subject: National Science Foundation – a Chance to Advance Your Research [print this page] The National Science Foundation (NSF), a United States government agency that aims at supporting fundamental sciences and education programs in all the spheres not connected to the medicine, is the source of funds for lots of scientific and educational projects. The NSF issues limited-term grants to 10000 projects each year. The grants are distributed by the directorates which award the projects found the best in their area. There exist seven directorates overall.
1.The Directorate for Biological sciences (BIO) that targets at promoting and advancing scientific progress in biology,
2.The Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) that aims at exploring the frontiers of computing,
3.The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) that specializes at engineering projects,
4.The Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) whose aim is advancing scientific knowledge of Earth's environment,
5.The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) which aims at applying mathematics and physical science to the needs of society,
6.The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) which proclaims its main purpose in increasing knowledge of people and society,
7.The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) which aims at ensuring the health and vitality of US nation's education.
The main criteria for supporting this or that science or education program are
1.the importance of the project that is offered for award to improvement of knowledge in the its field or some other fields, how high is the intellectual value of the researcher and how well the activity is arranged
2.the rate of advancing of participation of different subgroups, enhancement of infrastructure for researches and education and the general influence of the activity.
So, if you consider your research deserves getting a grant from NSF, check their official web-site http://www.nsf.gov/ for extra information.
National Science Foundation a Chance to Advance Your Research
