News Release 14-079

Toolkit includes new video on merit review, infographics and directorate brochures

June 20, 2014

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 Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

Today the National Science Foundation (NSF) released a robust toolkit that includes new videos, infographics, fact sheets and brochures that describe NSF investments in fundamental research and how they contribute to the nation's science and engineering enterprise.

"NSF's toolkit offers a range of information about the vital work of the Foundation in a compelling way using modern communications methods," said NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs Director Judith Gan. "We encourage the NSF community and the general public to explore the materials we're releasing today to learn more about how the agency helps our nation remain at the competitive forefront of discovery and innovation."

Part of the toolkit package is an animated, NSF-produced video describing the agency's rigorous merit review process. The agency also developed infographics called, "Data by Design: Snapshot of NSF's Programs, Processes, Funding & Impact." These colorful charts showcase the Foundation's role in building tomorrow's workforce, driving innovation, influencing national and international discoveries, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations.

In addition, NSF developed brochures that highlight each directorate's contributions to pushing the frontiers of science, engineering and education. These contributions include the fundamental research that led to self-driving cars, the artificial retina, modeling seismic waves, accuracy of GPS devices, real-time emergency information to emergency workers and residents, unraveling cancer, rescue robots, building a diverse STEM workforce, and more.

For more than 60 years, NSF has supported fundamental researchers who devote time, inspiration and hard work to unraveling mysteries, solving problems, spurring the economy and offering insights into our world. NSF's research directorates include biological sciences, computer and information sciences, education and human resources, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioral and economic sciences.

-NSF-

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  View Video
  

  A video on merit review explains how NSF determines which research has the greatest potential.
  Credit and Larger Version

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Media Contacts
Dana Topousis, NSF, (703) 292-7750, email: dtopousi@nsf.gov

Related Websites
NSF Toolkit: http://nsf.gov/about/congress/toolkit.jsp

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

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