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NSF History

50th Anniversary

Research Highlights

America's Investment in the Future (50th anniversary book)

"Nifty 50"

Advertorials and Articles

NSF50 Video and Radio Features

   


The National Science Foundation

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. We have achieved this mission repeatedly over the past 50 years.

NSF's First Location
The National Science Foundation's first location at 901 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC.

"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.

In the year 2000, NSF celebrated its 50th anniversary. To learn more about the agency's history, see:

NSF: An Overview of the First 50 Years
Important Historical Dates
NSF50 Website


 

     
 
 
     
 

 
National Science Foundation
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Tel: 703-292-8070
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