NSF Facilities
Background. The National Science Foundation supports large, multi-user
facilities which are too large, complex or expensive for individual
researchers or small groups to construct, operate and maintain. These
unique national facilities allow many users to enjoy access to state-of-the-art
research facilities essential for advancing
world class research.
Budget. NSF support for facilities is $684 million in
the FY98 budget request, currently totaling about 20% of the NSF
budget. This is consistent with recent trends, and the National Science
Board has reaffirmed its desire to maintain support at about this level.
Major Research Equipment (MRE) Account. The MRE makes up 12% of
NSF's support for research facilities. MRE was established in FY95 to
support construction of major research facilities that push the boundaries
of technology and open new research directions. The FY98 MRE request
for $85 million includes four projects:
- the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)
--final construction phase ($26M)
- the Millimeter Array (MMA)
--initial year of design and development phase ($9M, totaling $26M over 3
yrs.)
- the Polar Cap Observatory (PCO)
--full funding for construction ($25M)
- the South Pole Station
--start of modernization ($25M)
Priorities. Facilities priorities are driven predominantly by
research opportunities and requirements, and respond to changing conditions.
Choices take into account:
- scientific readiness (for example, opportunities in forefront research);
- technical feasibility, including the development of innovative technologies;
- response to national needs;
- capital and operating costs;
- the need of and impact on small-scale, individual researchers;
- capabilities of other facilities funded by NSF and other agencies;
- international partnerships;
- international availability of comparable facilities.
Facilities. NSF supports the following:
Facilities |
FY 1997 |
FY 1998 |
Academic Research Fleet |
47 |
47 |
Advanced Scientific Computing Facilities1 |
70 |
70 |
Incorporated Research Institute for Seismology |
12 |
12 |
Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory2 |
55 |
33 |
Millimeter Array |
- |
9 |
National Astronomy Centers |
66 |
67 |
National Center for Atmospheric Research |
61 |
62 |
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory |
18 |
18 |
NSFNET3 |
43 |
48 |
Ocean Drilling Program Facilities4 |
28 |
29 |
Polar Cap Observatory |
- |
25 |
Polar Science Operations & Logistics |
163 |
164 |
South Pole Station |
25 |
25 |
Other Facilities5 |
74 |
77 |
Total |
$662 |
$684 |
June 1997
|
