|
|
|
NSF Creation
and Mission
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of
the U.S. Government, established by the National Science Foundation
Act of 1950, as amended, and related legislation, 42 U.S.C. 1861
et seq., and was given additional authority by the Science and Engineering
Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885), and Title I of the Education
for Economic Security Act (20 U.S.C. 3911 to 3922).
NSF Factsheet
Congress established the National Science Foundation (NSF) with
the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 "to promote the progress
of science; to advance the national health, prosperity and welfare;
and to secure the national defense." With an annual budget of about
$5.58 billion (fiscal year 2004), NSF funds the people, ideas and
tools to boost U.S. leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics
and engineering research and education. In contrast, other federal
agencies support research focused on specific missions, such as
health, energy or defense.
GPRA Strategic
Plan, FY 2003-2008
NSF investments – in people, in their ideas, and in the tools
they use - will catalyze the strong progress in science and engineering
needed to establish world leadership and secure the Nation’s
security, prosperity, and well-being.
FY 2005 Budget Summary
Knowledge and innovation are powerful forces for progress in the
lives of people and nations. The leadership of the United States
and its unsurpassed standard of living rest on the solid foundation
of achievement in science and engineering. Investments in fundamental
research and education have supported decades of U.S. global leadership
in discovery, learning and innovation. The National Science Foundation
requests $5.745 billion in FY 2005 to ensure that U.S. science and
engineering capabilities and skills remain world class. These investments
will enhance discovery and accelerate the country to greater economic
and social prosperity.
|
|
|
|