NSF-Supported Research Infrastructure: Enabling Discovery, Innovation and Learning

摘要

Advancing the frontiers of science and engineering depends, in part, on transformational facilities and instruments, and on the ability to use them effectively. For the National Science Foundation (NSF)the only federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering--providing a world-class research infrastructure is essential to the furthering of discovery, innovation and learning. Th rough advances in research infrastructure and collaborative environments, we ensure that the nation's scientists, engineers, teachers and students have opportunities to explore areas of exceptional promise. NSF is known for supporting science and engineering ideas, but, perhaps, less well known for our support of new and powerful tools and dynamic research centers. And yet, NSF has a mission to make advanced equipment, facilities, and shared cyberinfrastructure broadly available to the entire research community. Infrastructure and center investments have enabled researchers and educators to pursue fundamental questions, unravel newly revealed mysteries, transform fields and disciplines, and expand people's understanding of the universe and their place in it. These investments are essential to maintaining the overall leadership of the U.S. science and engineering enterprise.