National Science Foundation (NSF)

The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $48 million in its Broadening Participation in Computing Alliances to foster greater diversity in computing. This initiative aims to address the unique challenges underrepresented groups face in computer and information science and engineering, creating more inclusive and innovative communities nationwide. From mentoring programs to systemic changes in education, these alliances are driving progress in building a computing workforce that reflects the diversity and creativity needed to maintain the U.S. as a global leader in technology. "These awards exemplify our commitment to continuously expand opportunities for underserved groups and break down systemic barriers in computing education and research," said Greg Hager, assistant director for the NSF Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate. "By investing in innovative programs that address disparities, we are not just broadening participation — we are building a more inclusive, creative and robust computing workforce that will drive technological leadership for decades to come." https://bit.ly/3Tyajgc

The U.S. National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation are launching two new National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes: NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins and NSF-Simons AI Institute for the Sky. Over the next five years, each institute will receive $20 million to advance AI tools and accelerate humanity’s understanding of the universe. “The massive amount of data that will be gathered in the coming years by the NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory and other large-scale astronomical projects is simply too vast and rich to be fully explored with existing methods," says NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "With reliable and trustworthy AI in their toolbox, everyone from students to senior researchers will have exciting new ways to gain valuable insights, leading to amazing discoveries that might otherwise remain hidden in the data." Learn more: https://bit.ly/4e6Xp1a

🧬A recent NSF news story spotlights the incredible and inspiring research of four #NSFfunded scientists. Their novel approaches to controlling how genes are turned on and off are yielding cutting-edge breakthroughs, from tissue regeneration to new cancer treatments. Read more about their work in the latest NSF Science Matters story: https://bit.ly/3XsQsQW 📷: Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, Northwestern University

Join the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2-3 p.m. EDT for a TIP Updates Webinar. During the webinar, Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for TIP, will share exciting new directorate developments, including new programs, awards and funding opportunities. TIP advances use-inspired and translational research in all fields of science and engineering, giving rise to new industries and engaging all Americans in the pursuit of new, high-wage jobs in science, technology, engineering and math, regardless of background or location. Register now for the webinar: https://bit.ly/4eqCRAA. For more information about the event, please visit https://bit.ly/4gv5cYm. 📷: NSF

The U.S. National Science Foundation, in collaboration with Ericsson , Intel Corporation, Micron Technology, and Samsung Semiconductor, has awarded $42.4 million through its Future of Semiconductors (NSF FuSe2) competition. This investment will drive groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, advanced computing, and semiconductor technologies. By overcoming existing limitations in semiconductor design and fabrication, these awards aim to bolster U.S. leadership in technology innovation while addressing energy efficiency, performance, and supply chain challenges. "Innovation in semiconductor research is crucial to the future of our global competitiveness in modern electronics, computing and supply chains," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "These investments are not only supporting the future of semiconductors as a driver of our economy but also our national security. As such, we must ensure that we harness the full potential of emerging technologies and develop a skilled workforce ready to unleash new opportunities and tackle global grand challenges." These projects will develop next-generation materials and devices, revolutionizing semiconductor functions such as wearable health devices and large-scale data centers. They also include comprehensive education programs to broaden participation in STEM fields, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce. https://bit.ly/3BfgdfT

Attention!🚨 Sept. 20 — less than a week away — is the last day to submit nominations for the 2025 Alan T. Waterman Award, the nation's highest honor for early-career scientists and engineers. The researcher selected for this prestigious NSF award will receive a medal and $1 million of support over five years to conduct research within their field. To make nominations and learn more about this award, please visit https://bit.ly/4d1tUwk. 📷: NSF

Mark your calendar. 🗓✅ On Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, the NSF Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships program will host an informational webinar emphasizing key leadership considerations for potential STC principal investigators/future center directors. Topics will include highlights from the STC solicitation, a presentation on common challenges experienced by center directors and a panel discussion with current STC directors, followed by a Q&A session. To register and learn more about the upcoming webinar, visit https://bit.ly/3B6DdOo.

This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan continued making significant strides toward fostering innovation and collaboration. On Tuesday, Panchanathan participated in the Quantum World Congress. He spoke about how the U.S. is poised to lead the global quantum revolution, underscoring NSF's investments in infrastructure and quantum research to propel innovation forward. On Wednesday, the director joined the State of the Science Ecosystem roundtable alongside host Steve Clemons, contributing editor, publisher and editor of The Washington Note; Sudip Parikh, CEO and executive publisher of Science Family of Journals at AAAS; and Mary Woolley, president and CEO of Research!America. Panchanathan emphasized the importance of federal investments in science and private-sector collaborations to maintain a strong U.S. science and technology ecosystem. Additionally, NSF announced a $10.5 million investment in Ideas Lab projects via the NSF Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation (ARC-HBCU) opportunity. The Ideas Lab will bolster the research capacity at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). "The inaugural NSF ARC-HBCU Ideas Lab is a unique opportunity to connect talent and build research networks across our HBCUs to further advance an integrated and collaborative vision for the most critical research capacity needs of HBCUs," said Panchanathan.

The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing $10.5 million to enhance research capacity at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through NSF Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation (ARC-HBCU) Ideas Lab projects. These projects will address infrastructure needs, build sustainable collaboration networks, and promote diversity in STEM research. "The inaugural NSF ARC-HBCU Ideas Lab is a unique opportunity to connect talent and build research networks across our HBCUs to further advance an integrated and collaborative vision for the most critical research capacity needs of HBCUs," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. https://bit.ly/3XJo2T1

NSF invests $14 million in seven interdisciplinary projects through the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation: Biocomputing through EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence program. These projects from different institutions across the U.S. focus on the ethical and responsible development of organoid intelligence systems, which are biological computing systems that emulate the flexibility, robustness and efficiency of cells and organs. "Advances in biocomputing will open new opportunities for artificial intelligence, biotechnology and more sustainable computing," said Susan Margulies, assistant director for NSF Engineering. The projects also aim to expand and diversify the U.S. STEM workforce through workshops, hands-on training and mentorship opportunities. To learn more about these projects and read the full announcement, visit: https://bit.ly/3zflFPm