|
National Science Foundation History
 |
The National Science Foundation's first location at 901 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC. |
WHERE DISCOVERIES BEGIN
Established in 1950, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is the federal government's only agency dedicated to the support of education and fundamental research in all scientific and engineering disciplines. Our mission is to ensure that the United States maintains leadership in scientific discovery and the development of new technologies.
"Penicillin, the proximity fuze, the atom bomb, among a host of other scientific contributions to American victory in the Second World War, brought home to many citizens the value of scientific research. In the continuing crisis after the war, there were few who opposed the proposition that sustained Federal support of science and research was essential to the defense and welfare of the United States."
"By the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 the Congress established the National Science Foundation to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes. The President approved the act on May 10, 1950."
– Excerpt from The First Annual Report of the National Science Foundation, 1950-51
INFORMATION RELATED TO NSF'S HISTORY
|
