National Science Foundation - Where Discoveries Begin

The NSF-chartered research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer.

Power recycling optic 2 at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory.

Video type: Brightcove Video Cloud

This newly discovered dinosaur wears its heart on its…tail

NSF supports transformative research in AI and machine learning, and enhancing the workforce.

A view along the river in Tanzania where scientists have conducted research since 2002.

The field team excavates the first major quarry platform on the cliff where the fossil was found.

Climbing ropes were essential components of the field seasons in which the fossil was collected.

Fossils are carefully excavated and covered before encasement in protective plaster jackets.

Ohio University researcher Tobin Hieronymus excavates part of the dinosaur skeleton.

Joanne Tornow has served with NSF for nearly two decades.

Scientists Russ Schmitt, Sally Holbrook conduct research on corals at the NSF Moorea LTER site.

Patch reefs in the lagoon at Moorea showing encrusting, branching corals.

Patch reefs in the Moorea lagoon that are dominated by macroalgae.

A Moorea lagoon patch reef that's dominated by live coral.

Coral cover on the forereef at Moorea after a 2010 hurricane and crown-of-thorns seastar outbreak.

Branching, mounding corals on the Moorea forereef, 8 years after the hurricane and seastar outbreak.

NSF's mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering.