Updates to NSF Research Security Policies

On July 10, 2025, NSF issued an Important Notice providing updates to the agency's research security policies, including a research security training requirement, Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program annual certification requirement, prohibition on Confucius institutes and an updated FFDR reporting and submission timeline.

Research Approaches

Research Approaches

Learn about some of the types of research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Polarizing microscope texture of a thin, liquid crystalline film.

Interdisciplinary Research

Interdisciplinary research transcends the scope of a single discipline or program.

Learn about interdisciplinary research
Optogenetics is a revolutionary new research technique that enables scientists to use light to precisely control the activity of neurons in the brain.

Convergence Research

Convergence research focuses on addressing complex problems in science, engineering and society.

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Like raindrops crystallizing into snowflakes as they fall, some polymers can crystallize in a similar way, starting from a central point and growing outwards in all directions. They are like spheres of crystals and, hence, are called spherulites. To fill space, they grow into each other forming the polyhedrons (multi-sided figures) that you see. If you look at the crystal in a polarizing microscope, the Maltese cross pattern is seen.

Transformative Research

Transformative research challenges current understanding or creates paths to new frontiers in science and engineering.

Learn about transformative research
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