National Science Foundation (NSF)

⚛ Researchers make an atomic-level discovery on how the COVID-19 virus latches onto and enters human cells. A team led by researchers with the NSF Physics Frontiers Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University reported that their findings are based on atomic-scale images acquired through cryo-electron tomography combined with computer simulations and theoretical predictions. Their work revealed the shape-changing sequence that allows coronavirus proteins to fuse with human cells. "Understanding the fundamental physical workings within intricate biological mechanisms is essential for developing more effective and universal treatments that can protect our health and save lives," says Saul Gonzalez, director of the NSF Division of Physics. https://bit.ly/3TbWaoM 📷: Mikey Grunst, Yale University #NSFfunded #covid19 #caronavirus

This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan engaged with leaders and innovators at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University (OSU), focusing on the future of workforce development, the economic impact of public research universities, and NSF-supported research. In Fiscal Year 2023, NSF invested over $121 million in Oregon to advance research, innovation and education. At the University of Oregon, the director participated in discussions on workforce development and a roundtable on economic contributions with NSF Chief Science Officer Karen Marrongelle and former Congressman Peter DeFazio. The visit concluded with a tour of the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon (CAMCOR). At Oregon State University, Panchanathan spoke with the campus research community about NSF's strategic direction and the crucial universities play in driving next-generation science and innovation. He also participated in a roundtable discussion on semiconductor technology innovation and workforce development, highlighting OSU's leadership in this critical field. Key participants included OSU semiconductor research and development and education leaders such as Sanjay Natarajan, senior vice president and co-general manager Intel Corporation; Arun Agarwal, R&D director for the Advanced Technology and Strategy Lab at HP; and representatives from state and industry partners. In addition to these engagements, on Tuesday, the agency announced a $14.5 million investment in its NSF Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education program. "Community colleges play a critical role in training people from all parts of the country for a variety of STEM careers, including future scientists, engineers and technicians," noted Panchanathan. On Thursday, NSF also announced a $39 million investment through the NSF Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering program to grow quantum research activities at more institutions nationwide. "Maintaining our country's global leadership in quantum information science demands that we engage the full spectrum of talent that's waiting to be unleashed from each and every U.S. community," said Panchanathan. These initiatives represent significant strides in expanding opportunities and capabilities across the nation's educational landscape. 📷: Oregon State University; Kim Silverman/NSF

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build your own startup company? 👩💼💼 America’s Seed Fund, powered by NSF, awards $200+ million in research and development funding to about 400 startups across the United States each year. An upcoming webinar with an NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility, and what they look for when they review project pitches. Join the Zoom call Thursday, Sept. 5, 2-3 p.m. EDT. Register today: https://bit.ly/3MqKCdH 📷: America's Seed Fund powered by the National Science Foundation (NSF SBIR/STTR) #AmericasSeedFund #NSFSBIR #startup

Conducting successful cruises aboard research vessels requires chief scientists and supervisors able to manage and coordinate personnel and equipment, plan for operations and survey tasks at sea, and work with vessel crew and staff. To help with this, NSF is committed to building and maintaining a robust scientific workforce to lead researcher cruises. To equip and motivate a new generation of seagoing oceanographers to use these assets, an NSF-funded team hosted a training for early-career scientists with support from four science mentors and community observers. The goal of the training was to develop proficiency, build confidence and join an early-career polar oceanographer cohort. 📸: Lloyd Pikok

The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, a global network of radio telescopes funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and international partners, has achieved the highest resolution radio observations of astronomical objects ever obtained. Their recently published pilot experiment study unveils a novel technique that detects radio waves from distant galaxies at a wavelength of 0.87 mm. This substantially improves the previous 1.3 mm wavelength observations used by the collaboration to image supermassive black holes in two galaxies. The researchers estimate that, in the future, their new method will allow them to capture black hole images with 50% more detail than before. "This is a critically important technical advance, demonstrating an observational capability which will be essential for deeper understanding of the physics behind many astrophysical objects," says Nigel Sharp, program director in the NSF Division of Physics. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XntP1q 📸: ESO/M. Kornmesser

NSF announces a $14.5M investment in the inaugural set of awards through the Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education (ITYC) program. 🎓 "Community colleges play a critical role in training people from all parts of the country for a variety of STEM careers including future scientists, engineers and technicians," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "The Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education program is essential to how we expand pathways and opportunities so that more talented people from every part of the nation have the opportunity to make their way into STEM. I'm pleased that Congress recognized the critical role of community colleges in the 'CHIPS and Science Act of 2022' and the foundation they provide for educational opportunities. Programs like ITYC are how we build on that foundation to reach more young people who have bright futures ahead of them in the STEM community." Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Xml33F 📷: Florida Advanced Technological Education Center for Manufacturing

NSF is pleased to announce the appointment of David B. Berkowitz as the new assistant director for the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Directorate. "David Berkowitz's extensive knowledge and expertise at the interface of chemistry, biology and engineering are an invaluable addition to NSF's work to advance the frontiers of science and research," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "His superior leadership capabilities, combined with his proven track record for supporting diverse talent and cutting-edge research, will help accelerate our nation's progress at the forefront of discovery and innovation. Dr. Berkowitz is not new to the agency. The experience he brings with him from his time as a division director and program director will put him on track to lead the way from day one. I eagerly await his insight and perspective." Learn more about David Berkowitz: https://bit.ly/4cHh5qS. 📷: Craig Chandler

Join NSF's upcoming webinar to learn everything you need to know about the NSF Game Maker Awards! 🎮 Date: Sept. 10, 2024. Time: 2-3 p.m. ET. Get insights, tips and answers to all your questions about the challenge! Register now: https://bit.ly/3MmOKLD. #GameMakerAwards #NSF75 #STEM #LifeIn2100 #NSF75

Last week, the U.S. National Science Foundation made major strides in research, innovation and conservation, marked by key announcements and engagement with the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE). On August 20, Director Sethuraman Panchanathan joined Revolution Chairman/CEO, AOL Co-Founder, and NACIE Co-Chair Steve Case; former President, The Ohio State University, and NACIE Co-Chair Kristina Johnson; and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of USPTO Kathi Vidal to co-chair a meeting of NACIE. The director highlighted the ongoing implementation of recommendations from their February 2024 report, “Competitiveness Through Entrepreneurship: A Strategy for U.S. Innovation.” This national strategy strengthens America’s ability to compete as the world’s leading nation of startup companies. That same day, NSF announced a $16 million investment in 10 projects to address conservation challenges in partnership with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. These projects, supported through the NSF Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice program, aim to translate basic science into real-world applications. NSF announced $38 million in new support through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research for researchers in Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island. These investments through the NSF E-CORE RII and NSF E-RISE RII programs bolster research infrastructure, foster new partnerships, and enhance STEM workforce development in regions that have historically received less funding.  On August 21, NSF unveiled four new Engineering Research Centers with a potential 10-year investment of up to $208 million. These centers will focus on pioneering advancements in biotechnology, manufacturing, robotics, and sustainability. "NSF's Engineering Research Centers ask big questions to catalyze solutions with far-reaching impacts," said Director Panchanathan.  The director’s emphasis on workforce development was also spotlighted in a recent Forbes article, where he underscored the importance of community colleges in supporting the success of NSF Engines: "None of the Regional Innovation Engines will be successful if we don't have the capacity of the skilled technical workforce unleashed at full force and full scale, everywhere." https://bit.ly/4geB6Z1 Through targeted and strategic investments, NSF continues to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring a brighter future for all.

📚Come see us at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., tomorrow! NSF scientists will present two live science demonstrations featuring solutions that change color, bubble and smoke! This show will be educational, entertaining and engaging for scientists of any age. Both live demos will be tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at 🕑 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT https://bit.ly/3WWzZnU and 🕧 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT https://bit.ly/4cU9Mwh. Location: 🗺️ Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall DE (Level 2, North Building) at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 See you there! #NationalBookFestival # #NatBookFest l #books