels of teacher competence, and a supportive school culture that empowers teachers to engage all students in rich and challenging science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education programs. Projects improve, broaden, and deepen the disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge of teachers, and involve administrators and others who play significant roles in providing quality SMT education for students in grades pre-K through 12. Special emphasis is given to projects that implement systemic change, develop leadership infrastructure, and provide research experiences for teachers and students.
Through its Local Systemic Change (LSC) projects, the TE Program enables school systems and their partners to reform the delivery of science and mathematics education in grades K through 8, or mathematics education in grades 7 through 12. These projects represent a shift in focus from professional development of the individual teacher, to that of the teacher within the context of the whole school organization. Teachers become catalysts of change and reflect on their own teaching and learning. New beliefs, skills, and behaviors are learned through inquiry and explored within a supportive culture that itself is engaged in renewal. All LSC projects implement exemplary instructional materials that are consistent with recognized standards for the content and teaching of science, mathematics, and technology.
The TE Program supports additional categories of activities. First, leadership projects develop teachers who have the necessary skills to educate their peers and implement science and mathematics education reform. Selected participants (generally those who can benefit from advanced disciplinary and pedagogical enrichment) are provided leadership development and the follow-up activities needed to support them in their roles as agents of change. Second, projects that integrate research and education provide teachers the opportunity to work beside practicing scientists, mathematicians, and technologists in research-rich environments, to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and processes. Teachers are required to translate their research experiences back to their classrooms.
Third, teacher research projects can also incorporate activities for high-potential and high-ability students, engaging them in meaningful research while developing their awareness of scientific ethics and SMT career opportunities. Teacher/student teams engage in research that is relevant to school curricula, and are required to have support of administrators for implementing research experiences upon return to the school environment. Finally, projects are supported that develop training materials for teachers and instructional SMT leaders in grades pre-K through 12, in order to enhance teacher understanding, adoption, and implementation of standards-based materials and pedagogy.
Eligibility
Any organization with a scientific or educational mission may submit a proposal, including colleges and universities, State and local education agencies, school districts, professional societies, museums, research laboratories, print or electronic media producers, private foundations and industries, and other public and private organizations, whether profit-making or nonprofit. The TE Program especially welcomes proposals that involve the collaboration of individuals or organizations from more than one of these areas.
Deadlines
The target date for receipt of proposals is September 2. A preliminary proposal is required and may be submitted to the TE Program at any time through April 1. If the full proposal to be submitted is a revision of a proposal declined by a previous TE review panel, a preliminary proposal is not required. Planning and conference grants may be submitted at any time. In all cases, the starting date for a project cannot be earlier than 6 months after the proposal submission date.
For More Information
For further information, write the Teacher Enhancement Program, Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1613; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Instructional Materials Development (IMD) Program supports the development of materials and strategies to promote the improvement of science, mathematics, and technology instruction at all levels so students can acquire sophisticated content knowledge, higher order thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. Projects should promote the development and implementation of curricula and materials that are aligned with content and teaching, and assessment standards for science and mathematics, and that incorporate the latest educational technologies. Special emphasis is given to projects that support the development of various strategies and tools to assess student learning, and large-scale assessment instruments that reflect current research on how to measure student progress.
All projects supported by IMD are designed for the success of all students, regardless of background, ability, or future educational plans. They promote students' positive attitudes toward science, mathematics, and technology, and positive perceptions of themselves as learners. By incorporating investigative, hands-on science and mathematics, they facilitate changes in the basic delivery of classroom instruction. Although demonstration models may be funded, projects are expected to be national in scope so that, upon completion, materials will be ready for utilization by teachers and students across the Nation.
Eligibility
Any organization with a scientific or educational mission may submit a proposal, including colleges and universities, State and local education agencies, professional societies, museums, research laboratories, print or electronic media producers, private foundations and industries, publishers, and other public and private organizations, whether profit-making or nonprofit. The IMD Program especially welcomes proposals that involve the collaboration of individuals or organizations from more than one of these areas.
Deadlines
The target date for receipt of proposals is August 15. A preliminary proposal is required and may be submitted to the IMD Program at any time through May 1. If the full proposal to be submitted is a revision of a proposal declined by a previous IMD review panel, a preliminary proposal is not required. Planning and conference grants may be submitted at any time. In all cases, the starting date for a project cannot be earlier than 6 months after the proposal submission date.
For More Information
For further information, write the Instructional Materials Development Program, Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1614; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Informal Science Education (ISE) projects provide rich and stimulating opportunities outside a formal school setting where individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds increase their appreciation and understanding of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Informal learning activities should be self-directed, lifelong, and motivated by intrinsic interests, curiosity, exploration, manipulation, fantasy, task completion, and social interaction. ISE projects take place in diverse environments (e.g., museums of all types, community centers) and involve the use of various media (e.g., broadcast, film, interactive, print). Projects are generally designed to reach large audiences and to have the potential for significant regional or national impact.
The goal of the ISE Program is to promote public understanding of science, mathematics, and technology. To broaden its impact, ISE promotes collaborations that link organizations with similar goals, especially when such projects bridge the informal and formal education communities. Through collaborations, partners combine their resources and expertise to develop more effective strategies for reaching diverse target audiences, particularly those from population groups traditionally underrepresented in science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) disciplines including racial/ethnic minorities, women, rural youth, and inner-city youth. The program also strives to stimulate parents and other adults to become proponents for quality SMT education.
Eligibility
Any organization with expertise in providing informal science education opportunities may submit proposals. These organizations include print or electronic media producers, museums, science and technology centers, zoological parks, arboreta, national community and youth organizations, State and local education agencies, professional societies, private foundations and industries, publishers, and other public and private organizations whether profit-making or nonprofit. The ISE Program especially welcomes proposals that involve the collaborative efforts of individuals or organizations from more than one of these areas.
Deadlines
The target dates for receipt of proposals are June 2 and November 17. A preliminary proposal is required and may be submitted to the program at any time through march 3 and August 1, respectively. If the full proposal to be submitted is a revision of a proposed declined by a previous ISE review panel, a preliminary proposal is not required. Planning and conference grants may be substituted at any time. In all cases, the starting date for a project cannot be earlier than 6 months after the proposal submission date.
For More Information
For further information, write the Informal Science Education Program, Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1616; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
In support of its overall mission to support science, mathematics, engineering, and technology research and education, NSF makes a major investment in pre-K through grade 12 education. NSF supports projects that stimulate parents, including those who serve as parent substitutes (e.g., other relatives, foster parents, day care providers), to become informed, active proponents for high quality and universally available science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education in both school and nonschool settings; and that provide strategies and resources for parents to support their children's SMT education in the home and elsewhere.
The ISE, IMD, and TE Programs will support projects to stimulate the development of innovative materials and strategies that will actively engage large numbers of parents in their children's education and in the SMT education reform. All projects should result in effective dissemination models to maximize their impact.
Deadlines
The target date for receipt of proposals is October 15. A preliminary proposal is required and may be submitted to the program at any time through July 15. Planning grants can be submitted at any time. In all cases, the starting date for a project cannot be earlier than 6 months after the proposal submission date.
For More Information
For further information, write the Informal Science Education Program, Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1616; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
This program, operated by the NSF on behalf of the White House, has provided national recognition for over 2,000 outstanding elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers in all 50 States and territories since its inception in 1983. Award recipients participate in a recognition program in Washington, D.C., where they are honored by the White House, NSF, other federal agencies, the National Academy of Sciences, the business community, and various professional organizations. Awardees also receive a $7,500 grant from NSF to improve science or mathematics education in their schools and districts.
Eligibility
Eligible teachers are those whose primary responsibility is classroom science or mathematics teaching in public or private elementary, middle/junior, or high schools in any of the 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Dependent Schools, or the U.S. Territories. A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience is required.
Deadline
The deadline for State applications is usually mid-March. The applications of the 12 finalists from each State are sent to the National Selection Committee in June. The White House generally announces awardees in the fall.
For More Information
For further information, write the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program, Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-0422; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The ESIE Division, along with the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE), supports projects that strengthen the science and mathematics preparation of technicians who are being educated for the high performance workplace of advanced technologies. ESIE supports exemplary projects in advanced technological education that have a strong secondary school focus. The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program supports the following types of activities involving secondary education: National and Regional Centers of Excellence for Advanced Technological Education; curriculum and instructional materials development, teacher enhancement, and student projects; and workshops, conferences, seminars, studies, and other special projects.
Eligibility
A more detailed description of the ATE Program including information on proposal submission, can be found in the section "Undergraduate Education," elsewhere in this chapter.
Deadlines
Target date for receipt of proposals is October 21. Preliminary proposals are required and may be submitted to the ATE Program at any time through April 29. If the full proposal to be submitted is a revision of a proposal declined by a previous ATE review panel, a preliminary proposal is not required. Planning and conference grants may be submitted at any time. In all cases, the starting date for a project cannot be earlier than 9 months after the proposal submission date.
For More Information
Inquiries about projects in grades K through 12 for the ATE Program should be directed to the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1614.
Inquiries about postsecondary-level projects for the ATE Program should be directed to the Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1668.
Information on either of these programs can be found on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) serves as the focal point for NSF's agency-wide effort in undergraduate education. DUE's programs and leadership efforts aim to strengthen and ensure the vitality of undergraduate education in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology for all students, including
Programs within the division enhance the quality of instruction in the diverse institutions of U.S. higher education, specifically 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. Particular emphasis is placed on improving access for all segments of U.S. society, including populations underrepresented in science, mathematics, and engineering, and in technical and teaching careers.
DUE supports both curriculum and faculty development through projects and leadership activities. Curriculum development programs involve faculty in the creative and continuing renewal of undergraduate courses, curricula, and laboratories. The term "curriculum" is defined broadly to include both course content and instructional methodologies. Projects should reflect the latest research in teaching and learning, including the use of educational technologies. Faculty development programs address the preparation of future faculty as well as the revitalization of current faculty who teach undergraduates. Faculty members who vigorously combine teaching with scholarship are essential to quality education in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology at all levels and in all institutions.
The programs described below are expected to encompass most of the activities supported by the division; however, additional ideas and mechanisms will be considered by DUE staff at any time. Areas currently receiving special attention are technological education, preparation of future teachers for grades K through 12, and interdisciplinary projects
This program supports major improvement in undergraduate education through the development of new or improved courses, curricula, laboratories, and delivery systems, and nationally disseminated products. NSF's role is to encourage and support the intellectual effort necessary to restructure courses and curricula in light of current needs, new technologies, improved teaching methods, and new knowledge within and across disciplines. Activities within this program comprise the following.
The current initiatives, Systemic Changes in the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum and Mathematical Sciences and Their Applications Throughout the Curriculum, are described below.
Chemistry--Supports projects designed to make fundamental changes in the role of the chemistry curriculum within institutions. Projects address the content and organization of the entire chemistry curriculum, including better integration with the curricula in related disciplines such as biology, physics, geology, materials science, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Of particular interest are courses intended for science and engineering majors, including future technicians and future science teachers, and for nonscience majors, including future elementary school teachers.
Proposals will be accepted in June 1997. These proposals must focus on the dissemination of results from the existing five awards in this program through adaptation and adoption of materials and methods from those projects.
Mathematical Sciences and Their Applications Throughout the Curriculum--Promotes broad and significant improvements in undergraduate education that can lead to increased student appreciation of and ability to use mathematics. Comprehensive projects are expected to serve as national models for improving student understanding in the mathematical sciences, encouraging better integration of mathematics into other disciplines, and improving instruction in the mathematical sciences by incorporating other disciplinary perspectives. Projects must be multi- or interdisciplinary in approach, and involve several undergraduate disciplines. In fiscal year 1997, NSF will continue to encourage smaller scale proposals that address the goals of this initiative.
Eligibility
Proposals will be accepted for curriculum development programs from any organization or consortium with a scientific or educational mission.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of proposals for Course and Curriculum Development Projects, dissemination projects for the Chemistry Initiative, and for the Mathematical Sciences Initiative is June 9, 1997. Proposals are not being accepted for the Chemistry Initiative at this time, except for the dissemination projects described above; however, proposals in chemistry continue to be accepted as Course and Curriculum Development Projects. You may consult the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, for updates on the closing date for the Institution-Wide Reform Program.
For More Information
For guidelines on proposal preparation, see the publication Undergraduate Education (NSF 96-10). A program announcement (NSF 96-74) is available for the Institution-Wide Reform of Undergraduate Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Program that contains additional information about the program.
For further information on these and other curriculum development programs, write the Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Development Program, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1681; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement (ILI) Program supports projects that improve the teaching of undergraduate laboratories at all levels, and that generate new and improved approaches to laboratory and field-based instruction including innovative use of educational technologies. The program provides matching funds to purchase the equipment necessary to carry out the project. The Leadership in Laboratory Development component (formerly part of the ILI Program) has been combined with the Course and Curriculum Development Program (see description above), beginning in fiscal year 1997.
Eligibility
Faculty from all science, mathematics, and engineering departments at any college or university in the United States or its territories, are eligible to compete for these grants.
Deadline
The closing date for submission of proposals in 1996 was November 15. The closing date for submission of proposals in 1997 will be November 14.
For More Information
For guidelines on proposal preparation, see the publication Undergraduate Education (NSF 96-10). For further information, write the Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Program, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1667; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE), along with the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education (ESIE), supports projects that strengthen science and mathematics preparation of technicians who are being educated for the high performance workplace of advanced technologies. The Advanced Technological Education (ATE)Program supports projects that focus on one or more aspects of curriculum development, faculty and teacher preparation and enhancement, institutional materials development, technical experiences for students, and instrumentation and laboratory improvement. The program also supports a few Centers of Excellence in Advanced Technological Education to provide systemic approaches to technological education and conferences, workshops, symposia, design and planning projects, studies, and other projects that lead to a better understanding of issues in advanced technological education.
Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted from 2-year colleges, 2-year college systems, consortia of 2-year colleges, other associate degree-granting institutions, and consortia of other appropriate organizations and institutions such as school districts, 4-year colleges and universities, professional societies, and nonprofit educational research and development groups that include 2-year colleges in leadership roles. Proposals from a formal consortium should be submitted by the consortium; proposals from an informal consortium should be submitted by one member of the consortium.
Deadline
The closing date for submission of preliminary proposals is April 22,1997; the date for formal proposals the date is October 21, 1997.
For More Information
For guidelines on preproposal and proposal preparation, see the publication Undergraduate Education (NSF 96-10).
Direct inquiries about postsecondary-level projects for the ATE Program to the Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1668.
Direct inquiries about) projects in grades K through 12 for the ATE Program to the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1614.
Further information on the ATE Program in DUE and in ESIE, is available on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
This program promotes comprehensive change in the undergraduate education of future teachers by supporting cooperative multiyear efforts to increase substantially, the quality and number of teachers who are well prepared in science and mathematics, especially those who are members of underrepresented groups. Collaboratives feature creative design in both content and method of teaching courses and curricula in mathematics and science. Collaboratives incorporate innovative approaches such as the integration of mathematics, science, and engineering; the use of advanced technologies; applications to engineering and technology; and new methods of student assessment appropriate to teaching methodologies. Collaboratives must include the leadership and participation of faculty members in science, mathematics, and engineering departments in collaboration with colleagues in education departments, and in the K through grade 12 community.
Proposals for teacher preparation that are smaller in scale than a collaborative effort are welcome in the other programs within DUE.
Eligibility
A collaborative will typically involve a consortium of partners that may include comprehensive and research universities, 2- and 4-year colleges, schools and/or school districts, community organizations, and the private sector. Partnerships should reflect existing or desirable national and regional relationships.
Deadlines
The deadline date for preliminary proposal submission for a collaborative is April 1, 1997; the deadline for formal proposals the date is September 15, 1997.
For More Information
For guidelines on preproposal and proposal preparation, see the publication Undergraduate Education (NSF 96-10). For further information, write the NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1669; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
This program supports activities that help faculty members who are primarily engaged in the instruction of undergraduates, to gain experience with recent advances in their fields, new experimental techniques, effective teaching methods, and ways of incorporating these into undergraduate instruction. The program also serves as a vehicle for dissemination and adaptation of model courses and materials developed under DUE's programs in curriculum and laboratory improvement. Projects are regional or national in scope, typically consist of hands-on short courses or workshops, and include follow-up activities that encourage sustained interaction among participants. A major component of the program is regional coalitions between 2- and 4-year institutions.
Eligibility
Proposals will be accepted from any organization with the scientific expertise and facilities to conduct the described activities. The subject matter of the faculty enhancement activity may be drawn from any field of science, engineering, mathematics, and technology normally supported by NSF.
Deadline
The closing date for submission of proposals is June 9, 1997.
For More Information
For guidelines on proposal preparation, see the publication Undergraduate Education (NSF 96-10). For further information, write the Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement Program, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1669; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The programs in the Division of Graduate Education (DGE) promote the early career development of scientists and engineers by providing fellowships and traineeships, thereby helping to ensure a steady flow of diverse, high-ability students through the educational and research training systems.
Fiscal year 1996 was the last year of Presidential Faculty Fellowships (PFF) competition. The PFF Program has been replaced by the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Program. PECASE will be managed jointly by the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Coordinating Committee and the Office of Science and Technology Infrastructure (OSTI). For more information on PECASE, see Chapter 10, "Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education."
The division supports projects through the following programs.
Graduate and Minority Graduate Fellowships promote the future strength of the Nation's scientific, engineering, and technological base, and reinforce the diversity of that base. NSF Graduate Fellowships offer recognition and 3 years of support for advanced study to approximately 1,000 outstanding graduate students in all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Of these, approximately 150 awards will be made in the Minority Graduate competition and approximately 850 in the Graduate competition. Approximately 90 awards will be in the Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science components. For fiscal year 1997 awards, the stipend for each fellow is $14,400 for a 12-month tenure; an annual cost-of-education allowance of $9,500 is made available to the awardee's institution for each year of tenure in lieu of tuition and fees.
Eligibility
To be eligible for these nationwide merit competitions, candidates must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States, and at or near the beginning of their graduate study. Competition in the Minority Graduate component is open only to those individuals who are otherwise eligible, and who are Native American (American Indian or Alaskan Native), Black (African American), Native Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.
For More Information
The publication Graduate and Minority Graduate Research Fellowships (NSF 96-122) contains a detailed program description and guidelines for application. For fiscal year 1997 applications, write the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 3010, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-3010; or contact by phone, (423) 241-4300, or by e-mail, nsfgrfp@orau.gov; or consult the ORAU Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.orau.gov/.
The Graduate Research Traineeships (GRT) Program is designed to increase the number of talented undergraduates enrolling in doctoral programs in critical and emerging areas of science and engineering at U.S. institutions. Graduate student support is provided to high quality doctorate-granting departments in the form of traineeship positions. The colleges and universities receiving awards are responsible for the selection and retention of trainees and for administration of their grants.
Deadline
When available, information will be announced on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Graduate Education, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 907, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1630.
At the request of the Department of State, NSF administers a program of NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships to promote a closer collaboration among the scientists and engineers of member and cooperation partner nations. Approximately 35 awards are made each year to
The program provides a monthly stipend of $2,750 plus dependency and travel allowance for a tenure of 12 months.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who have received their doctorates within the past 5 years or who will have done so by the start of their tenure may apply for a NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships. Visiting scientists and engineers from cooperation partner countries who are within 5 years of their doctoral degree, are eligible to be nominated by U.S. institutions.
For More Information
The guidelines for 1997 applications should be available in the fall of 1996. For further information regarding NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships, write the NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships Program, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 907, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1696; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Foundation awards travel grants of $1,000 each to enable young U.S. scientists to attend select NATO Advanced Study Institutes (ASI) held predominantly in the NATO member countries of Europe. These 2- to 3-week instructional courses conducted by notable scientists and engineers are scheduled throughout the year, although the majority of them are held during the summer.
Eligibility
The director of a NATO Advanced Study Institute may nominate a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident who is a graduate student or who has received a Ph.D. within the past 3 years and has been accepted at a NATO institute. Lists of institutes appear in the final January editions of the publications Nature, New Scientist, Science, and La Recherche.
For More Information
For further information, write the ASI Travel Awards Program, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 907, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1694; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Foundation announces a newly created competition for Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education (PFSMETE). In fiscal year 1997, the Foundation hopes to support up to 20, 2-year fellowships for study and research at the early career postdoctoral level, each under the guidance of skilled, experienced educators and mentors.
The primary objectives of the program will be
Eligibility
Details are currently being determined and when available, will be posted on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov.
Deadline
The deadline for this program had not been determined at the printing of this publication.
For More Information
Contact the Division of Graduate Education in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 907, Arlington, Virginia 22230.
The programs in the Division of Human Resource Development (HRD) reflect the Foundation's commitment to developing the resources of the scientific and technical community as a whole. The division has primary responsibility for broadening participation of underrepresented groups in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET). The division operates and coordinates a range of programs that focus on increasing the presence of underrepresented minorities, women and girls, and persons with disabilities in science and engineering. The approach includes
The Foundation considers the improved preparation and advancement of underrepresented minorities in SMET at all educational levels, to be of prime importance to the Nation. Consequently, the Foundation has redesigned and enhanced its initiatives aimed at developing minority student talent, and at strengthening the capabilities of institutions that serve large numbers of these students at all educational levels. Underrepresented minority groups in SMET are Native Americans (American Indians or Alaskan Natives), Blacks (African Americans), Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics.
Current HRD efforts for minority and other students are focused on two major objectives--student development and strengthening the capabilities of minority institutions. These efforts are described below.
These programs represent a coherent effort to stimulate organizational and institutional change to markedly improve the quality of educational opportunities available to minority and other students; and to increase the quality and quantity of these students pursuing degrees in SMET. Overall NSF goals for the decade are (1) to double the current number of high school graduates with both interest in and adequate preparation for further studies in SMET; (2) to increase the B.S. degree attainment of students in SMET threefold, to an annual rate of 50,000; and (3) to increase minority student attainment of Ph.D.s in SMET sixfold, to an annual rate of 2,000.
These programs are grouped under three areas of focus: precollege, undergraduate, and graduate. The following further describes these areas.
The precollege program enhances career access by stimulating and supporting elementary and secondary students' interests in mathematics and science.
Award Size and Duration
Awards provide up to $200,000 for the first year, and up to $800,000 a year in support for the next 4 years.
Eligibility
City school systems eligible to participate in CPSMA are those that are not eligible to participate in the Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI) Program, and that have not received a Local Systemic Change (LSC) Program award.
This is an endeavor to (1) increase the number of minority and other students who successfully complete baccalaureates in SMET and (2) increase the number of students continuing on for related graduate degrees through scholarships and outreach assistance.
Award Size and Duration
The award size of an AMP project depends on the extent and scope of the activities being undertaken. However, the NSF contribution to a project will not normally exceed $1 million per year. Awards will initially be made for up to 5 years.
Eligibility
Academic institutions that have a track record of producing minority and other students in SMET disciplines are eligible to apply to all programs under this initiative. Nonprofit organizations serve as members of the alliance or partnership.
Deadlines
There is an annual deadline date for both precollege and undergraduate minority student development programs. These dates vary by program. The fiscal year 1998 deadline dates will be announced in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. Detailed guidelines for proposals are contained in the publication Human Resource Development for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering in Education and Research (NSF 96-144).
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Human Resource Development, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 815, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1640; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Foundation recognizes that academic institutions with significant minority student enrollments play a vital role in conducting research that contributes to our knowledge-base in all disciplines, and in educating minority students who go on to careers in SMET. The HRD Division operates the following program, designed to strengthen the research and training base at these institutions.
Eligibility
Institutions participating in CREST are those that have at least a 50 percent enrollment of minority students who are underrepresented in SMET; graduate programs in NSF-supported fields of science or a baccalaureate program in engineering; demonstrated strengths in NSF-related fields as evidenced by an existing or developing capacity to offer doctoral degrees in one or more SMET disciplines; a willingness and capacity to serve as a regional resource center; and a demonstrated commitment to enrolling and graduating minority scientists and engineers.
Award Size and Duration
CREST implementation awards provide up to $1 million each year, for an initial award period of 5 years, to implement a comprehensive research and training improvement plan. Subsequent funding for additional years may be available if the following criteria are being met: (1) a sufficient research quality base has been developed; (2) minority students are attaining SMET degrees; and (3) there is high potential for continued institutional enhancement in the CREST-supported disciplines. However, no institution will receive more than 10 years of support.
Deadline
The program will accept new proposals in fiscal year 1997. Proposals must be postmarked by December 1 of each competition year. Detailed guidelines for proposals are contained in the publication Human Resource Development for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering in Education and Research (NSF 96-144).
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Human Resource Development, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 815, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1640; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Two of the major goals in the national policy on science and technology are the production of the finest scientists and engineers for the twenty-first century, and scientific literacy for all. One strategy to maximize the Nation's demonstrated excellence in the production of scientists and engineers is to actively increase the participation of talent reflective of the Nation's diversity.
Mentoring and role modeling are recognized to be important ingredients in the development of talent among groups traditionally underrepresented in science, mathematics, and engineering. Therefore, in 1996, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), through its National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), established the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring Program.
Under this program, the awards recognize outstanding mentoring efforts and programs that have enhanced the participation of individuals from groups underrepresented in these fields, namely, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The awardees serve as exemplars to their colleagues and will be leaders in the national effort to more fully develop the Nation's human resources in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Administered by the NSF, each award includes a grant in the amount of $10,000 and a Presidential commemorative certificate. Approximately twenty (10 individual and 10 institutional) one-time awards will be made annually. Each awardee will be invited to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony; recognition events and meetings with leaders in federal sector education and research; and workshops and symposia focusing on effective mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.
Eligibility
Awards are made to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a significant number of students at the K through grade 12, undergraduate, or graduate education level; or to institutions or organizations that, through their programming, have enabled a substantial number of students underrepresented in science, mathematics, and engineering, to successfully pursue and complete the relevant degree programs. It is expected that awards would be directed back into the recognized activity.
Deadline
The individual, institution, or organization must be nominated by a colleague, administrator, institution, organization, or student. Deadline dates for participation in fiscal year 1997 will be announced in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
For More Information
For more information, write the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring Program, Division of Human Resource Development, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 815, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1640.
Projects addressing the participation of women and girls in science and engineering are encouraged in all programs within the EHR Directorate. Because women are underrepresented in most disciplines, the HRD Division supports focused interventions that are specifically directed at increasing the number of women as full participants in the mainstream of the Nation's scientific and technological enterprise.
Eligibility
Eligible institutions and organizations include colleges and universities; nonprofit, nonacademic groups such as professional associations, museums, private foundations, and youth-centered and community-based organizations; and State and local governments, including school districts.
Award Size and Duration
The annual award size will depend on the nature and scope of the project, with a maximum funding level of $300,000 per year. Projects will have a maximum duration of 3 years. Subsequent funding after the first year will be contingent on satisfactory progress, as defined in the evaluation plan and reported to NSF, as well as on the availability of funds.
Deadline
Preliminary proposals with a budget over $100,000 have a target date of January 2. Formal proposals must be submitted by May 1. Preliminary proposals with budgets under $100,000 have a target date of October 1, and formal proposals with budgets under $100,000 have a target date of February 1. Detailed guidelines for proposals are contained in the publication EHR Activities for Women and Girls in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (NSF 96-131).
Eligibility
Eligible institutions and organizations include colleges and universities; nonprofit, nonacademic groups such as professional associations, museums, private foundations, and youth-centered and community-based organizations; and State and local governments including school districts but not individual schools. Only one proposal per organization per year will be accepted. Brief (maximum five pages), informal preliminary proposals are required; the proposers will be notified in writing whether they are encouraged to submit formal proposals.
Award Size and Duration
Support for symposia, workshops, conferences, and publications will not exceed $75,000. The award size for other types of projects that relate to the nature of this effort will not exceed $100,000.
Deadline
Proposals may be submitted at any time; however, a preliminary proposal is required. Conference requests should be made at least 12 months prior to the proposed activity date. Detailed guidelines for proposals are contained in the publication EHR Activities for Women and Girls in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (NSF 96-131).
For More Information
For further information, write the Program for Women and Girls, Division of Human Resource Development, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 815, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1637, or by e-mail, hrdwomen@nsf.gov; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Activities for Persons with Disabilities Program is committed to bringing about needed change in academic and professional climates. The program's goals are to develop new methods of teaching science and mathematics, to increase the awareness and recognition of the needs and capabilities of students with disabilities, to promote the accessibility and appropriateness of instructional materials and educational technologies, and to increase the availability of mentoring resources. In short, efforts are dedicated to changing the factors wherein neglect, paucity, and indirection historically have stifled the early interest in science and mathematics shown by students with disabilities and that have impeded the advancement of these individuals as they prepared themselves for careers in science, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Although the Foundation encourages persons with disabilities to participate fully in NSF-supported programs, the HRD Division has initiated efforts focused on (1) eliminating barriers in science, engineering, and mathematics studies that prevent the participation of students with disabilities; (2) changing the attitudes of the education community and the public in general, about the potential of persons with disabilities; and (3) offering aid for adaptive technologies and assistance to allow students, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to participate in NSF-supported research projects.
Eligibility
Eligible institutions and organizations include universities and colleges; nonprofit, nonacademic institutions such as professional associations, museums, private foundations, and youth-centered and community-based organizations; and State and local governments, including school districts.
Award Size and Duration
Supports projects for up to $100,000 for 1 year. The Foundation recognizes that 1 year may not be sufficient to conduct a project, complete necessary analysis, and prepare reports for dissemination. Proposals that require 2 year's duration will be accepted.
Deadlines
Preliminary proposals must be received no later than July 15. Proposers will be notified in writing within 4 weeks whether they are encouraged to submit a formal proposal. Formal proposals must be received no later than October 1.
Eligibility
Eligible institutions and organizations include universities and colleges; nonprofit, nonacademic institutions such as professional associations, museums, private foundations, and youth-centered and community-based organizations; and State and local governments including school districts.
Award Size and Duration
Support is limited to $100,000 per year for a maximum of 2 years. Budgets for workshops may include participant support for transportation, subsistence, publication of proceedings, and other conference-related costs.
Deadlines
Preliminary proposals (maximum five single-spaced pages) are required. Proposers will be notified in writing within 4 weeks whether they are encouraged to submit a formal proposal. Formal proposals must be received no later than October 1.
Eligibility
Individuals with disabilities eligible for this support include principal investigators and other senior professionals and graduate and undergraduate students.
Award Size
No maximum amount has been set for requests; however, it is expected that the cost, which includes equipment adaptation and installation, will not be a major portion of the total proposed budget for the projects.
Deadlines
There is an annual deadline for each NSF program to receive FASED proposals. The dates vary by program. Deadline dates will be announced in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. Detailed guidelines for proposals are contained in the publication Activities in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics for Persons with Disabilities (NSF 96-88) or the brochure, Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers With Disabilities (NSF 91-54).
For More Information
For further information, write the Program for Persons with Disabilities, Division of Human Resource Development, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 815, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1636; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) increases the research and development (R&D) competitiveness of eligible States through development of the science and technology (S&T) talent residing in their major research universities. It does so by stimulating sustainable S&T infrastructure improvements at the State and institutional levels that add measurable value to the existing situation, and by accelerating the transition of EPSCoR researchers and institutions into the mainstream of federal and private sector R&D support.
Adopting a proactive role, NSF cooperates with State leaders in government, higher education, and business to establish productive long-term partnerships. In each State, NSF's role is catalytic in nature and is designed to stimulate local action that will result in lasting improvements to the State's academic research infrastructure. Infrastructure within the context of EPSCoR relates to new resource flows generated through changes in organizational structures, policies, programs, and practices that will support enhanced research competitiveness beyond the duration of the EPSCoR award. It also encompasses new modes of interuniversity collaboration and new working relationships between and among universities, federal agencies, State government(s), private sector, and other stakeholder communities within a State or region. Significant local investment in graduate research and training is a characteristic of the NSF/State partnership. During the history of EPSCoR, NSF has invested over $150 million, and the States have provided over $300 million in support of increased R&D competitiveness.
Eligibility
EPSCoR operates within 18 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. These States are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Deadline
The deadline for submission or proposals is determined by the EPSCoR solicitation among the eligible participants.
For More Information
For further information, write the EPSCoR Office, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 875, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1683; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Since its inception in 1992, the Division of Research, Evaluation, and Communication (REC) has supported projects that help bridge research to classroom practices, especially those that lay foundations for the use of technology. REC programs foster systemic thinking about development and delivery of science and mathematics instruction and measure change in educational programs by evaluating how EHR programs work. Through fiscal year 1996, REC supported several programs across three broad activity areas essential to EHR and education communities outside of NSF. Those activity areas were fundamental research and technology implementation; policy-oriented studies and indicators; and outcomes and outreach.
During 1996, the division undertook a substantial reconceptualization of its role in enabling the processes of systemic education reform. Building on lessons learned and advances in research and development, REC reformulated its three broad activity areas and simultaneously sharpened its focus on investments that enhance the quality and impact of SMET education.
In fiscal year 1997, the REC Division will sponsor (singularly or jointly with other directorates, where indicated) the following programs.
The REPP Program will support cultivation of a research base for implementing innovative K through 16 (elementary, secondary, and undergraduate) reform strategies, as well as ways of improving graduate, professional, informal, and lifelong learning. REPP complements the NSF-wide initiative on Learning and Intelligent Systems (LIS), including Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies (CRLT), which are further described in Chapter 10, "Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education."
REPP strives to assemble a diverse, interdisciplinary portfolio that addresses the many dimensions of SMET reform through theory, research, development, demonstration, and implementation. The program will serve the EHR implementation agenda by building a knowledge base of ideas, practices, and policy alternatives that can significantly affect the education of all students, and help produce and synthesize results that are of immediate application by various stakeholders in quality education (i.e., practitioners, administrators, policy-makers, software developers, scholars). REPP consolidates the foci formerly supported by the Application of Advanced Technologies, Research in Teaching and Learning, and Studies and Indicators Programs.
Research foci appropriate for consideration under the REPP Program are the following:
Data, Methodology, and Theory--How the collection, presentation, use, and interpretation of measurements can inform researchers and decision-makers. New studies are invited, especially those featuring longitudinal data or meta-analyses, that provide decision-makers and the general public with national and international measures of the inputs, processes, and educational outcomes of the current SMET educational system.
Policy--Issues of governance that affect both ongoing practice and the perception of whole systems, schools, teachers, and students, including matters of finance, access, curriculum, assessment, and professional development. Studies should analyze major factors, trends, choices, and practices to assist stakeholder communities in recognizing, adapting, and institutionalizing improvements in pedagogy and materials.
Practice--How those at the sites where formal or informal education occurs can effect change through research and analysis. How observations, findings, and prototypes generated at particular sites can be applied to hypothesis-testing and theory-building more generally about the practice of systemic reform.
Technology--How tools that link individuals and institutions dispersed in space and across cultures can be used to teach and learn the changing content of science and mathematics; how the evolving capacity of computers, including high performance computing and communications, can improve the teaching and learning of increasingly complex content, and alter what is taught through the power of technology to represent and manipulate concepts, processes, and knowledge.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include single investigators or research teams at public and private 2- and 4-year colleges and universities, and other organizations and associations with an education mission (e.g., local school systems, community-based organizations, think tanks, industry, etc.).
Deadlines
Preliminary proposals are required no later than September 15 and March 15 (although they are reviewed on a continuing basis throughout the year); full proposals must be postmarked no later than December 1 or June 1 to be considered for an award.
For More Information
A detailed program announcement is available from the NSF Forms and Publications Office by telephone, (703) 306-1130, or by e-mail, pubs@nsf.gov; and on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/. The REC Division can be reached by telephone at (703) 306-1650.
The Learning and Intelligent Systems (LIS) Initiative is an NSF-wide program that encompasses the study of learning in natural and artificial systems. The goal of LIS is to energize radical and rapid advances in our understanding of learning, creativity, and productivity, as well as develop the tools that will enhance the human ability to learn and create.
LIS seeks to integrate and foster synergy among basic research in numerous disciplines that study natural and artificial "learning," including human and developmental psychology, computational neuroscience, neuroengineering, intelligent control theory, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, linguistics, animal psychology, machine learning, education and educational technology, computer science, systems theory, mathematics, and statistics.
Funded projects are expected to support the creation of new research paradigms by encouraging the weaving together of common threads among multiple disciplines. The initiative will support high risk interdisciplinary research not otherwise funded under existing NSF programs.
The initiative's goal of enhancing the ability to learn and create will be achieved by fostering connections between natural and artificial systems and by developing a sophisticated understanding of human learning, systems integration, and intelligent behavior, coupled with research and development on enabling technologies.
Projects should be characterized by their potential to make great strides in deepening the knowledge-base rather than by taking incremental steps.
Multidisciplinary research teams, cultivating new, innovative collaborations built on prior efforts, are seen as appropriate for successful projects. LIS should promote cooperation among relevant research communities and nurture scientific discussions across disciplinary boundaries. Proposals must have core research content related to learning in both natural and artificial systems, spanning more than one discipline, and more than one NSF directorate. Participating directorates include Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Education and Human Resources, Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
Priority for funding of LIS projects will be given to proposals in which the cross-disciplinary links involve a serious sharing or blending of paradigms, models, and empirical validation criteria, as well as to proposals that have the potential to break new ground, mobilize new human resources, and lead to fundamental changes in methodology.
In fiscal year 1996, NSF established the Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies (CRLT) Program as a first step in defining the scope of LIS. The objective of CRLT was to stimulate research on the integration of technology with learning at all levels of education, including self-directed and lifelong learning. Funding and management of CRLT came from EHR and three NSF research directorates. Twelve planning awards for CRLT Centers were made in fiscal year 1996. In fiscal year 1997, the goals of the CRLT activity will be incorporated into the LIS initiative. The continuing CRLT component of LIS seeks proposals for collaborative projects that contribute to the creative integration of basic research in education with basic research in information technology, as well as projects to establish one or more (real or virtual) Centers for Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies.
Eligibility
Please refer to the program announcement (see "For More Information" below) for specific details on eligible researchers, institutions, etc.
Deadlines
Preproposals are required and must be received by February 7, 1997. Full proposals are by invitation only, and must be received by May 15, 1997.
For More Information
The program announcement Learning and Intelligent Systems Initiative (NSF 97-18) is available from the NSF Forms and Publications Office by telephone, (703) 306-1130, or by e-mail, pubs@nsf.gov; and on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/. The Research, Evaluation, and Communication Division can be reached by phone at (703) 306-1650.
The Evaluation Program has a 5-year plan to evaluate the science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education initiatives of NSF. Evaluation findings may be used by the Foundation to improve science education programs by principal investigators as they direct their own education projects and by policy-makers, administrators, and members of the instructional workforce who implement and adapt the various products of NSF programs, including materials, computer software, teaching strategies, or research findings. Evaluations and impact studies are produced under competitively awarded contracts by outside organizations. The program also may accept proposals and grant funds for the development of innovative techniques, approaches, and methodologies for the general improvement of the field.
The Communication Program coordinates activities within the EHR Directorate that advance understanding of education reform and the methods, policies, and practices under which effective reform takes place and is sustained.
REC communication and outreach activities are intended to enhance public understanding of SMET education reform strategies so that citizens can make informed choices about the direction of reform in their communities and schools, and to increase the impact of EHR programs by providing to a variety of audiences (especially practitioners, information that summarizes and synthesizes the findings, outcomes, and lessons learned from EHR-supported projects.
The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) makes catalytic investments in knowledge creation and intellectual growth that can in turn spur technological innovation and economic growth in an increasingly swift, complex, and interconnected world. Although the research supported by ENG is fundamental in nature, much of it focuses on societal needs. Over the long term, ENG investments contribute to an innovation system that enables the creation of valuable new products, new services, and new and more productive enterprises that enhance the Nation's future economic strength, security, and quality of life.
Engineering research and education often require creative contributions from several different disciplinary perspectives. Worthy proposals from groups of intermediate size that involve a diverse mix of faculty expertise and student experiences receive increased emphasis for the opportunities they provide to address significant new issues with a synergistic approach.
Overall, NSF provides about 33 percent of the total federal support for fundamental engineering research at U.S. universities and colleges. More than 70 percent of the directorate's funding is used to provide grants to individual investigators and small groups.
To amplify its efforts, ENG focuses on facilitating dynamic partnerships among industry, academe, other federal agencies, State and local governments, professional societies, and foreign countries. For example, strong support is given to the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) Program. GOALI awards bring university and industry collaborators together at the conceptual phase of a research and education endeavor. Strengthening these intellectual connections increases the value of engineering education and fundamental research to the private sector and opens up exciting new areas of inquiry for university researchers. (For more information on GOALI, see Chapter 10, "Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education.")
The directorate's six divisions are as follows.
The Bioengineering and Environmental Systems
(BES) Division is concerned with expanding the
knowledge base of bioengineering; extending engineering methodologies to include the solution of problems in the
biological, medical, and ocean sciences; employing
biological principles for the development of innovative
engineering methods and systems; and exploring basic
engineering
concepts and systems to enable sustainable development.
The Chemical and Transport Systems (CTS) Division funds research that contributes to the knowledge base of a large number of industrial manufacturing processes that involve the transformation and transport of matter and energy. The transformation process may be chemical, biological, physical, or a combination of these. The industrial processes involve a wide range of technological pursuits and are found in such industries or areas as aerospace, electronics, chemicals, recovery of natural resources, civil infrastructure, environment, petroleum, biochemicals, materials, food, power generation, and allied activities.
CTS supports research that involves the development of fundamental engineering principles, process control and optimization strategies, mathematical models, and experimental techniques, with an emphasis on projects that have the potential for innovation and broad application in areas such as environment, materials, and chemical processing. Special emphasis is on environmentally benign chemical and material processing.
The Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) Division seeks to improve and expand fundamental engineering knowledge in the broad areas of mechanics, structures, geomedia, constructed systems, industrial materials engineering, and their integration in civil infrastructure systems. It also seeks to increase the basic engineering understanding of potentially destructive natural phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, sea level rise, greenhouse effects, expanding and collapsing soils, destructive winds, landslides, tsunamis, and storm surges and to develop techniques to mitigate their impacts on society. Support is given for research that will improve existing construction and industrial processes; create new technology in areas such as the formulation and processing of innovative engineering materials; improve the management of contaminant transport in geomedia; enhance the performance and service life of machines and equipment; improve the development of underground space; and create more efficient construction techniques for large-scale structures.
The Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation (DMII) seeks to improve the intellectual foundations of design and manufacturing systems by identifying key research issues in partnership with industry, government, and academe and by funding research and education in the areas of design, manufacturing systems, manufacturing equipment, manufacturing processes, management of technological innovation, operations research, and production systems to generate new knowledge to address those issues. Additionally, through NSF's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, DMII supports research leading to the improvement of U.S. industrial productivity and commercialization of new knowledge through outreach to the small business community.
The Electrical and Communications Systems (ECS) Division supports research and education activities that develop fundamental engineering knowledge essential for innovation and advances in systems that underpin an information-rich, knowledge-oriented technological society, and that yield engineering graduates with the diverse set of skills needed for productive careers. The division's activities are designed to advance core electrical engineering competencies that impact engineering systems, by focusing upon the physical foundations of key enabling technologies and upon systems control, optimization, and computational strategies. The division also seeks to stimulate integrative systems-oriented activities and collaborative research environments which promote the infusion of research and education advances generated in the ECS community with linkages to other engineering and science communities. The division also provides support for specialized resources and infrastructure that can enhance the academic endeavors.
The Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) Division seeks to stimulate new paradigms in engineering research and education that will accelerate technological innovation and improve the quality and diversity of engineering graduates who are entering the technical workforce. To achieve its mission, EEC facilitates partnerships across sectors. Disciplines are integrated to focus on technological systems, academe is linked with industry and the States, and diverse academic institutions are joined in curricular and educational innovations. The objective is to yield well-rounded, professionally oriented engineers with a global outlook and the ability to assume leadership roles in industry, academe, and society.
Eligibility
Most awards result from unsolicited proposals, which should be prepared according to the guidelines set forth in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27). In addition to the proposal format described in the GPG, investigators should be cognizant of any guidelines specific to the program area that best matches the intellectual content of their proposal. Proposers may wish to discuss their idea with an NSF program officer before submitting a full proposal. For further information or to view an up-to-date directory of programs and staff, refer to the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
Deadlines and Target Dates
For deadlines and target dates for the programs described in this section, refer to the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
For More Information
For further information, write the Senior Engineering Coordinator, Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 505, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by e-mail, enginfo@nsf.gov, by phone, (703) 306-1302, or by Fax, (703) 306-0289; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
The Bioengineering and Environmental Systems (BES) Division supports research through the following programs and activities.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 565, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1320, or by Fax, (703) 306-0312; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
The Division of Chemical and Transport Systems (CTS) supports research through the following programs and activities.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Chemical and Transport Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 525, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1370, or by Fax, (703) 306-0319; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
The Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) Division supports research through the following programs and activities.
Dynamic Systems and Control--Supports research on the dynamic behavior and control of machines, processes, structures, and other engineered physical systems. The primary emphasis is on the physical modeling of a variety of dynamic systems to improve the knowledge base for analyzing their performance and aspects of their control. Research topics include nonlinear dynamics theory, control of mechanical systems, acoustics and noise control, and machine dynamics. Current interests focus on innovative real-time, sensor-based control of automated, flexible manufacturing systems.
Structures, Geomechanics, and Building Systems--Supports research on progressive analysis, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of safe, long-lived, efficient, environmentally acceptable, and economical civil infrastructure systems and facilities, both above and below ground. Other areas of interest include understanding the science and technology of deteriorating infrastructure; the actions that can be taken to diagnose, repair, remediate, retrofit, and enhance the performance of existing constructed facilities; and incorporate the knowledge gained to improve the performance of newly constructed materials and facilities.
Surface Engineering and Tribology--Supports research on the unique characteristics of surface, near-surface, and interface material as these characteristics affect the performance of mechanical components and structures that are subject to tribological conditions, mechanical and thermal stresses, and corrosion or environmental degradation. Also included is innovative research leading to new ways of generating or characterizing surfaces engineered for optimal topography and microstructure, leading in turn to improved tribological materials, lubricants, or coatings for operation under severe conditions. Modeling of tribosystems and the use of signals from tribological events for tribosensing and process control are also supported.
Mechanics and Materials--Supports research to develop scientific and engineering foundations for the design, mechanical response, and failure of all types of solids. Theoretical, experimental, and computational investigations of deformation, fatigue, and fracture behavior and accounting for the underlying microstructural state and its origin, transformation, and evolution are emphasized. Current research areas include design and realization of new materials for mechanical performance; physical experiments on micro and macro scales; constitutive modeling for inelastic deformation and failure under multiaxial static and dynamic loadings; and modeling and computer simulation of thermomechanical aspects of materials processing and manufacturing.
Earthquake Hazard Mitigation--Conducts engineering and related research activities that are arranged in four categories: (1) siting and geotechnical systems; (2) structural systems; (3) architectural and mechanical systems; and (4) earthquake systems integration. This program is part of the multiagency National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Basic science research in earthquake hazard mitigation is supported in the Division of Earth Sciences, located in the Directorate for Geosciences.
Natural and Technological Hazards Mitigation--Supports research activities that strengthen the knowledge base of the physical phenomena underlying natural hazards such as floods, droughts, tornadoes, and landslides and the understanding of their interactions with and impact on populations, structures, buildings, and the natural environment.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 545, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1360, or by Fax, (703) 306-0291; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide , http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
The Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation (DMII) supports research through the following programs and activities.
For More Information
Annual solicitations are made by the SBIR and STTR Programs and are widely publicized by the Small Business Administration. They are also announced in the Commerce Business Daily and sent to those on NSF's small business mailing list. Solicitations list specific deadlines for proposals.
To request the latest SBIR solicitation, write the Program Manager, Small Business Innovation Research, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 590, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1391, or by Fax, (703) 306-0337; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
For further information on any of the programs in the DMII Division, write the Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 550, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1330, or by Fax, (703) 306-0298; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
The Electrical and Communications Systems (ECS) Division supports research through the following programs and activities.
The ECS Division is committed to increasing the participation of women, minorities, and disabled individuals in all of its programs. Proposals are sought that employ innovative outreach activities to increase the participation of these individuals in the ECS community.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Electrical and Communications Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 675, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1339, or by Fax, (703) 306-0305; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
The Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) Division supports research through the following programs and activities.
State/Industry University Cooperative Research Centers (S/IUCRCs)--These centers are an extension of the I/UCRC model, focusing more actively on State or regional local economic development, and are initiated at the State level with matching State and industrial support. Active means of technology transfer are employed, which may include experimentation with testbeds, hands-on teaching of new concepts to upgrade small business, etc. These centers also may extend their work to include proprietary projects with the support of industry and the State.
The Engineering Education Coalitions share the following common program-level goals: (1) to design and implement comprehensive, systemic models for structural reform of undergraduate engineering education; (2) to provide tested alternative curricula and new instructional delivery systems to accomplish this reform; (3) to create significant intellectual exchange and resource linkages among engineering baccalaureate-producing and precollege institutions; and (4) to increase the successful participation of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities in engineering education. Future program emphasis will be on evaluation, dissemination, and institutionalization of educational innovations developed at the coalitions.
Additional funds in excess of $5,000 may be requested, if necessary, to provide special equipment, modify equipment, or provide other services required specifically for participation of persons with physical disabilities. The equipment must be specifically related to the research work, such as prosthetic devices to manipulate a specific piece of equipment, and not for general assistance such as wheelchairs or ramps.
Program announcements are available for each of the programs above. For deadlines and target dates, refer to the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Engineering Education and Centers, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 585, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1380, or by Fax, (703) 306-0326; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
Research in the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) seeks to advance the state of knowledge about the Earth, including its atmosphere, continents, oceans, interior, and Sun, and the processes that modify them and link them together. The following are the general objectives of this research.
In addition to the discipline-specific education and outreach activities supported by the three GEO divisions, the directorate participates in the multiagency Global Learning to Benefit the Earth (GLOBE) Program. The GLOBE Program is a developing international effort that links scientists and schoolchildren through a global information network, and is designed to promote general science literacy related to environmental and global change issues.
For More Information
For further information on GLOBE, contact Dr. Peter Wilkniss in the GEO Directorate by phone, (703) 306-0892, or by e-mail, pwilkniss@nsf.gov; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
In the EHR Directorate, contact Dr. Patricia Morse by phone, (703) 306-1614, or by e-mail, mpmorse@nsf.gov. For further information on programs in the EHR Directorate, see Chapter 3 in this Guide or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Programs in the Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) support research that will increase the knowledge and understanding of the behavior of the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the Sun. Specific activities include
NCAR scientists conduct research in atmospheric and related sciences, and work with universities and other organizations to coordinate large-scale atmospheric research projects. In addition, NCAR operates major aircraft, computers, and other observing and sensing facilities for use by universities, private research laboratories, and researchers at NCAR.
UAF consists of four large incoherent-scatter radar facilities located along a longitudinal chain from Greenland to Peru. They allow scientists to investigate upper atmospheric problems, both local and global.
LAF consists of university-based instrumented research aircraft and a ground-based Doppler radar. These are multiuser national research facilities and offer educational opportunities as well as serve the observational needs of the atmospheric science research community.
Finally, NSF provides support for participation by the U.S. scientific community in scientific research endeavors such as the international World Climate Research Program, the International Geosphere/Biosphere Program, the U.S. Weather Research Program, and the National Space Weather Program.
The purpose of this support is to continue to build a fundamental knowledge base about the Earth's atmosphere as well as other planets and the Sun. Specific objectives are
Areas of Research
Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by academic institutions, nonacademic and private research organizations, nonprofit and profit-making research organizations, and individuals. Occasionally NSF will sponsor efforts by other government agencies, particularly for field programs.
Target Dates
Proposals may be submitted at any time during the year for all programs except those involving the allocation of observational and computing facilities. For science projects that plan to use lower atmospheric observing facilities and/or large amounts of computing resources (200 General Accounting Units or greater), a facilities request is also required. Proposals should be submitted to the appropriate NSF program and should follow the guidelines printed in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27). Facility requests should be sent to the manager of the facility or facilities. Procedures for requesting a facility are established by the providing institution.
The target dates for science proposals related to observational facilities are December 15 and June 15.
It is important for institutions submitting a request for facility support to seek advice from the Lower Atmospheric Facilities manager at NSF. For questions on computing proposals, contact the director of the Scientific Computing Division at NCAR.
Target dates for submission of facility requests are June 15 and December 15. However, for observational facility requests that will require more than $500,000 in deployment costs, a preproposal must be submitted to NSF 4 months prior to the submission date for standard facility requests. Computing requests have target dates of August 9 and January 5.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Atmospheric Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 775, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1520; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), which is funded by the NSF, is a focal point for research in the field of atmospheric sciences. NCAR is located in Boulder, Colorado, and has about 750 scientists and support personnel.
NCAR is managed under a cooperative agreement between the Foundation and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a nonprofit consortium of 61 North American universities with graduate programs in atmospheric sciences.
In addition to NCAR scientific personnel, the facilities at NCAR are available to university and other scientists, and serve the entire atmospheric sciences research community and part of the ocean sciences community. These facilities include a computing and data center that provides supercomputer resources and services for the development and production of large models, and for archiving, manipulating, and visualizing large data sets. Information on other NCAR facilities is included in the "Lower Atmospheric Facilities" section (elsewhere in this chapter).
NCAR scientists conduct research in the areas of atmospheric and ocean sciences and on solar astronomy and are involved with large collaborative research programs with many institutions. Criteria for the selection of research programs include scientific merit, the potential for progress, the appropriateness for a national center, the responsiveness to and fit with university activities, and the relevance to society's needs.
NCAR research programs focus on the following areas: large-scale atmospheric and ocean dynamics that contribute to an understanding of the past and present climate processes and global change, including interactions with other environmental systems; global and regional atmospheric chemistry including geochemical and biogeochemical cycles; the variable nature of the Sun and the physics of the corona; the physics of clouds, thunderstorms, precipitation formation, and the interactions and effects on larger scale weather; and the examination of human society's impact on and response to global environmental change. In addition, NCAR provides fellowships for visiting scientists to conduct research and to interact with NCAR scientists.
Eligibility
Support for facilities and visiting scientists is provided on a competitive basis to qualified scientists according to scientific merit, the availabilitie of facility time, and the level of resources.
For More Information
For further information, write the Director, National Center for Atmospheric Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, Colorado 80307.
NSF supports 4 large incoherent-scatter radar and optical facilities located along a longitudinal chain from Greenland to Peru. In response to a need for more understanding of global-scale thermospheric and ionospheric problems, these facilities have been upgraded and realigned into a chain extending from the polar cap to the magnetic equator.
The major goal of the Upper Atmospheric Facilities (UAF) Program is to promote basic research on the structure and dynamics of the Earth's upper atmosphere. Research is supported through the following activities.
Eligibility
UAF facilities are available on a competitive basis to all qualified scientists. Use is based on the scientific merit of the proposed research, the capabilities of the radars to carry out the proposed observations, and whether the facility is available during the requested time period.
For More Information
For further information, write the following:
--Director, Sondrestrom Radar Facility, Radio Physics Laboratory, SRI International, Menlo Park, California 94025;
--Director, Millstone Hill Radar, MIT, Haystack Observatory, Westford, Massachusetts 01886;
--Director, NAIC for Arecibo Observatory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853; or
--Jicamarca Radio Observatory Project, Department of Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853.
Through NCAR and several universities, NSF supports multiuser national research facilities that offer educational opportunities, and serve the observational needs of the entire atmospheric science research community.
Specifically, NSF's Lower Atmospheric Facilities (LAF) support the following.
Aircraft--Located at NCAR, a four-engine Lockheed Electra, a four-engine Lockheed EC-130Q Hercules, and a General Dynamics WB-57F; at the University of Wyoming, a Beech King Air; and at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, an armored T-28. These aircraft can be equipped with sensors to measure meteorological and chemical state parameters, including temperature, pressure, dewpoint, winds, and ozone. In addition, a variety of other instruments can be selected for a particular project, or in many cases, users may supply their own specialized instrumentation.
Radar--NCAR is equipped with (1) an airborne X-band--a dual-beam, rapid conical-scanning multiple-frequency radar that is mounted on NCAR's Electra aircraft; and (2) a transportable multiparameter S/X-band radar that can transmit horizontal and vertical polarization on a pulse-to-pulse basis to provide copolar (CDR and Phi-dp) data at 10 cm.
Colorado State University is equipped with a transportable CSU S-band radar that provides two complete transmit and receive channels to produce simultaneous measurements of horizontal and vertical polarization. (NCAR's multiparameter radar also operates at dual wavelengths and can provide depolarization data at 3 cm.) All of these are available for atmospheric research, and all are Dopplerized and can provide measurements of equivalent radar reflectivity factor, mean radial velocity, and spectrum width.
Other Facilities--At NCAR's Atmosphere-Surface Turbulent Exchange Research Facility, research focuses on the structure of the atmosphere's surface layer and provides measurements from surface fluxes of trace chemical species, water vapor, sensible heat, and momentum.
Several systems are available from NCAR that can measure the vertical profile of temperature, moisture, pressure, and winds in the troposphere. These include a surface balloon-borne Cross-chain Loran Atmospheric Sounding System (CLASS); a dropwindsonde system that may be launched from most of the LAF aircraft; and an Integrated Sounding System (ISS). The ISS combines a complete surface meteorological observing station with a Loran- or Omega-tracked balloon system and a radar profiler at 915 megahertz for high-resolution winds in the lower troposphere. This is supplemented with a Radio-Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) for virtual temperature and moisture profiles in the lower 1 to 3 kilometers. The ISS sensors are connected to an integrated data storage, display, and transmission system that readily accepts additional complementary sensors.
Eligibility
The Lower Atmospheric Facilities are available on a competitive basis to all qualified scientists. Use is based on the scientific merit of the proposed research, the capabilities of the facilities to carry out the proposed observations, and whether the facility is available during the requested time period.
For More Information
For further information, write the following:
--Division Director, Atmospheric Technology Division, NCAR, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, Colorado 80307-3000;
--Facility Manager, Wyoming King Air, Department of Atmospheric Science, P.O. Box 3038, University Station, Laramie, Wyoming 82071;
--Facility Manager, T-28, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701; or
--Facility Manager, CSU-CHILL Radar, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523.
The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) supports the following programs, which are described more fully in the publication Earth Sciences Research at the National Science Foundation (NSF 96-50).
These programs support proposals for research geared toward improving the understanding of the structure, composition, and evolution of the Earth and the processes that govern the formation and behavior of the Earth's materials. The results of this research will create a better understanding of the Earth's changing environments, and the natural distribution of its mineral, water, and energy resources and provide methods for predicting and mitigating the effects of geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. Programs offering research support are grouped under two headings: Core Research Support and Special Emphasis Areas.
The Foundation supports the best research proposals received in any area of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, paleobiology, and hydrology, including interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary proposals that may involve one or more of these disciplines. Especially welcome are proposals for research in newly emerging areas of science that may not fit easily into one of these categories. For convenience in proposal evaluation, proposals received are assigned to one of the six individual programs listed below or to the Continental Dynamics or Instrumentation and Facilities Programs, if appropriate. The titles of these programs indicate in general terms, the subject matter covered by each, although they should be considered very broad and not necessarily restricted to their specified discipline of science. The programs in the Core Research Support include:
--Geology and Paleontology, (703) 306-1551;
--Tectonics, (703) 306-1552;
--Petrology and Geochemistry, (703) 306-1554;
--Geophysics, (703) 306-1556;
--Hydrologic Sciences, (703) 306-1549; and
--Education and Human Resources, (703) 306-1557.
Within the Division of Earth Sciences, certain research areas may be selected for special emphasis, or on the basis of special scientific opportunities. Frequently these are related to areas of national priority such as the Environment and Global Change Research Program and the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program.
The following is a list of current Special Emphasis Areas and the publication number for the corresponding program announcement. These announcements contain further information such as special evaluation criteria beyond the general Foundation requirements, and submission deadlines for consideration in these areas.
--Earth System History (NSF 95-45);
--Water and Energy: Atmospheric, Vegetative, and Earth Interactions (NSF 95-45);
--Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry (NSF 96-2);
--Active Tectonics (NSF 95-137);
--Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior (CSEDI) (NSF 95-155); and
--Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (NSF 93-93).
Eligibility
Proposals will be accepted from colleges, universities, and other institutions in the United States with formal research programs in the earth sciences. Proposals may involve individual scientists, or be a collaborative effort of associated researchers working on coordinated projects.
The annual deadlines for receipt of proposals in the disciplinary Core Programs are June 1 and December 1. Deadlines for Special Emphasis Areas are listed in their individual announcements.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Earth Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 785, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1550; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by academic institutions and nonprofit research organizations.
Deadlines
Preliminary proposals are due December 1; formal proposals are due June 1.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Earth Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 785, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1559; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by academic institutions and nonprofit research organizations.
Deadlines
Proposals to the Instrumentation and Facilities Program may be submitted at any time throughout the year.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Earth Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 785, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1558; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
The Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) supports research that will create a better understanding of the ocean and ocean basins. Research programs support individual scientists, small groups of cooperating scientists, and some large coordinated projects. OCE also supports efforts to develop, acquire, and operate instruments and facilities needed to carry out these research programs.
Support is provided for research in the areas of biological, geological, physical, and chemical processes in the ocean and ocean technology that will advance our knowledge in the ocean sciences, and apply this knowledge toward national needs.
Target Dates
The target dates for unsolicited proposals are February 15 and August 15; however, there are frequent announcements of opportunities to participate in global change and other coordinated research programs.
Proposals requiring the use of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) ships (see "Oceanographic Centers and Facilities" section below) must be submitted by the February 15 target date, for use during the next calendar year, so that timely decisions can be made on ship support and schedules.
Areas of Research
The NSF supports construction, conversion, acquisition, and operation of major shared-use oceanographic facilities. The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) schedules these facilities and expeditionary programs.
This program supports expensive facilities that are necessary for NSF-funded research and training of oceanographers. Examples of these facilities are ships, submersibles, large shipboard equipment, and shared-use instruments to collect and analyze data.
The Foundation encourages local contributions from non-federal funds; however, there is no fixed requirement for institutional contributions.
Eligibility
Support for major oceanographic facilities is concentrated at institutions that have substantial research programs in oceanography in addition to supporting the research projects of other institutions. Before submitting a proposal for support under this program, institutions should seek advice from the Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section. Specific instructions on how to submit proposals for ship operations, technicians, shipboard equipment, and oceanographic instrumentation can be found in the publication Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section (NSF 94-124).
Deadlines and Target Dates
Proposals for ship operations and technicians are due October 1 of each year. Proposals for shipboard equipment and oceanographic instrumentation are due September 1 of each year. Proposals requesting support for other activities may be submitted at any time.
For More Information
For further information, write the Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 725, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1576; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) explores on a global scale, the Earth's crust beneath the ocean in order to learn more about the composition, structure, and history of the submerged portion of the Earth's surface. The drilling process involves logging and collecting geologic samples from the floor of deep ocean basins through rotary coring and hydraulic piston coring. The logs and samples of the cores are available to qualified scientists throughout the world for research projects.
The drilling program has taken samples at various sites, including the North Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, southern and equatorial Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America, Weddell Sea off Antarctica, Indian Ocean, and western and equatorial Pacific Ocean.
The general contractor for the overall management and operation of the ODP is Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Inc. (JOI), a consortium of major U.S. oceanographic institutions. The drilling operations are managed by Texas A&M University; logging is managed by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, located at Columbia University.
NSF provides funding for the participation and drilling-related research performed by U.S. scientists. Activities include the investigations of potential drilling regions, especially by means of regional geophysical field studies; the feasibility and initial development of downhole instruments and techniques; and the downhole geophysical and geochemical experiments.
In addition, NSF will consider proposals for studies that lead to a long-range definition of future drilling objectives. To be considered for support, proposed projects should be clearly relevant to the drilling plans of the international drilling community, and focus on predrilling or drilling-concurrent activities. Postcruise studies should generally be submitted through other appropriate NSF programs in the areas of ocean and earth sciences and polar programs.
Additional support for U.S. scientists may be obtained through the JOI U.S. Science Advisory Committee (USSAC). This NSF-sponsored program consists of planning activities such as workshops, to define concepts and develop problem-related drilling programs, including U.S. participation in Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES); and support for U.S. scientists participating on the drill ship, and for necessary follow-up studies related to initial publication of drilling results.
In addition, requests for proposals may be issued for other surveys, regional and topical syntheses of existing data, and the development of downhole tools and instrumentation as these tasks are identified.
For More Information
For further information, write the Ocean Drilling Program, Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 725, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1581; or consult the GEO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.
Proposals for drilling specific sites should be submitted to the JOIDES Planning Committee Chairman, c/o Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Inc., 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20036; to contact by phone call (202) 232-3900.
Applications for scientific participation aboard a ship should be submitted to the Manager of Science Operations, Ocean Drilling Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3469. Appropriate support may be provided by JOI-USSAC.
Send requests for data and samples of core material to the Curator, Ocean Drilling Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3469.
Information regarding logs and the logging program may be obtained from the Borehole Research Group, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, New York 10964.
Proposals for planning activities and workshops may be submitted to the JOI-USSAC Chairman, c/o Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Inc., 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Programs in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate are designed with the following goals:
Examples of the types of research supported by the MPS Directorate include
MPS is an active participant in a number of interagency and intraagency programs that focus on interdisciplinary areas of importance to the national interest. These include advanced materials and processing; biotechnology; environment and global change; high performance computing and communications; advanced manufacturing technologies; civil infrastructure systems; and science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Researchers and educators interested in exploring opportunities in these areas should contact the program most closely related to their own interests to learn more about submitting proposals.
The Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) Program is designed to encourage new links between university-based research groups, usually composed of a few graduate students and postdoctoral associates, and private enterprises that use advanced science and technology. These links may be joint or complementary research programs or exchange of personnel. GOALI will provide participants with opportunities to work on industrially relevant problems and to gain experience and insight into what drives scientific and technological development in the commercial sector.
Established in 1995, the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA) supports activities that cut across the MPS disciplines or bridge these disciplines with other areas of science from other NSF directorates. OMA works to intensify the directorate's support for multidisciplinary research and human infrastructure and takes advantage of new opportunities. Each year a few areas of emphasis will be targeted for high priority funding consideration. Current examples are optical science and engineering, environmental science and technology, and the GOALI initiative.
For More Information
For further information, write the Head, Office of Multidisciplinary Activities, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1005, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1800; or consult the MPS Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/mps/start.htm.
The overall objective of the Astronomical Sciences (AST) Division is to increase our knowledge of the universe. Support is given for research aimed at determining the composition, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies, including our Sun and the Milky Way.
AST supports the development and operation of three National Astronomy Centers. These centers are equipped with radio, optical, infrared, and special telescopes that are made available to the scientific community on a competitive basis. Resident staff at the centers give technical assistance to visiting scientists, conduct studies of their own, and develop advanced instrumentation. The division also supports the Center for Particle Astrophysics, an NSF Science and Technology (S&T) Center.
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Projects Program provides a broad base for support of fundamental research aimed at understanding the states of matter and physical processes in the solar system and our Milky Way galaxy and the origin and evolution of the present universe. Proposals to support searches for extraterrestrial intelligence are not funded in the program.
Areas of Research
Deadlines
Proposals for research that is taking place in fiscal year 1997 (after October 1, 1996) had the following deadlines:
--Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics, August 23, 1996;
--Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology, August 2, 1996;
--Galactic Astronomy, September 13, 1996;
--Planetary Astronomy, September 13, 1996; and
--Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation, August 30, 1996.
The deadline date for submission of proposals requesting support in fiscal year 1998 (which begins October 1, 1997) will be announced in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). Proposers are urged to contact a program officer prior to submitting a proposal to any of the programs in the AST Division.
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of Astronomical Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1045, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1820; or consult the MPS Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/mps/start.htm.
NSF supports the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a visitor-oriented national research center whose research efforts focus on radio and radar astronomy and atmospheric sciences. NAIC's headquarters are in Ithaca, New York, where it is operated and managed for NSF by Cornell University. Its principal observing facilities are 19 kilometers south of the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
NAIC provides telescope users with a wide range of research and observing instrumentation including receivers, transmitters, movable line feeds, and digital data acquisition and processing equipment. The center has a permanent staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians who are available to help visiting investigators with their observation programs.
NAIC's principal astronomical research instrument is a 305-meter fixed spherical radio/radar telescope--the world's largest single radio reflector. Its frequency capabilities range from 50 megahertz to 5 gigahertz. Transmitters include an S-band (2,380-megahertz) radar system for planetary studies and a 430-megahertz radar system for aeronomy studies. A high-power ionospheric heating facility provides researchers with a unique capability to investigate nonlinear plasma phenomena in the ionosphere.
A major three-phase upgrade of NAIC's main antenna facility is nearly finished. In the first phase, a large reflecting screen was built around the periphery of the 305-meter reflector to reduce the effect of scattered ground radiation on the observations. The second phase involves the installation of a pair of wide-band aberration-correcting reflectors to replace the line feeds above 250 megahertz. In the final phase, the power of the S-band radar system will be doubled. The upgrade will be completed in 1997.
Eligibility
NAIC facilities and instrumentation are available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists from all over the world. Telescope time is assigned after judgment of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time period.
For More Information
For further information, write the Director, National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853.
The Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes Project is an international undertaking that will provide astronomers from the partnership countries--the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina--with 8-meter telescopes in the Northern hemisphere on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, and in the Southern hemisphere on Cerro Pachon, in Chile. The Mauna Kea telescope will be infrared optimized and have superb image quality. The Chilean telescope will be its near twin. NSF acts as the executive agency for the partnership, and the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA)--a consortium of 20 major universities--is managing the construction of the telescopes.
When operational, these telescopes will provide astronomers from the partnership countries with world-class observing facilities. Observing time will be assigned on the basis of scientific merit. Completion is expected in 1998 in Mauna Kea and in 2000 in Chile.
NSF supports the National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO), a national center for research in ground-based optical and infrared astronomy and solar physics. Large optical telescopes, observing instrumentation, and data analysis equipment and the NOAO staff of astronomers, engineers, and various support personnel are available to assist qualified visiting scientists in their use of the facilities.
NOAO is operated and managed by AURA, with headquarters located in Tucson, Arizona. NOAO has the following three observatories.
CTIO operates six telescopes, including a 4-meter that is a near twin to the 4-meter at Kitt Peak. The other telescopes are a 1.5-meter, a 0.91-meter, a 0.61-meter reflector, a Schmidt telescope (on loan from the University of Michigan), and a 1-meter reflector (on loan from Yale). These telescopes are equipped with instruments similar to those at KPNO.
NSO has observing facilities atop Kitt Peak, Arizona (NSO/KP), and Sacramento Peak, New Mexico (NSO/SP). The Kitt Peak facilities consist of the 1.5-meter McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, the world's largest solar research instrument, and a solar vacuum telescope/magnetograph. The McMath complex is designed primarily for solar observations and is also used for planetary and stellar observations and for laboratory high-resolution spectroscopy.
NSO/SP is located in Sunspot, New Mexico, at an elevation of 2,800 meters on a crest of the Sacramento Mountains. The principal instruments are the 0.76-meter aperture Solar Vacuum Tower Telescope, equipped with spectrographs, optical benches, and the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter; and the Evans Solar Facility, equipped with a 40-centimeter aperture coronagraph, spectrographs, and a coronal photometer.
Eligibility
The NOAO facilities and instrumentation are available on a competitive basis to all qualified U.S. scientists and occasionally to foreign visitors. Telescope time is assigned on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time period.
For More Information
For further information, write the Director, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726.
NSF supports the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which makes radio astronomy facilities available to qualified scientists. The NRAO staff help visiting scientists use the large radio antennas, receivers, and other equipment needed to detect, measure, and identify radio waves from astronomical objects.
The headquarters of NRAO are located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Observing sites are located in Green Bank, West Virginia; Kitt Peak near Tucson, Arizona; a site 80 kilometers west of Socorro, New Mexico; and 10 sites in the continental United States and on the islands of Hawaii and St. Croix, on the latter of which individual antennas of the Very-Long-Baseline Array (VLBA) are located. NRAO is supported under the terms of a cooperative agreement between NSF and Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), the organization responsible for the operation and management of the observatory.
Only one telescope is currently operated at the Green Bank site. It is a 43-meter aperture instrument that permits the study of spectral lines at centimeter wave lengths and is an integral part of the Very-Long-Baseline-Interferometer network. This network studies quasars and is involved in the high-resolution mapping of galactic objects based on simultaneous observations by combinations of telescopes over transcontinental and intercontinental distances. Currently under construction at Green Bank is a 100-meter telescope that is expected to be fully operational in 1998, when the 43-meter telescope will be retired.
A 12-meter millimeter-wavelength telescope is located on Kitt Peak to take advantage of the high altitude and dry climate necessary for short radio wavelengths. This telescope is capable of both continuum and spectral-line studies at wavelengths from 1 centimeter to as short as 1 millimeter.
The Very Large Array (VLA) telescope located west of Socorro, New Mexico, consists of 27 antennas and carries out aperture synthesis observations of faint radio sources. Both continuum and spectral-line observations at wavelengths of 1.3, 2, 6, and 20 centimeters can be made. The VLBA operates on the basis of the same physical principles as the VLA, but because of the much larger distances between antennas, the data are recorded at each site and compared later at Socorro, New Mexico. Because of its larger antenna separation, the VLBA is capable of resolving much smaller details in astronomical sources than the VLA is.
Eligibility
NRAO makes observing time on each instrument available to all qualified U.S. scientists and
occasionally foreign visitors. Telescope time is assigned after
judgment of research proposals on the basis of
scientific
merit, the capability of the instruments to do the
work, and the availability of the telescope during the
requested time period.
For More Information
For further information, write the Director, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903.
The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) supports a wide range of projects aimed at developing and exploring the properties and applications of mathematical structures. Most of these projects are those awarded to single investigators or small groups of investigators working with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure handles a variety of different activities falling outside this mode.
The following activities cut across all disciplinary programs.
--In the area of biosciences, striking advances in biology, computer science, and the mathematical sciences are creating opportunities to collaborate on research work with fields such as molecular biology, neuroscience, and ecosystems and offer challenging computational and analytical problems. Biological sciences interaction may extend significantly into the core areas of mathematics, such as topology, operator algebras, probability, and nonlinear dynamical systems, as well as the more traditional areas of applied mathematics and statistics.
--Projects designed to offer research opportunities are being undertaken in the geosciences, geography, and mathematical sciences. These projects involve teams of investigators from two or more of the targeted disciplines and include mathematical sciences, atmospheric sciences including climate dynamics and atmospheric chemistry, earth sciences, geography and regional sciences, and oceanography.
--Other opportunities include research in the areas of high performance computing and communications; mathematical and statistical aspects of materials behavior and theoretical continuum mechanics; advanced manufacturing technologies; mathematical sciences related to biotechnology; and mathematical, statistical, and computational aspects of global change research. Research in the area of materials includes interaction of thermal and mechanical effects; phase transition and formation of microstructures and crystals; foundations of nonlinear elasticity and electromagnetic materials; composite materials; and related mathematical questions such as control, optimization, and studies of differential equations arising in these contexts. Research opportunities in advanced manufacturing particularly emphasize simulation, modeling, and analysis of manufacturing processes and devices; applications for manufacturing of deterministic and stochastic quality control; and optimization. Mathematical sciences research related to bioprocessing and bioconversion, bioelectronics and bionetworks, agricultural applications, and marine biotechnology is especially encouraged.
--Global change research supports the critical development of modeling, analysis, simulation, and prediction in the context of the total Earth system. A particular emphasis is placed on analytical and computational methods for stochastic and deterministic partial differential equations and statistical techniques that encompass the full range of temporal and spatial scales. There are also opportunities in environmental technology, including pollution prevention, monitoring, and remediation. Researchers should be aware of implications of their efforts toward such activities.
Target Dates
The following is a list of established target dates. Listed below each one are the programs that will be using the date as their deadline for submission of proposals. These dates do not apply to the activities in the Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program since most of these activities have their own specified target or deadline dates. The established target dates for fiscal year 1997 were:
For More Information
For further information on DMS programs, write the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1025, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1870; or consult the MPS Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/mps/start.htm.
Regional Conferences--Operated by the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences, these conferences feature a principal speaker who gives 10 1-hour talks on a particular subject during a week-long session. The deadline for submission of proposals is April 1, 1997.
Scientific Computing Research Environments in the Mathematical Sciences--Offers moderate grants for computing equipment that will benefit groups of researchers of outstanding quality who are highly productive but whose work has been seriously impeded by the lack of computing facilities. The deadline for proposal submission is the first Monday in December.
Undergraduate Activities--Awards are made in conjunction with NSF-wide undergraduate efforts including Research Experiences for Undergraduates, cooperative activities with the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, and other related activities. See Chapter 3, "Education and Human Resources," and Chapter 9, "Other Programs and Activities," for more on NSF's undergraduate efforts.
Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships--These fellowships will be awarded to between 30 and 40 new fellows in fiscal year 1997. Tenure provides a research instructorship option. These fellowships will be offered only to persons who (1) are citizens, nationals, or lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens of the United States as of January 1, 1997; (2) will have earned by the beginning of their fellowship tenure, a doctoral degree in one of the mathematical sciences listed above or have had research training and experience equivalent to that represented by a Ph.D. in one of those fields; (3) will have held the doctorate for no more than 5 years as of January 1, 1997; and (4) will not previously have held any other NSF postdoctoral fellowship.
Each applicant will be required to submit a research plan for the tenure period requested. The fellowships are not intended to support the preparation of prior research results for publication or the writing of textbooks. Anticipated deadline for submission is October 17, 1997.
University/Industry Cooperative Research Programs in the Mathematical Sciences--Technical innovations flourish through a symbiotic relationship between academia and industry. The mathematical sciences provide a foundation for the scientific progress that generates technical innovations. It is important to provide more opportunities to conduct research and training in an industrial environment and for industrial scientists to return periodically to academia. To facilitate both research and training, the division provides Mathematical Sciences University/Industry Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, Mathematical Sciences University/Industry Senior Research Fellowships, and Industry-Based Graduate Research Assistantships and Cooperative Fellowships in the Mathematical Sciences.
The anticipated deadline for submission of proposals is November 13, 1997. Contact the division for further details.
For More Information
For further information, write the Program Officer, Infrastructure Program, Mathematical Sciences Division, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1025, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1870; or consult the MPS Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/mps/start.htm.
The Physics Division (PHY) supports a wide range of programs, many of which support individual investigators and small groups. The division operates a few large-scale facilities including the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR), the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility (IUCF), and the Michigan State University National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL); is supervising the construction of the Laser Interferometer Gravity Wave Observatory (LIGO); and also operates several smaller centers that specialize in optical physics and various aspects of theoretical physics. The activities in the Elementary Particle Physics and Nuclear Physics Programs benefit greatly from the use of the large accelerator facilities that are constructed by the Department of Energy. The division also offers small-scale approaches through programs such as Biological Physics and Particle Astrophysics.
The research activities in the PHY Division are inextricably linked to education and support about 1,000 graduate students who are fully engaged in research programs. Some of these programs also involve substantial numbers of undergraduate students, especially the summer activities that are centered around the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. Research activities at 4-year colleges are supported through the Research at Undergraduate Institutions Program. In addition, the division offers significant training opportunities for young people through its support of about 500 postdoctoral positions.
The division also supports an aggressive cross-disciplinary effort in particle and nuclear astrophysics.
The Chemistry Division (CHE) supports research activities and research infrastructure development in most of the principal subdisciplines of the chemical sciences. However, support for research in the different areas of chemistry is also available from the other divisions including Atmospheric Sciences (atmospheric chemistry); Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (biochemistry and biophysics); Chemical and Transport Systems (chemical engineering); Earth Sciences (geochemistry); and Materials Research (solid-state and polymer science).
The CHE Division supports research activities in emerging areas of national interest that cut across "traditional" subdisciplines. These areas include biological chemistry and biotechnology; the chemistry of advanced materials; high performance computing and communications; and advanced manufacturing including fundamental research strengthening chemical and pharmaceutical manufacture. Also included is environmental chemistry, including research in greenhouse gas dynamics, an activity in the Environmentally Benign Chemical Synthesis and Processing Program (see the publication Environmentally Benign Chemical Synthesis and Processing, NSF 92-13), which is supported jointly with the Engineering Directorate and the Geosciences Directorate through its Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry Program (see the publication Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry, NSF 96-152). Many of these activities are part of research programs that are coordinated through the National Science and Technology Council.
Research in subdisciplinary areas is also a vital part of the Chemistry Research Project Support investment portfolio. These areas include the following:
The Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports a wide range of programs that address fundamental phenomena in materials, materials synthesis and processing, materials structure and composition, materials properties and performance, and materials education. Formal research program areas are Metals, Ceramics, and Electronic Materials, Materials Theory, Condensed Matter Physics, Solid-State Chemistry and Polymers, and Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers. Investments in research infrastructure in materials science are also made through the National Facilities and Instrumentation Program.
DMR plays a significant role in various interdisciplinary areas and programs including Advanced Materials and Processing (AMPP), High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC), and Manufacturing (MAN). The division also participates in the Biotechnology, Civil Infrastructure Systems, and Environment and Global Change research initiatives. DMR's interest in HPCC ranges from computational approaches to real materials and processes, and materials for new or advanced computational and communications devices and systems. Manufacturing supports research in areas ranging from the understanding of the fundamental materials science basis of phenomena (e.g., lubrication, adhesion, joining, forming, and packaging) that broadly crosscuts strategically significant industrial sectors, to materials for specific manufacturing processes and applications. In the area of environmental research, the division is concerned with the preparation of innovative materials, with new processes that are more environmentally benign, and with novel concepts for reuse or recycling of materials.
DMR funding modes include support for individual investigators, groups, centers, national facilities, and instrumentation. Individual investigator proposals do not have to be confined or targeted to a specific program. Staff and management work to facilitate the cofunding of highly meritorious proposals across appropriate program, division, or directorate boundaries.
Research in the metals component encompasses broad areas of physical and mechanical metallurgy such as phase transformations; thermodynamics and phase equilibria; microstructural characterization and morphology; fundamentals of solidification; nonequilibrium and amorphous materials; nanostructured metal alloys; high performance metal alloys; metallic thin films; surface structure and properties; interface and grain boundary structure; corrosion and oxidation; defects; deformation and fracture of metals and their composites; surface modification; and advanced materials processing.
The ceramics component includes research on structural and electronic (functional) ceramics and glasses. Research support includes synthesis and processing of advanced ceramics; fundamental studies in ceramics; low-temperature chemical synthesis and processing; ceramic thin films; toughening mechanisms; novel analytical characterization techniques; advanced atomic-scale characterization of defects, interfaces, and microstructures; mechanical behavior of ceramics and ceramic composites; computational modeling of mechanical behavior; behavior under complex stress states and in extreme environments; chemical stability, reactivity, and kinetics; defect structures; and transport properties.
Examples of research in the electronic materials component are electronic, magnetic, ferroelectric, and optical behavior of inorganic materials, semiconductors, superconductors, insulators, and nonlinear optical materials; synthesis and processing of thin films; hetero-epitaxial layers, nanostructures, and superlattice structures; fundamentals of epitaxy; atomic structure of defects and interfaces; beam/solid interactions; beam and field processing; ion implantation doping; supersaturated semiconductor alloys; novel processing routes and precursors; in situ low-temperature processing and diagnostics; and characterization of electronic and optical behavior of defects and defect arrays.
Research is presently supported on surface and interfacial phenomena; systems far from equilibrium; phase transformations and transitions; nanostructured materials; complex fluids; strongly correlated systems; nonlinear and dynamical systems; biomolecular materials; applications of advanced computing to real materials; electronic structure calculations; materials growth; predictive capabilities for structure/property relationships; modeling of atomic structure of defects, interfaces, and grain boundaries; electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties; and superconductivity.
Current topics of interest include the study of surfaces, interfaces, thin films, nanostructures, quantum fluids, nonequilibrium systems, and phenomena exhibited by systems of reduced dimensionality or reduced crystalline perfection. The development of new experimental techniques is an important part of this activity. Synthesis, characterization, and analysis of new materials by novel methods are also of interest. In addition, support will include experimental research on condensed matter under extreme conditions such as low or ultralow temperatures, ultrahigh pressures, and high magnetic fields.
The solid-state chemistry component of the program supports research in innovative synthetic routes to new inorganic and organic solid-state and mesophase materials; characterization of new materials with novel electronic, optical, magnetic, and chemical behavior; relationships among bulk, surface, interface, and defect structures and properties such as chemisorption, transport, and reactivity; and materials preparation, processing, and optimization by chemical means. The creation of innovative materials exhibiting new phenomena is emphasized within selected classes of advanced materials such as biomolecular, magnetic, and superconducting, and with emphasis on special issues such as environmental concerns related to the processing and utilization of potentially functional materials.
The polymers component of the program supports basic research in polymer science with a special emphasis on the specific chemical and physical properties that distinguish macromolecules from small molecules. Topics of interest include the synthesis of novel high-polymeric materials, particularly those with well-defined structures; synthesis and processing of polymer films; unconventional polymerization processes; the characterization of the chemical and physical structure of polymers by state-of-the-art instrumentation methods; the arrangements of macromolecules and the morphology in amorphous, crystalline, and cross-linked polymers; the compatibility and phase relations in block polymers and mixtures of polymers; the chain dynamics and relaxations in macromolecules; the relation of macromolecular characteristics to electronic, optical, surface, solid-state, liquid-crystalline, solution, and other properties; and the fundamental polymer science and surface science of organic-matrix composites. The polymers studied are principally synthetic, but there is an increasing interest in biomolecular materials.
The MRSEC Program supersedes the Materials Research Laboratories (MRL) and the Materials Research Groups (MRG) Programs, and encompasses the activities of Science and Technology Centers in the materials field. The research undertaken is of a scope and complexity that would not be feasible under traditional funding for individual research projects. Each MRSEC encompasses one or more interdisciplinary research groups with the scope of its activities depending on the capabilities of the participating institution(s). The larger centers are expected to initiate a broad program of research and education that may involve several interdisciplinary groups, and programs to stimulate interdisciplinary education and the development of human resources; active collaboration with industry and other sectors and institutions; and support for shared experimental facilities. NSF encourages the use of MRSEC funds to include support for junior faculty and high-risk research and to foster emerging areas of interdisciplinary materials research. NSF currently supports 24 MRSECs. The next open competition is planned for fiscal year 1998.
The Instrumentation for Materials Research (IMR) Program offers support for major shared instruments that are essential to the needs of investigators conducting research in two or more disciplinary areas within DMR or that span more than one NSF division, and for instrumentation required by one or more investigators conducting research in a single disciplinary area within DMR that has a total cost of approximately $100,000 or more. The program strongly encourages submission of proposals for the development of new instruments that have the potential to solve important materials problems, proposals that will significantly advance measurement capabilities, and proposals that will lead to new discoveries. The current IMR Program guidelines are contained in the program announcement Instrumentation for Materials ResearchGuidelines for Submission of Grant Proposals (NSF 94-108) and contain the information necessary for preparing an instrumentation proposal. The publication can be accessed electronically by e-mail, pubs@nsf.gov; on the MPS Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/mps/start.htm; or by calling the Division of Materials Research, (703) 306-1810.
Examples of major equipment supported by the IMR Program are electron microscopes; scanning tunneling microscopes; x-ray diffractometers; SQUID magnetometers; dilution refrigerators; instrumentation for surface and bulk spectroscopies such as NMR spectrometers and laser systems; instrumentation for synchrotron radiation beamlines; equipment for materials synthesis and growth, such as MBE systems; hot-isostatic presses; ion implantation equipment; mechanical testing equipment; and electron-beam lithography systems.
National User Facilities are research facilities with specialized instrumentation available to the scientific research community, particularly the materials research community. These facilities provide unique research capabilities that can be located at only a very few highly specialized laboratories in the Nation. Examples include facilities and resources for research using high magnetic fields, ultraviolet and x-ray synchrotron radiation, small-angle neutron scattering, and nanofabrication.
For More Information
The following is a list of National User Facilities and their addresses. Interested users are strongly encouraged to contact the facilities directly.
Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Reactor Radiation Division
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
(301) 975-6242
URL Address: http://rrdjazz.nist.gov/
Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source
Wilson Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853
(607) 255-7163
URL Address: http://www.chess.cornell.edu/
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory [operated
by Florida State University, the University of Florida,
and Los Alamos National Laboratory]
Florida State University
1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4005
(904) 644-6257 or (904) 644-4068
URL Address: http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/
Synchrotron Radiation Center
University of Wisconsin at Madison
3731 Schneider Drive
Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589-2200
(608) 877-2000
URL Address: http://www.src.wisc.edu/
National Nanofabrication Facility
Knight Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853
(607) 255-2329
FAX: (607) 255-8601
URL Address: http://www.cnf.cornell.edu/
Stanford Nanofabrication Facility
CIS Building
Stanford University
Stanford, California 94305-4070
(415) 725-6266 or (415) 725-NANO
FAX: (415) 725-6278
URL Address: http://snf.stanford.edu/NNUN/
The Earth's polar regions offer compelling scientific opportunities, but their isolation and their extreme climates challenge the achievement of these opportunities.
The Foundation's programs for support of research in the Antarctic and the Arctic acknowledge the need to understand the relationships of these regions with global processes, the need to understand the regions as unique entities, and the opportunities presented by the regions as research platforms. NSF's polar programs provide special support for investigations in a range of scientific disciplines.
In both polar regions, NSF has developed and can provide to investigators the operational capability to deploy and support modern field and laboratory science.
The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) encourages proposals for high-risk research, proposals involving educational initiatives, and Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) and Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR).
The United States Antarctic Research (USAP) Program is the comprehensive name for U.S. Government-sponsored activities in Antarctica. The Foundation funds and manages the antarctic program in support of the range of U.S. interests and the Nation's adherence to the Antarctic Treaty. The major goal of this program is to increase the understanding of the antarctic region and its relationship to the rest of the planet. USAP only supports research that can be done exclusively in Antarctica or that can be done best in Antarctica.
Research Objectives
The Foundation provides funding and operational support for basic research in the disciplines discussed below. Occasionally, applied research is supported, usually on a contract basis, to improve operational capabilities in Antarctica.
In addition to research, the program provides scientists with logistics, operational, and laboratory support in Antarctica. This support includes a year-round inland research station at the South Pole, located 90 degrees south latitude; two year-round coastal research stations with extensive laboratory and computing capabilities--one at McMurdo, located 78 degrees south, and one at Palmer, located 64 degrees south; summer camps, as required for research; the ice-strengthened research ship Polar Duke, which is 67 meters in length; the icebreaking research ship Nathaniel B. Palmer, which is 94 meters in length; a fleet of ski-equipped LC-130 airplanes; Twin Otter airplanes, used when required; helicopters; an icebreaker used for channel breaking at McMurdo as well as for research support; a variety of over-snow vehicles; and automated, unmanned weather and geophysical observatories. Occasionally, ships from the U.S. academic fleet and from the Ocean Drilling Program help support research activities in Antarctica.
Air transport between New Zealand and McMurdo is provided several times per week in the austral summer, which runs from early October to the end of February. From McMurdo, the logistics hub, groups can access other sites, including the station at the South Pole. Several flights are made in August between New Zealand and McMurdo that provide an opportunity for winter access. Other winter flights to McMurdo are feasible, if required. Between February and October the summer camps are closed, and winter research is limited to the immediate environs of the South Pole and McMurdo, where station residents are isolated for as long as 8 months.
Palmer Station, located on Anvers Island by the Antarctic Peninsula, relies mainly on the Polar Duke (during or between research cruises) for transport to a port at the southern tip of South America. The ship makes several trips throughout the year. Air access via a Chilean station on King George Island is provided on occasion. The Polar Duke provides onboard research support in marine biology, oceanography, and geophysics and can support science in other areas of the southern oceans. U.S. antarctic stations and ships provide voice and data communications, including Internet, to locations outside Antarctica.
The United States is very enthusiastic about cooperative research activities with the other nations that are part of the Antarctic Treaty. U.S. scientists wishing to do research with other nations' programs are asked to contact the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) science program manager before submitting a proposal.
Eligibility
U.S. academic institutions and academically
related nonprofit organizations may submit proposals
for research project support. Industry and local, State,
and federal agencies also are eligible. The
Foundation
particularly encourages proposals from women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities and proposals
for research projects that include participation by
undergraduates and high school graduates under the
guidelines established by NSF cross-disciplinary
programs such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates.
All persons proposing to work in Antarctica must pass
a physical examination that has standards specified by
the USAP.
Proposal Preparation
The following publications describe research opportunities in more detail than does the NSF Guide to Programs. They contain material to help proposers evaluate the potential environmental impact of their projects and describe their operational needs in Antarctica; give instructions that are special to the USAP; and describe individuals' legal obligations for antarctic conservation and waste management under the Antarctic Conservation Act, a U.S. law. These publications include
--Antarctic Research Program Announcement and Proposal Guide (NSF 96-93);
--Antarctic Research Program Announcement and Proposal Guide (NSF 93-49); and
--Cooperative Agreements for Environmental Research in Support of U.S. Antarctic Program Environmental Management (NSF 93-96).
The Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 95-27) explains NSF proposal requirements, offers guidance for preparing proposals, and includes the Proposal Forms Kit (NSF 95-28), which contains the forms needed to submit a proposal.
To obtain copies of these publications by mail, write to the NSF Publications Unit, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room P15, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1130, or by e-mail, pubs@nsf.gov.
For More Information
For answers to questions that are not readily answered in the books referenced above, you may contact a program manager from any one of the programs in OPP at (703) 306-1033. For questions of an operational nature, contact a member of the Polar Research Support Section at (703) 306-1032. Specialists also are available in the areas of environmental protection, safety, and Antarctic Conservation Act permits. Further information is also available on the OPP Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/start.htm.
Deadline Window
The annual submission period for antarctic proposals is a 1-month window period that runs from May 1 to June 1. Proposals received before May 1 normally will be returned for later submission. Proposals postmarked after June 1 are subject to return without review.
To provide time for proposal review and for operational planning, proposals normally will be considered for fieldwork beginning no sooner than a year later. Thus proposals received in May 1997 will be considered for the 1998-99 austral summer season and the 1999 austral winter.
Field projects requiring large amounts of cargo in Antarctica may require additional lead time to allow for transport by ship.
Requests for support of antarctic research not involving work in the field should be received in May prior to the fiscal year in which funds are sought. Thus proposals received in May 1997 will be considered for funding beginning in fiscal year 1998, which begins October 1, 1997.
Literature
Antarctic Journal of the United States--Produced since 1966 by NSF, it contains quarterly news plus an annual review of the U.S. Antarctic Research Program. Available from the Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
The following publications are available from the Polar Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037; by phone, (202) 334-3479.
--An Evaluation of Antarctic Marine Ecosystem Research (1981)*
--Physical Oceanography and Tracer Chemistry of the Southern Ocean (1988)*
--Recommendations for a United States Ice Coring Program (1986)
--Research Emphases for the U.S. Antarctic Program (1983)*
--Science and Stewardship in the Antarctic (1993)
--Scientific Plan for a Regional Research Program in the Antarctic on Global Change (1994)
Other publications about Antarctica that are currently available include the following:
--An ongoing antarctic bibliography prepared by the Library of Congress, with NSF support, that abstracts and indexes antarctic research literature from around the world and has been published between 1951 and the present. Twenty-one hardbound volumes and two cumulative indexes have been published to date and cite more than 50,000 titles.
--Current Antarctic Literature--A monthly compilation of abstracts issued by the Cold Regions Bibliography Project, Library of Congress, with financial support from NSF. Beginning January 1997, this publication will be available in electronic form only via the World Wide Web, http://www.crrel.usace.army.mil/.index.html.
--Antarctic Bibliography--Volumes are printed annually by the Library of Congress and are sold by the Government Printing Office. The bibliography is exported to two commercial services. One service is Questel/ORBIT Information Technologies, which offers the bibliography under the name COLD. They are located at 8000 Westpark Drive, McLean, Virginia 22101; by phone, 800-421-7229. The other service is the National Information Services Corporation (NISC), located at 3100 St. Paul Street, Suite #6, Baltimore, Maryland 21218; by phone, (410) 243-0797. This firm produces the NISC DISC CD-ROM Arctic & Antarctic Regions. The Cold Regions bibliography appears here in a common record format with nine other polar data bases. The NISC DISC is a subscription service that is updated every 6 months. Look for the bibliography (searchable back to 1951) in 1997 on the Library of Congress Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/scitech/.
--The U.S. Geological Survey has reconnaissance maps of portions of Antarctica at various scales. An Index to Topographic MapsAntarctica is available from the Distribution Branch, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Building 41, Denver, Colorado 80225.
--Ice cores, ocean-bottom sedimentary cores, terrestrial sedimentary cores, dredged rocks, biological specimens, meteorites, and ocean-bottom photographs are available for study. Further information regarding these samples is in the publication Antarctic Research Program Announcement and Proposal Guide (NSF 96-93). For more information on this publication, see "Eligibility" elsewhere in this chapter.
________________
*while supplies last.
The Arctic Research Program supports the following programs and activities.
The National Science Foundation invites U.S. scientists to submit proposals for research in the Arctic and to perform arctic research at institutions in the United States.
The goal of the NSF Arctic Research Program is to gain a better understanding of the Earth's biological, geophysical, chemical, and sociocultural processes and the interactions of ocean, land, atmosphere, biological, and human systems. Arctic research is supported at NSF by the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) and by a number of other disciplinary divisions within the Foundation that are linked through an Arctic Affiliates Group. This group consists of representatives from different NSF programs that support arctic research and coordinates collaborative activities.
OPP offers a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scientific program that emphasizes the special character of the Arctic for scientific study. The arctic regions are among the Earth's most sensitive to environmental change and have long, natural climate records and thousands of years of human settlement. This interplay provides a unique foundation for research on integrated global systems and human adaptation.
Programs in OPP encompass a variety of scientific disciplines including biological, social, earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences, and glaciology. Research in the geosciences, biosciences, and social sciences is linked through the Arctic System Science Program to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. In addition to supporting research on long-term human and environmental interactions, OPP encourages the study of contemporary socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic issues in the changing environment of the post-Cold War world and encourages bipolar research, especially glaciology, permafrost, sea-ice, ecology, conjugate magnetic field lines, and human factor studies.
The U.S. Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 defines the Arctic as all areas north of the Arctic Circle and all U.S. territory north and west of the boundary formed by the Porcupine, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers; all contiguous seas including the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort, Bering, and Chukchi Seas; and the Aleutian chain. Field projects falling outside these boundaries but directly related to arctic science and engineering conditions and issues are appropriate, as are related laboratory and theoretical studies.
The Foundation is one of 12 federal agencies that sponsor or conduct arctic science, engineering, and related activities. Under an agreement with the U.S. Navy, a nuclear submarine will be available for research in the Arctic Ocean. Researchers are strongly encouraged to pursue this possibility directly with OPP or the Division of Ocean Sciences located in the Directorate for Geosciences. Further information on other agency programs is presented in the journal Arctic Research of the United States (NSF 94-167) and the U.S. Arctic Research Plan and its biennial revisions (NSF 93-127).
As the Arctic is the homeland of numerous Native peoples, special attention must be given to all aspects of research that may potentially affect their lives. An interagency statement of "Principles for the Conduct of Research in the Arctic" has been developed, and all arctic research grantees are expected to abide by these guidelines. These guidelines are presented in the appendix section of the program announcement.
Arctic research projects are supported by OPP and by other disciplinary divisions and programs of NSF. The publication Arctic Science, Engineering, and Education: Directory of Awards is produced each year and contains a compilation of all NSF arctic and related research grants for the previous fiscal year. Copies currently available are for fiscal year 1995 (NSF 96-101). Additional program information can be found in the publication Arctic Research Program: Guidelines for Submission of Proposals (NSF 95-133).
An arctic logistics component has been established to address special logistics needs. Investigators proposing research projects that require logistics support are encouraged to contact the appropriate OPP program manager for information.
Listed below are the principal NSF research programs that support arctic research. There are three integrated programs in OPP: Arctic Natural Sciences, Arctic Social Sciences, and Arctic System Science.
Atmospheric Sciences--Focuses on traditional research interests in arctic meteorology, including stratus clouds, tropospheric chemistry, radiation balance, arctic lows, and arctic haze. Research on past climates and atmospheric gases as preserved in snow and ice cores has also been supported, as have studies of atmosphere/sea and atmosphere/ice interactions.
In upper atmospheric physics, research currently being funded includes auroral studies, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, the plasmapause, and wave particle interactions. Conjugate studies can be considered jointly with the Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics Program.
Biological Sciences--Supports projects that emphasize the adaptation of organisms to the arctic environment. Biological studies in the Arctic include support of research in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial biology; organismal adaptation to the arctic environment; ecology; ecosystem structure and processes; and the biological consequences of ultraviolet radiation. An increased interest in the Arctic as a source of natural resources has stimulated research on the effects of human activities on the environment and in its protection and management.
A special component of the program focuses on the human factors in the Arctic and Antarctic in collaboration with the Arctic Social Sciences Program (see below).
Earth Sciences--Supports all subdisciplines of terrestrial and marine geology and geophysics including, but not limited to, physical and chemical processes that are active at or near the Earth's surface, stratigraphy, soil genesis, permafrost, crustal origin of the Arctic Basin, and paleoecological and paleoclimatic reconstructions and comparisons with modern environments. The Foundation does not support projects aimed at prospecting for mineral occurrences or deposits. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the geological processes that are important to the arctic regions and the geologic history dominated by those processes.
Glaciology--OPP is the focal point for glaciological research within the Foundation. Glaciological research is concerned with the study of the history and dynamics of all naturally occurring forms of snow and ice, including seasonal snow, glaciers, and the Greenland ice sheet. Strong emphasis is on paleoenvironments from ice cores, ice dynamics, numerical modeling, glacial geology, and remote sensing of ice sheets.
Ocean and Climate Systems--Encompasses a variety of disciplines whose goals are to develop and expand their knowledge about the structure of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas; their physical interactions with the global hydrosphere; and the formation and maintenance of the arctic sea-ice cover. Areas of interest include the formation, movement, and mixing of arctic water masses; the growth and decay of sea ice; the exchange of salt and heat with the Atlantic Ocean and the Bering Sea; the magnetic and gravity anomalies, heat flow, and sedimentary history; and the role of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas in the global climate. The interdependencies of chemical and physical processes and marine organisms and productivity are considered here and under biology.
--Rapid social change, community viability, and human and environmental interactions including issues related to subsistence and sustainable development.
--Joint funding and review with programs in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate, when appropriate.
--Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC), a special activity funded jointly with the Arctic System Science Program (see below), in which support can be provided for general HDGC research, policy sciences research, and research centers and teams. More information on the HDGC Program can be found in the publication Human Dimensions of Global Change (NSF 94-166).
--In conjunction with the Antarctic Polar Biology and Medicine Program, supports research on human factors in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Relevant themes include small-group interactions, stress and adaptation, and cognition and performance.
Specific program opportunities are announced periodically for single and multidisciplinary investigations. Successful proposals are funded by the Office of Polar Programs, by the Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences Divisions in the Directorate for Geosciences, and by the Division of Environmental Biology in the Directorate for Biological Sciences.
OPP Deadlines and Proposal Submission
Effective January 1, 1996, the Arctic Natural Sciences, Arctic Social Sciences, and Arctic System Science Programs had two target dates: June 1 and December 15. Proposals for workshops and Dissertation Improvement Grants can be submitted at any time. A minimum of 9 months' advance notification is required for research vessel clearances for Russian waters. For the Ocean Sciences Division, a target date of February 15 will allow 9 months' precruise notification, and proposals to the OPP Arctic Program should be submitted by the December 15 target date. All proposals may be submitted as early as 2 months prior to target dates or deadlines.
Other Support
Most other programs supporting proposals for arctic research have specific deadlines or target dates. Contact the desired program or refer to the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, for upcoming program deadlines and target dates.
For More Information
For further information about activities mentioned in this chapter, call the corresponding office (see list), or consult the OPP Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/start.htm. All of the telephone numbers are the Arlington, Virginia, area code 703.
The Office of Polar Programs 306-1030
Arctic Natural Sciences 306-1029
Arctic Social Sciences 306-1029
Arctic System Science 306-1029
Arctic Research and Policy 306-1031
Arctic Logistics 306-1031
Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics 306-1033
Antarctic Biology and Medicine 306-1033
Antarctic Earth Sciences 306-1033
Antarctic Glaciology 306-1033
Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems 306-1033
Antarctic Environmental Research 306-1033
The goals of the Social, Behavioral, and Economic (SBE) Sciences Directorate are
The Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (SBER) Division supports disciplinary research and related activities to advance the understanding of human beings and human culture; disciplinary and interdisciplinary research on human social behavior, social organizations, and systems; and both basic and methodological research and the development of resources for the conduct of research, including large-scale data collection activities.
The Science Resources Studies (SRS) Division provides data, analysis, and reports on the overall U.S. scientific and technological enterprise in a global content and its impact on the economy and society.
The International Programs (INT) Division supports cooperative research activities in other countries that involve U.S. scientists and engineers and their colleagues. Emphasis is placed on promoting new partnerships, building institutional linkages, and enabling researchers to gain international experience early in their careers.
The Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (SBER) supports research in a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas. The division's major focus is to advance fundamental scientific knowledge about cognitive and psychological capacities of human beings; cultural, social, political, spatial, environmental, and biological factors related to human behavior; human behavior, interaction, and decision-making; social, political, legal, and economic systems, organizations, and institutions; and the intellectual, value, process, and impact contexts that govern the development and use of science and technology. The programs in SBER will consider proposals that fall squarely into one of its disciplines or that are interdisciplinary. Support is not provided for clinical research, research on human diseases, or research primarily intended to develop or evaluate treatments for diseases.
All programs in SBER consider proposals for research projects, conferences, and workshops. Some programs also consider proposals for doctoral dissertation improvement, the acquisition of specialized research and computing equipment, and large-scale data collection. SBER conducts special initiatives and competitions on a number of topics such as human dimensions of global change, learning and intelligent systems, and human capital.
Deadlines
Proposals may be submitted at any time; however, for review within 6 months, proposals should be submitted by the established target or deadline date. These dates vary by division and program and are published regularly in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, or are available from the appropriate division or program.
For More Information
For further information, write the responsible Division Director, Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 995, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or consult the SBE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/sbe/start.htm.
The programs in the SBER Division are organized into five clusters, each of which contains two or more programs. The following is a brief description of the clusters and programs.
The Division of Science Resources Studies (SRS) provides policy-makers, researchers, and other decision-makers with high quality data and analyses for making informed decisions about the Nation's science, engineering, and technology enterprise. To achieve this goal, the division performs the following.
Most of the work of this division is performed internally and through contractual agreements with other federal agencies and appropriate non-federal organizations. Extramural analyses of the division's extensive data bases and other special studies are occasionally supported through external grant awards. Examples of appropriate topics are
For More Information
For further information on programs in the SRS Division, or to obtain copies of publications, write the Division of Science Resources Studies, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 965, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or consult the SBE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/sbe/start.htm.
Support of international activities is an integral part of NSF's mission to promote the progress of U.S. science and engineering. In particular, the Foundation recognizes the importance of enabling U.S. researchers and educators to advance their work through international collaboration and helping to ensure that future generations of U.S. scientists and engineers gain professional experience overseas early in their careers.
Consistent with the international character of science and engineering, disciplinary programs throughout the Foundation offer support to U.S. scientists and engineers for the international aspects of their research that are judged to be important to the specific objectives of their work.
The Division of International Programs (INT) has the special function of expanding and facilitating the international dimensions of NSF's mission by promoting new partnerships between U.S. scientists and engineers and their foreign colleagues. Most of these programs are organized on a regional or country basis. For detailed information about individual programs, deadlines, and application procedures, see the publication International Opportunities for Scientists and Engineers (NSF 96-14).
Types of Activities
Types of activities supported by INT include cooperative research involving a partnership between at least one U.S. principal investigator or research institution and a foreign counterpart investigator or institution; joint seminars and workshops; planning visits; International Research Fellow Awards for junior investigators; dissertation enhancement awards; and programs like the Summer Institutes in Japan and Korea that offer research experiences in different regions for graduate students.
In addition to these activities, designed primarily for individuals and small groups, the division encourages U.S. organizations and institutions to consider projects aimed at establishing or strengthening existing relationships with their foreign counterparts for the purpose of advancing the international interests of U.S. science and engineering research and education. The division is particularly interested in projects that forge links between groups of investigators who are working in major U.S. research centers; similar groups in other countries that feature participation of graduate and postdoctoral investigators; and activities conducted by professional science and engineering societies to facilitate discipline-related cooperation through foreign counterpart organizations.
Eligibility
Proposals for international activities are eligible for consideration in all fields of science and engineering that are supported by the Foundation and must be submitted by a U.S. institution, except in the case of International Research Fellow Awards, which accept individual applications. Applicants for the latter must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The INT Division will accept proposals in any geographic area and for activities in any country that is not proscribed by the Department of State. Proposals in the following areas of current program emphasis are especially encouraged, although not exclusively:
For More Information
For further information, write the Division of International Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 935, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by e-mail, intpubs@nsf.gov, or by phone, 1-800-437-7408; or consult the SBE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/sbe/start.htm.
Further information about requirements for specific geographical regions can be found in the publication International Opportunities for Scientists and Engineers (NSF 96-14). Detailed information on activities supported by the INT Division can also be obtained by contacting the relevant program officer for the regions or activities below.
This chapter contains a partial listing of cross-directorate programs sponsored by NSF. Activities not mentioned here may appear elsewhere in this publication. Refer to the appropriate directorate.
The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program is designed to improve the condition of research equipment in our Nation's academic institutions. The program provides support for the acquisition or development of major research instrumentation. The initiative responds to needs identified by the academic science and engineering community for research instrumentation that is, in general, more expensive than that supported through other NSF programs and for improving the Nation's research and research training capabilities.
For More Information
For further information, write the Office of Science and Technology Infrastructure, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1270, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1040, or by e-mail, mri@nsf.gov; or consult the OSTI Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/od/osti/start.htm.
This new activity represents one aspect of the Foundation's commitment to the core strategy of integrating research and education, as articulated in the strategic plan "NSF in a Changing World." The activity will make awards in fiscal year 1997 that recognize up to 10 research-intensive universities that have shown leadership, innovation, and achievement in their efforts to integrate research and education (specifically college freshman through Ph.D.) throughout their organization.
For More Information
For further information, write the Office of Science and Technology Infrastructure, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1270, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1040, or by e-mail, recaward@nsf.gov; or consult the OSTI Home Page via World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/od/osti/start.htm.
Research and education in science and engineering benefit immensely from international cooperation. NSF promotes the internationalization of science and engineering in the following two ways:
(1) It enables and encourages U.S. scientists, engineers, and their institutions to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their research and education programs through international cooperation. NSF also provides future generations of U.S. scientists and engineers with the experience and outlook they will need to function productively in an international research and education environment, through support for traveling fellowships and research activities at overseas sites.
(2) Disciplinary programs throughout the Foundation offer support to U.S. scientists and engineers for the international aspects of their research that are judged to be important to the specific objectives of NSF-supported activities.
The Division of International Programs (INT), part of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, works with all the disciplinary directorates and with all the crosscutting programs, to support international cooperative research activities in any field of science and engineering deemed eligible for NSF funding. INT's programs focus on promoting new partnerships between U.S. scientists and engineers and their colleagues in other countries and are generally organized on a regional or country basis. In addition, INT can cofund proposals submitted to any NSF research division and vice versa.
For More Information
A more detailed description of the Division of International Programs can be found in Chapter 8, "Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences." For further information, see the program announcement International Opportunities for Scientists and Engineers (NSF 96-14), or consult the SBE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/sbe/start.htm.
Through the Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) component of the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Program, the Foundation provides opportunities for faculty at institutions with limited research opportunities to participate in research under the aegis of NSF investigators at other institutions. Science teachers who teach middle and high school levels and who have a keen interest in research may also take part. Most teachers elect to participate during the summer months.
Faculty members and teachers make their own arrangements with NSF investigators at the universities or laboratories that have been awarded or are currently applying for a Foundation grant. Prospective investigators who wish to employ faculty under these arrangements should include the additional requirements in the proposal budget. In the case of ongoing awards, grantees should contact the cognizant NSF program officer and request supplemental funding to permit participation by a visiting ROA researcher. Each case is judged on its own merits and grants are awarded at the discretion of the NSF program manager. The ROA visiting scientist becomes a temporary employee of the grantee institution where the principal investigator holds an appointment. Length of employment, the stipend, and other arrangements with respect to employment become matters of individual negotiation between the visiting scientist or engineer from the smaller institution, and the principal investigator at the host institution.
For More Information
For further information about the ROA subprogram, see the publication Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79), or write the cognizant Foundation program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Numerous studies and reports have documented that the United States is not attracting sufficient numbers of its students into science and engineering careers and that women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are presently underrepresented in all disciplines. Therefore, NSF has instituted a number of activities directed specifically at attracting these students to and retaining them in science and engineering, and at increasing the number of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities who are full participants in the mainstream of the Nation's research activities. While some programs are centrally managed, many are distributed throughout the disciplinary directorates and managed by the cognizant program officers. Some divisions and directorates have special efforts that are described in their respective chapters. These activities are designed to
Because women are underrepresented in all disciplines, the Foundation has several activities that are directed specifically at increasing the number of women as full participants in the mainstream of the Nation's research enterprise.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to women who have doctorates or equivalent experience in an NSF-supported field; hold a faculty or research-related position, tenured or nontenured--at a U.S. institution; are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and have not served as principal or co-principal investigators on independent federal research awards.
Award Size and Duration
Grants may be funded for up to 18 months and for a maximum of $18,000; they are not renewable.
Deadlines
The submission date varies, depending on what discipline of science the proposed research is in.
For More Information
For further information about the RPGW Program, see the publication Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers (NSF 93-130), or write the cognizant program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Eligibility
A CAAW applicant should have some prior independent research experience as a principal investigator or project leader; have a doctorate or equivalent experience in an NSF-supported field; hold a faculty or research-related position at a U.S. institution; and be U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Tenure is not an eligibility factor.
Award Size and Duration
The maximum dollar amount for these awards is $50,000, with a possible addition of up to $10,000 for equipment, if required, and is usually for a period of 12 months.
Deadlines
The submission date varies, depending on what discipline of science the proposed research is in.
For More Information
For further information about the CAAW Program, see the publication Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers (NSF 93-130), or write the cognizant program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
The Foundation has a number of special programs targeted to members of minority groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering. These groups include American Indians or Alaskan Natives (Native Americans), Blacks (African Americans), Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics. Such efforts include programs for students, faculty, and institutions.
Eligibility
A participant must be a member of an underrepresented minority group, and be a citizen or national of the United States. Eligible students may be at the high school or undergraduate level. Faculty should be employed at a U.S. academic institution, be working in an NSF-supported field, and should not have the resources to conduct the research at their own institution.
Award Size and Duration
Supplemental funding may be requested for each participant. Full-time summer stipends for high school students are expected to be at least $1,000, whereas those for undergraduates should be at least $2,000. Faculty summer support may not exceed two-ninths of the academic year salary. Indirect costs in the student-focused programs are limited to 25 percent of stipends. Support is available for a summer or, if funding is available, for part-time activities during the academic year.
Procedures for Requesting Support
A request for funding may be included in an initial proposal submission to NSF or in a request for a supplement to a current award. The request should include a statement indicating the process by which participants will be selected and a brief description of their participation in the project.
Current NSF grantees are encouraged to request supplemental funding for their existing grants. The principal investigator at the host institution should contact the appropriate NSF program officer. Programs funded by NSF on the basis of the participants' level are as follows: for high school students, Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students; for undergraduate students, Research Experiences for Undergraduates; and for college faculty, Research Opportunity Awards.
For More Information
For further information on student-focused programs, see the publications Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students (NSF 89-39) and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF 96-102). The Research Opportunity Awards for faculty are described fully in Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79). General inquiries can be made by writing the cognizant program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Minority Research Planning Grants (MRPG) are one-time, limited awards for preliminary studies and other activities to facilitate the development of more competitive NSF research proposals. The awardee is expected to submit a research proposal to NSF's regular research program or to the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program after completion of the planning grant. (For a complete description of the CAREER Program, see Chapter 10, "Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education.")
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to underrepresented minority scientists or engineers who are eligible for a regular NSF research award in their respective discipline; hold a faculty or research-related position, tenured or nontenured, at a U.S. institution; are a U.S. citizen or national; and have not served as principal or co-principal investigators on independent federal research awards.
Award Size and Duration
Awards may be funded for as long as 18 months and for as much as $18,000; they are not renewable.
Deadlines
The MRPG target dates vary with each discipline. Proposals should be directed to the appropriate disciplinary program through standard institutional channels.
Minority Career Advancement Awards (MCAA) are geared toward expanding opportunities for minority researchers to advance their careers. It is particularly appropriate for independent investigators whose careers are still evolving, and for experienced researchers who are changing research direction or who have had a significant research career interruption. For example, an investigator may wish to acquire new skills in an area that will expand their research capabilities or to develop an innovative research method in collaboration with another investigator.
Eligibility
A MCAA applicant should be a member of an underrepresented minority group with some prior independent research experience as a principal investigator or project leader; be eligible for a regular NSF research award in their respective discipline; hold a faculty or research-related position at a U.S. institution; and be a U.S. citizen or national. Tenure is not an eligibility factor.
Award Size and Duration
The maximum dollar amount of these awards is $50,000 for a period of 12 months. An additional $10,000 may be requested for equipment.
Deadlines
The MCAA target dates vary with each discipline. Proposals should be directed to the appropriate NSF disciplinary program through standard institutional channels.
For More Information
For further information about the MRPG and MCAA Programs, see the publication Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Minority Scientists and Engineers (NSF 94-147), or write the appropriate disciplinary program officer or the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Eligibility
An applicant must be a member of an underrepresented minority group in science and engineering and a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States. Fields of study supported by the Directorates for Biological and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences are eligible. Travel awards are available to graduate students who are within 18 months of the date they expect to receive their doctoral degree. Fellowships may be awarded to persons who have held their doctorates no more than 4 years prior to the application deadline or who will receive their degrees within the calendar year in which the fellowship is awarded. Fellowships will not be offered to those who will have had 2 full years of postdoctoral support prior to applying for the fellowship.
Award Size and Duration
Travel awards provide up to $3,000 for as many as three approved trips to institutions or meetings during the 12 months following the award. Fellowships may provide up to 3 years of support consisting of a $28,000 stipend, $4,600 of discretionary support, and a $2,400 institutional allowance annually.
Deadlines
Travel applications may be submitted to meet quarterly deadlines of January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1. The annual deadline for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships is December 1.
For More Information
For more information, see the publication Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Supporting Activities (NSF 94-133), available from NSF Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room P15, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or by phone, (703) 306-1130. General inquiries can be made by writing the Minority Postdoctoral Fellowships Program, Division of Biological Infrastructure, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 615, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1470; or consult the BIO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/bio/start.htm.
NSF encourages persons with disabilities to participate fully in NSF-supported projects. In addition to support through the standard disciplinary programs, NSF supports the following program.
NSF has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairment to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment, or general information. The number for TDD is (703) 306-0090; for FIRS, 1-800-877-8339. To speak with someone in the Division of Human Resource Management (HRM), which has a separate TDD number, call (703) 306-0189.
The NSF encourages faculty research at predominantly undergraduate institutions for many reasons. For example, this research contributes to the knowledge-base in science and engineering; enhances the scientific and technical training of students by strengthening the environment in academic departments that are geared primarily toward undergraduate instruction; and promotes the integration of research and education in these undergraduate institutions.
Predominantly undergraduate institutions include 2-year, 4-year, master's-level, and small doctoral institutions. Eligible institutions should have the following qualifications: grant baccalaureate degrees in NSF-supported fields or provide instructional programs for students who are pursuing such degrees with institutional transfers; have an undergraduate enrollment exceeding that of the graduate level; and have awarded no more than 20 Ph.D.s or D.Sci.s in all NSF-supported disciplines during the 2 previous academic years.
Faculty members from these institutions are encouraged to request support through standard NSF disciplinary programs, Research Opportunity Awards (ROA), and, for faculty in the nondoctoral departments, Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI). For more information, see the program announcement Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79).
In addition to programs and activities described in previous chapters, NSF has expanded support for undergraduate science and engineering. This initiative is Foundation-wide, with activities funded by the research directorates and by the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, which also plays a coordinating role through its Undergraduate Education and Human Resource Development Divisions.
Under this initiative, the programs summarized below have been developed in the major areas of faculty, students, laboratories, and curriculum. In addition, there is a program supporting institution-wide reform activity that is fully described in the section on undergraduate activities in Chapter 3, "Education and Human Resources."
Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by faculty in departments that meet the following qualifications: the submitting institution must be predominantly undergraduate as defined above; and the department of the principal investigator must offer courses in an NSF-supported field that qualify for bachelor's degree credit, and may offer master's degrees but may not award doctorates or offer doctoral courses and supervise doctoral research.
Nature of Support
Awards may support research at the home institution including work in the field, or away from the home institution at a research university or a government or industrial laboratory. RUI also may be used to access the various disciplinary research equipment programs for acquisition of instrumentation essential for faculty research. The latter often requires multiple investigators and matching funds as specified by the disciplinary area.
Award Criteria
Eligible RUI proposals are evaluated on a
competitive basis with all the other proposals submitted to
the Foundation in the same area of research in
accordance with the standard merit review procedure for
that discipline. However, special RUI reviewer
instructions are provided that emphasize the multifaceted
RUI institution. NSF review criteria permit consideration
of an RUI proposal in terms of its contribution to
the infrastructure of science and engineering
research, including training in the sponsoring department
and institution. Thus reviewers are asked to
especially consider the RUI impact (infrastructure)
statement
contained in the proposal as well as to recognize
the potential impact of heavier teaching loads; the
limited support personnel, facilities, and equipment;
and possibly the smaller scale of the investigator's research.
Deadlines
Target and deadline dates vary by NSF program. RUI proposals should be submitted in accordance with these dates, which are published in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
For More Information
For further information, see the publication Research in Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 94-79). Applicants are urged to discuss proposed projects with the program officer in the appropriate discipline. General inquiries can be made by writing the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
Eligibility
All U.S. institutions conducting research in disciplines normally supported by NSF are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted from colleges and universities, nonacademic research institutions such as government or industrial laboratories, or combinations thereof. There is no restriction on the number of proposals that may be submitted per institution. A student participant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and its possessions, and must be enrolled in a program leading to a bachelor's degree.
Deadlines and Additional Information
The annual deadline date for receipt of proposals for support of REU Sites is September 15. Award notifications will be made by late January. Proposals for REU Supplements will be accepted at any time but should be submitted as early in the fiscal year as possible, and require 2 to 3 months to process after receipt by NSF.
For further information on REU, see the publication Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF 96-102), or direct inquiries to the relevant NSF research directorate.
For More Information
For further information, write the appropriate research directorate or the Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1670; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/.
For further information about the RUI and ROA Programs, write the Senior Staff Associate for Cross-Directorate Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1603; or consult the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/..
The Foundation awards grants to improve the scientific quality of doctoral dissertation research. These awards are made to allow doctoral candidates the opportunity for greater creativity in the gathering and analysis of data than would otherwise be possible. Grants are intended to cover research-related expenses such as field equipment, supplies, and travel to and from research sites. These awards are not fellowships and no stipend is included. Support is not provided for everyday personal expenses of the doctoral student; however, the student may concurrently receive such support from other sources.
Dissertation proposals are judged on the basis of scientific content, importance, and originality. In addition, the doctoral candidate must show that the award will in fact improve the quality of the research.
Note: Dissertation improvement awards are available only in certain disciplines, including the social and behavioral sciences and certain biological sciences. No dissertation improvement awards are made in the mathematical and physical sciences, the geosciences, engineering, cellular and molecular biology, or physiology.
Eligibility/For More Information
Each division that administers these grants treats applications in a different way. Doctoral students who wish to apply for a dissertation improvement grant should write directly to the appropriate research division(s).
The Foundation funds small-scale exploratory work in all fields of science, engineering, and education supported by NSF, through brief proposals without the usual external review. Such work includes preliminary research on untested and novel ideas, ventures into emerging research areas, research requiring urgent access to specialized data, facilities, or equipment, or similar exploratory efforts likely to catalyze innovative advances.
Programs may use up to 5 percent of their budgets for SGER awards. These awards are normally for 1 year and may not exceed $50,000, with the average amount depending on the particular program; they are not renewable. Only one copy of a brief proposal is required. NSF program officers are not required to seek advice from external reviewers before making their recommendations; therefore, principal investigators are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate program officer to see if the proposed research would be suitable for SGER support, or if a fully reviewable proposal should be submitted.
For More Information
For further information, see the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 95-27), available by writing NSF Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room P15, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1130. Direct further inquiries to the appropriate research division.
NSF programs are of interest mainly to small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or in science-based innovative technology. Competition for awards from NSF is intense, and only high-quality research proposals are supported.
Most NSF funds are obligated through grants to support unsolicited research proposals that are judged scientifically meritorious in merit review; note that these are grants, not procurements. Small firms may submit proposals under most of the programs identified in this Guide.
Although NSF programs mainly fund research in academic institutions, proposals from the commercial sector including those from small research firms are also supported.
Most NSF research awards to small businesses are made through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. SBIR is conducted pursuant to the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564). Grant proposals under this program are solicited by a formal SBIR Program solicitation issued annually. (See Chapter 4, "Engineering" for a description.)
When compared with those at other federal departments and agencies, procurement or contract opportunities at NSF are quite limited. The Foundation generally does not maintain bidders' lists, and competitive procurement opportunities are normally publicized in the Commerce Business Daily. Opportunities for small companies exist in the subcontracting activities of the NSF's prime contractors that manage other major research facilities. Some of these facilities are identified elsewhere in this Guide.
NSF has two offices that provide information and serve as referral points for small businesses interested in the Foundation's research or procurement opportunities. These offices do not administer any individual grant, contract, or procurement program.
The Office of Small Business Research and Development offers information and guidance on NSF programs and research opportunities to research- and technology-based small firms.
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization also provides information and guidance to small, minority-, and women-owned companies seeking procurement opportunities to provide NSF or its major contractors with goods or services.
For information on both of these offices, write the Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 505, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1390; or consult the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.
NSF sponsors 15 fellowship programs for postdoctoral and senior postdoctoral research in science and engineering. These fellowships are in specific disciplines and are sponsored by the appropriate NSF organization. Contact the appropriate division listed below for more information about these fellowships.
| Fellowship | Contact |
| Joint NSF/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Molecular Evolution | Molecular Evolution Postdoctoral Fellowships Biological Infrastructure National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615 Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1469 |
| Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological, Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences | BIO Minority Research Fellowships
Biological Infrastructure National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615 Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1469 SBE Minority Research Fellowships Cross-Directorate Activities SBER, Room 995 National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1733 |
| Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biosciences Related to the Environment | Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biosciences Related to the Environment
Biological Infrastructure National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615 Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1469 |
| CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Computational Science and Engineering | Division of Advanced Scientific Computing
National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1970 |
| CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Experimental Science | Office of Cross-Disciplinary Activities
National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1980 |
| NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education | NSF-PFSMETE Program
Division of Graduate Education National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 907 Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1697 E-mail: PFSMETE@nsf.gov |
| NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science and Engineering | NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Division of Graduate Education National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1630 |
| Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships | Division of Earth Sciences
National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1550 |
| Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program | Division of Ocean Sciences
National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1586 |
| Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (with Research Instructorship option) | Infrastructure Program
Division of Mathematical Sciences National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1870 E-mail: msprf@nsf.gov |
| Mathematical Sciences University/Industry Postdoctoral Research Fellowships | Infrastructure Program
Division of Mathematical Sciences National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1870 E-mail: msprf@nsf.gov |
| International Research Fellow Awards | Research Fellow Awards
Division of International Programs National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1706 |
| Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Awards for U.S. Researchers | JSPS Postdoctoral Awards
Division of International Programs National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1701 Email: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov |
| Long- and Medium-Term Research Visits for Scientists and Engineers at Foreign Centers of Excellence | Long- and Medium-Term Research Visits
Division of International Programs National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1710 |
| Science and Technology Agency of Japan Postdoctoral Awards for U.S. Researchers | STA Postdoctoral Awards
Division of International Programs National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 Tel: (703) 306-1701 E-mail: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov |
The Foundation invests a major portion of its resources in a number of well-defined areas of national need, which are organized and focused around specific national objectives identified by the President's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the Foundation's own planning process. The fundamental nature, the quality, and the educational impact of the work supported in these areas are consistent with those of all activities supported by the Foundation, and they share the following goals:
NSF also aims to foster the natural connections among the different areas, because these interconnections are critical to success. They effectively allow the Foundation to increase the return on its investment in these areas, to reduce duplicative efforts, and to coordinate the allocation of its resources.
The following sections provide an overview of activities in each of the defined areas of national need currently supported by NSF. These overviews describe the goals and objectives of the activities in each area and the NSF directorates, divisions, and programs involved.
In addition to these well-defined areas, NSF accepts unsolicited proposals that integrate ideas and techniques across its existing program lines. Proposers are urged to contact the most relevant staff at the program, division, or directorate level prior to submission of a proposal to ensure that all pertinent programs participate in the review process. Placing the words "requires consideration by more than one program" in the box of the NSF cover sheet labeled "For Consideration by NSF Organization Unit(s)" prior to listing those programs, will help NSF develop mechanisms for assessing its performance in handling unsolicited interdisciplinary proposals.
The overall goals of the Advanced Materials and Processing Program (AMPP) are to enhance the materials knowledge base and apply it to problems of national importance and to provide interdisciplinary education and training that will prepare future scientists and engineers for careers in universities, government, and industry.
AMPP has three objectives: (1) to synthesize novel materials; (2) to advance the understanding of the behavior and properties of materials; and (3) to develop processes to produce, modify, and shape materials. The program supports individual and small group projects, interdisciplinary centers, and national synchrotron, neutron scattering, and high magnetic field facilities and major instrumentation for shared use. AMPP fosters interagency collaborations and promotes materials-related activities through university/industry/government consortia.
Research under AMPP seeks to provide an improved understanding of the interrelationships among synthesis, processing, and performance of materials, and a description of their structure, composition, and properties at the atomic, molecular, microscopic, and macroscopic levels. AMPP includes research on the following classes of materials: metals; ceramics; polymers; composites; and electronic, optical/photonic, biomolecular, magnetic, and superconducting materials.
AMPP is an important partner in NSF activities that link research and education, including participation in the CAREER, GOALI, and REU Programs.
BIO, CISE, EHR, ENG, GEO, MPS, and SBE support or contribute to AMPP-related research through appropriate programs in these directorates. AMPP represents a collaborative effort among these directorates, which coordinate NSF's overall support for materials-related research and education, and help facilitate the review and management of cross-directorate research and education projects.
For More Information
For further information, contact Dr. Andrew Lovinger, Senior Staff Associate, Division of Materials Research, MPS Directorate, (703) 306-1812; or Dr. John Hurt, Program Director, Engineering Research Centers Program, ENG Directorate, (703) 306-1383.
The NSF is one of 12 federal agencies participating in a government-wide effort under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), to coordinate and maximize the impact of the federal investment in research in biotechnology. Analysis of the biotechnology research programs and budgets of these 12 federal agencies shows that the pattern of federal support for biotechnology research has left important gaps in the knowledge base underlying future applications in several critical areas, including biotechnology related to the environment, manufacturing/bioprocessing, agriculture, research on the social impact of biotechnology, and the infrastructure and training specific to biotechnology research in these areas.
NSF internal working groups and outside advisors have identified six areas of interdisciplinary biotechnology research in which NSF can make major contributions.
Research infrastructure and human resources for biotechnology in these areas are important components of the biotechnology effort. NSF's approach to this crosscutting area is interdisciplinary, with an emphasis on fundamental and "proof-of-concept" research, training, instrumentation, research resources, and university/industry cooperation. The BIO, ENG, GEO, MPS, and SBE Directorates and OPP contribute to the biotechnology area. A variety of funding modes is utilized including individual investigator awards, interdisciplinary groups, and centers. In supporting biotechnology research, NSF continues to rely on the scientific and engineering communities to develop specific projects within the six identified areas.
For More Information
For further information contact the following:
In the BIO Directorate:
--Dr. Maryanna Henkart, Deputy Director, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, (703) 306-1440.
In the MPS Directorate:
--Dr. George Rubottom, Deputy Director, Division of Chemistry, (703) 306-1851.
In the ENG Directorate:
--Dr. Fred Heineken, Program Director, Biotechnology Program, (703) 306-1319.
The U.S. has an estimated $20 trillion investment in civil infrastructure systems (CIS). The Civil Infrastructure Systems (CIS) area addresses the need to develop fresh strategies for the engineering and management of infrastructure systems, including both newly constructed and existing facilities that have degraded with time, neglect, misuse, or excessive demand. In partnership with academe and industry, NSF contributes to the intelligent renewal of civil infrastructure systems through the support of research and education that focuses on the scientific and engineering advancements needed both to sustain and to enhance civil infrastructure systems.
Life-cycle infrastructure engineering and management leadership are needed to effect new designs and techniques, more durable materials, new integrated network systems with improved controls and communications, and enhanced decision-making and management processes. Such activity demands the integrated participation of physical, mathematical, materials, and social scientists, engineers, economists, and policy-makers, both domestically and internationally.
The goals of this effort are (1) to enrich the science and engineering knowledge base that can advance the understanding, assessment, and intelligent renewal of civil infrastructure systems; (2) to encourage the integration, application, and transfer of knowledge that will contribute to intelligent infrastructure renewal; and (3) to integrate research with education and training to produce the next generation of engineers, scientists, and others who will design, build, maintain, and use the civil infrastructure of the future.
NSF's strategy for CIS includes support of research by all directorates via unsolicited investigator-initiated proposals submitted through existing programs. Situations where disciplinary boundaries can be crossed to stimulate interactions create particularly effective opportunities for small groups. Multiple-investigator and multidisciplinary research proposals may be submitted to existing centers programs such as Engineering Research Centers, Science and Technology Centers, and Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers.
To realize the CIS goals, emphasis is placed on developing new system integration approaches in the following key areas.
(1) Deterioration science and approaches to accelerated testing of new high performance CIS materials, including research that extends knowledge of the processes and rates governing how materials and systems break down and wear out during normal use and when subjected to natural and technological hazards.
(2) Assessment technologies necessary to evaluate the condition of the infrastructure system, including equipment and techniques necessary for intelligent performance sensing and monitoring, establishment of parameters for performance evaluation and controlling systems for safety protection, and effective management of our infrastructure systems.
(3) Renewal engineering, including the application of new materials and development of technologies to extend and enhance the useful life of CIS; new approaches for integrated planning and information management; and life-cycle approaches to CIS sustainable development that include new concepts for adaptive systems, and that consider the entire facility through planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, retrofit, recycling, replacement, demolition, and disposal.
(4) Institutional effectiveness and productivity research that focuses on effective decision-making for CIS, including new approaches for decision process and optimization modeling that involve economists, engineers, mathematical scientists, natural scientists, social scientists, and policy-makers. The impact of CIS investments and regulation on national, regional, and local productivity and on the economic and social well-being of the public also needs to be evaluated.
In addition to disciplinary-based research, an NSF working group coordinates interdisciplinary CIS research programs directed toward new understanding of system performance and guidance in support of resource allocation decisions in investment and management of civil infrastructure systems. The CIS Working Group periodically develops program announcements in targeted interdisciplinary research areas. For example, in fiscal year 1995, awards were made for CIS research under the program "Systemic Change in Urban Infrastructure." (For more information, see the ENG Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.)
During fiscal year 1997, the NSF Web site will be updated to include a portfolio listing of CIS active grants. This listing may be useful to identify appropriate program directors for specific questions on discipline-based research. For more specific information on the CIS Program at NSF, contact:
--Dr. J. W. Harrington, Program Director in the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research, by phone, (703) 306-1754, or by e-mail, jwharrin@nsf.gov;
--Dr. Priscilla P. Nelson, Program Director in the Civil and Mechanical Systems Division and coordinator of the CIS Working Group, by phone, (703) 306-1361, or by e-mail, pnelson@nsf.gov;
--Dr. Joy Pauschke, Program Director in the Engineering Education and Centers Division, by phone, (703) 306-1380, or by e-mail, jpauschk@nsf.gov;
--Dr. Lance Haworth, Acting Executive Officer in the Division of Materials Research, by phone, (703) 306-1815, or by e-mail, lhaworth@nsf.gov; or
--Dr. Randall Soderquist in the Division of International Programs by phone, (703) 306-1701, or by e-mail, rsoderqu@nsf.gov.
As an agency whose mission is to support fundamental research and education in all science and engineering disciplines, NSF seeks to support a diverse set of activities that will enhance the understanding of complex environmental and global change processes. To accomplish this goal, NSF's Environment and Global Change activities support basic disciplinary research and focused interdisciplinary research activities.
NSF's Environment and Global Change activities seek to broaden the scientific understanding of our environment through support of investigator-initiated research and research collaborations that fall within the following categories.
In addition to participating in international research efforts, NSF plays an active role in the U.S. Global Change Research Program, an 18-agency, coordinated federal effort that focuses on activities in the areas of the environment and global change. This interagency scientific research program was established by the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to enhance research aimed at understanding and responding to global change, including the cumulative effects of human activities and natural processes on the environment. NSF also has been a major catalyst for interagency activities dealing with other important environmental issues. These activities cut across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines to address issues related to the preservation, management, and enhancement of the environment. Specific areas of interest include air quality, biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, environmental technology, natural disaster reduction, water and watersheds research, and risk assessment.
The BIO, ENG, GEO, MPS, and SBE Directorates and OPP all contribute to Environment and Global Change activities. The EHR Directorate also funds many educational activities that complement the Environment and Global Change Research foci.
For More Information
For further information on NSF Environment and Global Change activities, including information on focused global change research programs, contact Leila Harris, Coordinator for NSF Environment and Global Change Activities by phone, (703) 306-0891, or by e-mail, lharris@nsf.gov.
Information on environment and global change research opportunities, NSF contacts, and awards related to Environment and Global Change are available on the EGC Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/stratare/egch/envresop.htm .
Special announcements of funding opportunities for fiscal year 1997 are expected to be issued for the NSF Methods and Models for Integrated Assessment (MMIA) Program, the NSF/ NOAA Earth System History Program, the NSF Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry Program, and the NSF/EPA Partnership for Environmental Research. As soon as these or other announcements become available, they will be posted on the EGC Home Page. NSF also participates in a joint program on bioremediation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Department of Energy (DOE). Links to future announcements of opportunity as part of this program will similarly be accessible on the EGC Home Page.
Researchers may also subscribe to the NSF Environment and Global Change electronic mailing list by sending a message with complete address and contact information to env-gc-ext-request@nsf.gov.
The High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program--with its recent expansion to include information infrastructure--supports and elaborates on the federal HPCC Program goals. These include
(1) The Research component addresses discipline-specific and multidisciplinary activities that are focused on enabling computing and communications required to allow scientists and engineers to effectively utilize emerging high performance computing and communications. This component supports research that focuses on technologies that will better enable the global information infrastructure of the 21st century by providing support for individual investigators through NSF-wide research programs, and for interdisciplinary groups that involve virtually every research area at NSF.
(2) The Research Infrastructure component provides and demonstrates state-of-the-art HPCC technology through various networks, the Supercomputer Centers, the Metacenter Regional Alliances, and various instrumentation programs that are geared toward enabling researchers in all disciplines.
(3) The Education and Training component increases the pool of citizens who are capable of utilizing and contributing to the emerging national opportunities for HPCC technologies in all segments of society. It does this through activities in the EHR and CISE Directorates and by support of graduate students and postdoctorals on research awards.
The HPCC Program intersects to all NSF crosscuts, both through the Research Infrastructure activities, and through the results of enabling computing and communications research and education. The BIO, CISE, EHR, ENG, GEO, MPS, and SBE Directorates and OPP contribute to the HPCC Program.
For More Information
For further information, contact Dr. Robert Voigt, HPCC Coordinator, (703) 306-1900. For more specific information concerning the HPCC Program, see the Supplement to the President's fiscal year 1996 Budget titled High Performance Computing and Communications: Foundation for America's Information Future and the HPCC fiscal year 1996 Implementation Plan. This information is available from the HPCC National Coordination Office by phone, (301) 402-4100, or by e-mail, nco@hpcc.gov; or consult the HPCC Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.hpcc.gov.
NSF's Manufacturing (MAN) activities support the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) interagency effort to build, sustain, and extend U.S. leadership in the manufacturing sector. The goal of MAN is to discover new and fundamental knowledge to enable the development of advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance the performance of U.S. manufacturing industries. This mission is to be achieved through coordinated government, industry, and university programs that accomplish the following broad goals:
Manufacturing is a highly integrative activity, and manufacturing-related problems are among the most complex interdisciplinary problems faced by modern society. NSF has a wide range of programs that allow it to address this complexity within the context of a broad and coherent interdisciplinary research program. The Foundation concentrates its efforts on developing the fundamental science and engineering knowledge base that underlies manufacturing technology, management, and education and training, as well as technology transfer, diffusion, and implementation. Particular focus is given to enhancing the institutional, physical, and human resources that constitute the manufacturing research and education infrastructure.
MAN is a collaborative effort among the CISE, ENG, MPS, and SBE research directorates. Its research agenda is primarily carried out through the support of unsolicited investigator-initiated research in addition to research at manufacturing-related, university-based research centers. As the need arises, NSF will issue program announcements inviting proposal submissions in targeted research areas.
For More Information
For further information, contact Dr. Bruce Kramer, Director, Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation, (703) 306-1330.
Characterization of biological systems has reached an unparalleled level of detail. To organize this detail and arrive at a better fundamental understanding of life processes, it is imperative that powerful conceptual tools from mathematics and the physical sciences be applied to frontier problems in biology.
Modeling of biological systems is an important partner of experimental work. All facets of biology--environmental, organismic, cellular, and molecular--are accessible to chemical, physical, and mathematical approaches. The Foundation encourages increased collaboration among physical scientists, mathematicians, and biologists in addressing biological problems.
Most NSF resources for biosciences have been directed toward experimental investigation. An enhanced cooperative effort to emphasize theoretical approaches will provide new conceptual frameworks for experimentalists and attract scientists with diverse skills and training to foster multidisciplinary cooperation in the study of biological problems.
All divisions in the BIO Directorate and the Divisions of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Materials Research located in the MPS Directorate, are coordinating efforts to provide a focal point for encouraging multidisciplinary modeling proposals.
For More Information
For further information, contact the following.
In the BIO Directorate:
--Dr. Kamal Shukla, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, (703) 306-1444;
--Dr. Raymon Glantz, Division of Integrative Biology and Neurosciences, (703) 306-1416;
--Dr. Mark Courtney, Division of Environmental Biology, (703) 306-1481; and
--Dr. Karl Koehler, (703) 306-1469, or Dr. Thomas Quarles, (703) 306-1470, Division of Biological Instrumentation and Resources.
In the MPS Directorate:
--Dr. Bruce Taggart, Division of Materials Research, (703) 306-1834;
--Dr. Robert Eisenstein, Division of Physics, (703) 306-1897; and
--Dr. Michael Steuerwalt, Division of Mathematical Sciences, (703) 306-1878.
Through the Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education (SMETE) initiative, NSF is able to improve science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education for all U.S. citizens. It does this by providing sustained leadership in the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), a coordinated federal interagency effort, one of whose areas of focus is the improvement of education in these areas. NSF SMETE goals are
To achieve these goals, SMETE has identified seven priority areas: (1) reforming elementary, secondary, and undergraduate education; (2) promoting interdisciplinary and intersectoral graduate education; (3) promoting public understanding of science and lifelong learning; (4) enhancing technology education; (5) ensuring human resource development; (6) developing an adequate science and technology workforce; and (7) expanding postdoctoral education.
The above priority areas are undergirded by the following crosscutting, enabling activities: (1) research on education, policy, and practice; (2) ensured accountability through program evaluation; and (3) communication.
These goals and priority areas provide the focus for the Foundation's activities that are conducted primarily by the EHR Directorate, with other activities headed by the BIO, CISE, EHR, ENG, GEO, MPS, and SBE Directorates and OPP. Described below are key activities undertaken in the priority areas.
--comprehensive and systemic reform of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education;
--developing courses and curricula focused on comprehensive changecalculus, mathematics across the curriculum, engineering coalitions, and introductory chemistryand opportunities for change in science and engineering;
--instrumentation and laboratory improvement;
--faculty enhancement through both research opportunities and opportunities that combine scientific and pedagogical components;
--promoting exemplary improvement in technician education through partnerships among community colleges, 4-year colleges, universities, schools, and industry;
--teacher preparation;
--research experiences for undergraduate students; and
--other comprehensive reform activities.
For More Information
For further information, contact Dr. Wanda E. Ward, Senior Staff Associate, Office of the Assistant Director for Education and Human Resources, (703) 306-1660.
The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that supports junior faculty within the context of their overall career development. It combines in a single program the support of research and education of the highest quality and in the broadest sense. This premier program emphasizes the importance the Foundation places on the early development of academic careers dedicated to stimulating the discovery process in which the excitement of research is enhanced by inspired teaching and enthusiastic learning.
Eligibility
CAREER applicants must be in their first or second full-time tenure-track or equivalent academic appointment; have begun their first appointment on or after July 1, 1992, and before October 17, 1996; not hold or have held tenure on or before October 17, 1996; and be employed at a U.S. institution that awards a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a field supported by NSF. Current or former recipients of CAREER awards, Presidential Young Investigator Awards, or Presidential Faculty Fellowships are not eligible.
Award Size and Duration
The duration of awards is at least 4 but no more than 5 years. The funding level is consistent with the scope of the project and NSF directorate and disciplinary practice. The total award including indirect costs, ranges from $200,000 to $500,000 over the award period. The intent is to provide stable support at a sufficient level and duration to enable awardees to achieve the education and research career development objectives of the program.
Deadlines and Additional Information
CAREER proposals were due at NSF by October 17, 1996. The next deadline will be announced in the NSF Bulletin, a monthly publication produced by the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. Potential applicants should refer to the CAREER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document titled CAREER-FAQ, located on the NSF Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/. For specific information on proposal development, consult the disciplinary program contacts given in the publication Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program (NSF 96-115). This document is also available on the NSF Home Page, or from the NSF publications office by writing Forms and Publications, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room P15, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1130.
Beginning in 1997, NSF will select up to 20 nominees annually for Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from among the most meritorious first-year awardees supported by the CAREER Program (see above for a description of CAREER). PECASE awards recognize outstanding scientists and engineers who early in their careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge. This Presidential Award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.
Eligibility
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements of the CAREER program, PECASE nominees must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who hold such status on or before October 17, 1996.
Award Size and Duration
The CAREER awards of those NSF nominees who are PECASE recipients will be adjusted to provide 5 years of support at $100,000 annually.
Deadlines and Additional Information
To be considered for nomination, a CAREER proposal was due at NSF by October 17, 1996. The proposal was to include a completed copy of NSF Form 1317A, available in the CAREER program announcement (NSF 96-115). PECASE nominees will be selected from among the successful October 17, 1996, applicants for the CAREER Program. Current or former recipients of a CAREER award, Presidential Young Investigators Award, or Presidential Faculty Fellowship are not eligible. A brochure giving an overall description of PECASE is available on the NSF Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/, or from Forms and Publications Office, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room P15, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1130.
The Learning and Intelligent Systems (LIS) Initiative is an NSF-wide program that encompasses the study of learning in natural and artificial systems. The goal of LIS is to energize radical and rapid advances in our understanding of learning, creativity, and productivity, as well as develop the tools that will enhance the human ability to learn and create.
LIS seeks to integrate and foster synergy among basic research in numerous disciplines that study natural and artificial "learning," including human and developmental psychology, computational neuroscience, neuroengineering, intelligent control theory, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, linguistics, animal psychology, machine learning, education and educational technology, computer science, systems theory, mathematics, and statistics.
Funded projects are expected to support the creation of new research paradigms by encouraging the weaving together of common threads among multiple disciplines. The initiative will support high risk interdisciplinary research not otherwise funded under existing NSF programs.
The initiative's goal of enhancing the ability to learn and create will be achieved by fostering connections between natural and artificial systems and by developing a sophisticated understanding of human learning, systems integration, and intelligent behavior, coupled with research and development on enabling technologies.
Projects should be characterized by their potential to make great strides in deepening the knowledge-base rather than by taking incremental steps.
Multidisciplinary research teams, cultivating new, innovative collaborations built on prior efforts, are seen as appropriate for successful projects. LIS should promote cooperation among relevant research communities and nurture scientific discussions across disciplinary boundaries. Proposals must have core research content related to learning in both natural and artificial systems, spanning more than one discipline, and more than one NSF directorate. Participating directorates include Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Education and Human Resources, Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
Priority for funding of LIS projects will be given to proposals in which the cross-disciplinary links involve a serious sharing or blending of paradigms, models, and empirical validation criteria, as well as to proposals that have the potential to break new ground, mobilize new human resources, and lead to fundamental changes in methodology.
In fiscal year 1996, NSF established the Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies (CRLT) Program as a first step in defining the scope of LIS. The objective of CRLT was to stimulate research on the integration of technology with learning at all levels of education, including self-directed and lifelong learning. Funding and management of CRLT came from EHR and three NSF research directorates. Twelve planning awards for CRLT Centers were made in fiscal year 1996. In fiscal year 1997, the goals of the CRLT activity will be incorporated into the LIS initiative. The continuing CRLT component of LIS seeks proposals for collaborative projects that contribute to the creative integration of basic research in education with basic research in information technology, as well as projects to establish one or more (real or virtual) Centers for Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies.
Eligibility
Please refer to the program announcement (see "For More Information" below) for specific details on eligible researchers, institutions, etc.
Deadlines
Preproposals are required and must be received by February 7, 1997. Full proposals are by invitation only, and must be received by May 15, 1997.
For More Information
The program announcement Learning and Intelligent Systems Initiative (NSF 97-18) is available from the NSF Forms and Publications Office by telephone, (703) 306-1130, or by e-mail, pubs@nsf.gov; and on the EHR Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://red.www.nsf.gov/. The Research, Evaluation, and Communication Division can be reached by telephone at (703) 306-1650.
A major objective of the NSF is to improve the Nation's capacity for intellectual and economic growth. It does this by supporting the discovery of new knowledge and the enhancement of a skilled workforce. Industry can outline new technical challenges and assist in the support of academic institutions. By serving as a catalyst for industry/university partnerships, NSF helps ensure that intellectual capital and emerging technologies are brought together in ways that promote economic growth and an improved quality of life.
The Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) initiative aims to synergize industry/university partnerships by making funds available to support an eclectic mix of industry/university linkages. Special interest is focused on affording the opportunity for faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students to conduct research and gain experience with production processes in an industrial setting; for industry scientists and engineers to bring industry's perspective and integrative skills to academe; and for interdisciplinary industry/university teams to conduct long-term projects. This initiative targets high-risk and high-gain research with focus on fundamental topics that would not have been undertaken by industry; development of innovative, collaborative industry/university educational programs; and direct transfer of new knowledge between academe and industry.
To meet this objective, the GOALI initiative provides funding for faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students to develop creative modes of collaborative interactions with industry through individual or small group projects, and for industry-based fellowships for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The following are examples of GOALI mechanisms. Proposers are encouraged to modify or adapt them to meet individual needs and/or realize imaginative ideas.
The topics addressed in a GOALI award need not focus on fundamental issues only but should address long-term generic research within an intellectual envelope shared by the industrial partner. Fundamental research in academe is performed in parallel with more applied research in industry. Industrial partners are encouraged to provide scientific and technical feedback, support personnel and equipment, and facilitate testing of the research results when suitable. Investigators are expected to integrate research objectives with educational and human resource goals and industry needs.
GOALI also places emphasis on improving industry/university research linkages in the design of products and processes. The research should strengthen the fundamental scientific and engineering foundations on which new design and production practices and methods may be based. This emphasis aims to improve the basic understanding and development of integrated design tools in both academe and industry.
The length of support requested should be appropriate to the purpose and can vary. For example, a visit to industry could be for 2 months, a full research proposal could take up to 3 years.
Although cost-sharing for collaborative work is encouraged, the industrial partners are not required to match NSF research award funds for work performed in universities. However, where faculty visit industry to perform research for a longer time, it is expected that industry will provide 50 percent of the salary, considered cost-sharing. A coinvestigator or coadvisor from industry is required in a collaborative project or industrial fellowship.
Support by GOALI may be provided through a grant or through a supplement for an eligible existing NSF award. Proposals in the GOALI Initiative are required to compete with all other proposals received at NSF for the respective research/educational program.
Although flexibility exists for proposals focused on one or more of the examples listed above, the following directorates offer GOALI-related activities. For further information, consult the corresponding program announcement.
The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) supports postdoctoral and graduate student research experiences in industry by offering opportunities for postdoctoral studies through two programs: Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biosciences Related to the Environment (see program announcement NSF 94-114) and Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (see program announcement NSF 94-133). Graduate Student Industrial Internships are provided for bioscience graduate students who have been awarded grants from the BIO Directorate to work in industry under the guidance of an academic advisor and an industrial mentor. For further information, consult the BIO Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/bio/start.htm.
The Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) offers opportunities in all areas supported by the directorate, such as postdoctoral fellowships in industry. For information on proposal submission and evaluation criteria, see the publication CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates in Computational Science and Engineering (in revision). For further information, consult the CISE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, http://www.cise.nsf.gov/.
The Directorates for Education and Human Resources (EHR), Engineering (ENG), and Geosciences (GEO) support research and education projects and fellowships in all disciplines that fall within their purview. For more information, see the publication GOALI: FY 1996 Guidelines for EHR, ENG, and GEO Directorates (NSF 95-111). For further information, consult the Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web for EHR (http://red.www.nsf.gov/), ENG (https://www.nsf.gov/eng/start.htm), and GEO (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/).
The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) offers opportunities in all areas usually supported by the directorate. Specific opportunities for industry/university collaboration are described in the following program announcements: University/Industry Cooperative Research Programs in the Mathematical Sciences (NSF 94-100), Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (NSF 95-112), Environmentally Benign Chemical Synthesis and Processing (NSF 92-13), and NSF/NIST Interaction in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (Dear Colleague Letter dated 2/10/95). For further information, consult the MPS Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/mps/start.htm.
The Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) supports--in addition to other activities--research in the framework of two initiatives. The first initiative advances the mission of the Decision, Risk, and Management Science Program and is designed to encourage theory-building in actual operational and managerial processes, problem-solving, risk management, strategic planning, and decision-making in private sector organizations. Further information can be found in the publication SBE/DRMS Joint NSF/Private Sector Research Opportunities (NSF 92-136). The objectives of the second initiative include supporting research to develop or improve concepts, theories, and methodologies for better managing transformations to quality organizations; and encouraging the development of new tools or processes, thereby leading to quality improvements in organization. Further information can be found in the publication Transformations to Quality Organizations (NSF 95-99). For further information, consult the SBE Directorate Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/sbe/start.htm.
For More Information
For further information, contact Dr. M.C. Roco, Coordinator for the NSF GOALI Initiative, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 525, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or contact by phone, (703) 306-1371. The GOALI announcement (NSF 95-112) and the directorate guidelines are available on the NSF Home Page via the World Wide Web, https://www.nsf.gov/.
Persons interested in submitting proposals for the GOALI initiative should contact the program director in their area of interest most closely related to their field of research and education for guidance on proposal submission.
The NSF recently created a highly interdisciplinary, integrated research program titled Life in Extreme Environments (LExEn). This program, which is managed by the BIO, ENG, GEO and MPS Directorates and OPP, seeks to improve fundamental understanding of the formation and development of life, as well as foster an understanding of the physical/chemical/geological processes that sustain it. The study of microbial life-forms that exist in extreme conditions on Earth, will provide important new insights into how life originated and evolved here, and whether and how life may thrive on other planets.
There will be a special funding opportunity in fiscal year 1997, to highlight NSF's strong interest in this area. Announcements will be posted electronically with hard copies available upon request. If you would like to be alerted to the posting of these announcements, please send a message to listmanager@nsf.gov with the command subscribe nsflexen <your full name> in the text of the message (the subject line is ignored). Your e-mail address will be extracted from the "From" field of your request.
For More Information
Persons interested in submitting a proposal for the LExEn initiative should contact the program that is most closely related to their area of interest.
--In the Division of Environmental Biology, contact Joann Roskoski by phone, 306-1480, or by e-mail, jroskosk@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, contact Phil Harriman by phone, 306-1439, or by e-mail, pharrima@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Astronomical Sciences, contact Vernon Pankonin by phone, 306-1826, or by e-mail, vpankoni@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Chemistry, contact George Rubottom by phone, 306-1851, or by e-mail, grubotto@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems, contact George Vermont by phone, 306-1318, or by e-mail, gvermont@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Atmospheric Sciences, contact Jarvis Moyers by phone, 306-1523, or by e-mail, jmoyers@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Earth Sciences, contact Chris Maples by phone, 306-1551, or by e-mail, cmaples@nsf.gov;
--In the Division of Ocean Sciences, contact Mike Reeve by phone, 306-1582, or by e-mail, mreeve@nsf.gov;
--In the Office of Polar Programs (Antarctic Research Section), contact Linda Duguay by phone, 306-1033, or by e-mail, lduguay@nsf.gov; and
--In the Office of Polar Programs (Arctic Research Section), contact Douglas Siegel-Causey by phone, 306-1030, or by e-mail, dsiegel@nsf.gov.