The National Science Foundation [1] is a catalyst for progress through investment in science, mathematics and engineering. The agency is guided by its longstanding commitment to excellence in the support of discovery and learning. NSF provides leadership and stewardship to sustain and strengthen the Nation's science, mathematics, and engineering capabilities and to promote the use of those capabilities in service to society.

The NSF, a U.S. Government agency established in 1950, has a staff of 1,200. Science is supported in these major areas: mathematics and physical sciences (including chemistry and astronomy); geosciences (earth, atmosphere, ocean); biological sciences; sociological, behavioral, and economic sciences; engineering; computer sciences and information systems; and polar programs.

Scientists, engineers, and educators at U.S. institu­tions compete for support by submitting proposals that respond to NSF program areas. [2]  Annually:

• 30,000 proposals competitively reviewed
• 10,000 new awards to 2,000 institutions

The National Science Foundation requests $6.02 billion for FY 2007, $439 million or 7.9 percent over the FY 2006 request of $5.58 billion.

NSF spending in FY 2006 for the U.S. Antarctic Program was $318.51 million, of which $46.76 million was for research grants and Science & Technology Center, $140.90 million was for operations and science support, $5.13 was for Environment, Health & Safety, $67.52 million was for logistics, and $58.20 was for USCG polar icebreakers operating in the Arctic and the Antarctic. The NSF funds about 97 percent of all Federally supported Antarctic research and research support.

For FY 2007, the NSF has requested $348.51 million, of which $56.98 is for research grants and the Science & Technology Center, $161.09 million is for operations and science support, $5.92 is for Environment, Safety & Health, and $67.52-million is for logistics. The NSF also budgeted $57.00 for operation and maintenance of the USCG polar icebreakers. [3]

[1] http://www.nsf.gov

[2] http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp (NSF Guide to Programs)

[3] http://www.nsf.gov/funding/ (Browse NSF funding opportunities.)