National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent United States

History and mission

The NSF was established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. The stated mission of the NSF is

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:"To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense."http://www.nsf.gov/home/about/creation.htm

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The NSF is generally considered by historians of science to be an inept compromise between too many clashing visions of the purpose and scope of the federal government. It has suffered from chronic underfunding for decades, even after the passage of the controversial Mansfield Amendment, which was partially intended to reaffirm the role of NSF as the primary civilian government agency for the funding of basic science.

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NSF has traditionally competed for funding with defense research agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Office of Naval Research, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

Related Topics:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency - Office of Naval Research - Air Force Office of Scientific Research

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