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National Science Foundation facts for kids

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National Science Foundation
NSF logo.png
Seal of the National Science Foundation
Flag of the National Science Foundation.svg
Flag of the National Science Foundation
Agency overview
Formed May 10, 1950; 73 years ago (1950-05-10)
Headquarters Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Motto Where Discoveries Begin
Employees 1700
Annual budget $7.8 billion for 2018
Agency executive

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a United States government agency where discoveries begin and supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. Its medical counterpart is the National Institutes of Health. With an annual budget of about US$6.87 billion (fiscal year 2010), the NSF funds approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by the United States' colleges and universities. In some fields, such as mathematics, computer science, economics and the social sciences, the NSF is the major source of federal backing.

The NSF's director, deputy director, and the 24 members of the National Science Board (NSB) are appointed by the President of the United States, and confirmed by the United States Senate. The director and deputy director are responsible for administration, planning, budgeting and day-to-day operations of the foundation, while the NSB meets six times a year to establish its overall policies.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fundación Nacional de Ciencias para niños

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