Title: Guide to Programs FY 2001 (Replaces 00-65)
Date: March 21, 2001

This document has been archived and replaced by nsf0203.




                        INTRODUCTION

About the National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent
Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation
Act of 1950, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1861-75). The act states
that NSF shall consist of the National Science Board and the
Director, and that the purpose of the NSF is "to promote the
progress of science; [and] to advance the national health,
prosperity, and welfare" by supporting research and
education in all fields of science and engineering." The
Board is responsible for establishing NSF's policies and
serves as its board of directors. The act also directs the
Board to advise the President and Congress on policy matters
related to science and engineering research and education.

>From its first days, NSF has had a unique place in the
Federal Government: It is responsible for the overall health
of science and engineering across all disciplines. In
contrast, other Federal agencies support research focused on
specific missions such as health or defense. NSF is also
committed to ensuring the Nation's supply of scientists,
engineers, and science and engineering educators.

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science
and engineering. It does this through grants to and
cooperative agreements with more than 2,000 colleges,
universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal
science organizations, and other research institutions
throughout the United States. NSF accounts for about one-
fourth of all Federal support to academic institutions for
basic research.

NSF receives approximately 30,000 proposals each year for
research, education, and training projects, of which
approximately 10,000 are funded. In addition, it receives
several thousand applications for graduate and post-doctoral
fellowships. NSF grants are typically awarded to
universities, colleges, academic consortia, nonprofit
institutions, and small businesses. NSF operates no
laboratories itself, but it does support National Research
Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels, and
Antarctic research stations. It also supports cooperative
research between universities and industry, U.S.
participation in international scientific efforts, and
educational activities at every academic level.

NSF is structured much like a university, with grants-
funding divisions for the various disciplines and fields of
science and engineering, and for science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education. NSF also uses a
variety of management mechanisms to coordinate research in
areas that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. NSF is
helped by advisers from the scientific community who serve
on formal committees or as ad hoc reviewers of proposals.
This advisory system, which focuses on both program
directions and specific proposals, involves approximately
50,000 scientists and engineers each year. NSF staff members
who are experts in a certain field or area make award
recommendations; proposers get unattributed verbatim copies
of peer reviews.

Grantees are wholly responsible for conducting their project
activities and preparing the results for publication. Thus,
NSF does not assume responsibility for such findings or
their interpretation.

NSF welcomes proposals on behalf of all qualified
scientists, engineers and educators. It strongly encourages
women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to
participate fully in its programs. In accordance with
Federal statutes and regulations and with NSF policies, no
person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin
or disability will be excluded from participation in any
program or activity receiving financial assistance from NSF,
or be denied the benefits of such a program or activity, or
be subjected to discrimination under any such program or
activity, although some programs may have special
requirements that limit eligibility.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with
Disabilities provide funding for special assistance or
equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-
supported projects.

NSF has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable
individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the
Foundation about NSF programs, employment, or general
information. TDD may be accessed at 703-292-5090; FIRS at
800-877-8339.


Deadlines and Target Dates

Many of the programs listed in this Guide to Programs have
an established deadline or target date for the submission of
proposals. Information about most of these dates can be
found in the NSF E-Bulletin, an electronic publication
available at http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/. Individual
program announcements and solicitations also carry deadline
and target date information, as do NSF Division Web sites.

A list of all deadlines sorted by date and by program area
is available at
http://www.nsf.gov/home/deadline/deadline.htm.


Eligibility Requirements

Except where a program solicitation establishes more
restrictive eligibility criteria, individuals, and
organizations in the following categories may submit
proposals to NSF:

- Universities and Colleges-U.S. universities and 2-and 4-
  year colleges (including community colleges) acting on
  behalf of their faculty members.

- Nonprofit, Non-Academic Organizations-Independent
  museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional
  societies, and similar organizations in the United States
  that are directly associated with education or research
  activities.

- For-Profit organizations-U.S. commercial organizations,
  especially small businesses with strong capabilities in
  scientific or engineering research and education. An
  unsolicited proposal from a commercial organization may be
  funded in cases where the project is of special concern from
  a national point of view; where special resources are
  available for the work; or where the proposed project is
  especially meritorious. NSF is interested in supporting
  projects that couple industrial research resources and
  perspectives with those of universities; therefore, it
  especially welcomes proposals for cooperative projects
  involving both universities and the private commercial
  sector.

- State and Local Governments-State educational offices or
  organizations and local school districts may submit
  proposals intended to broaden the impact, accelerate the
  pace, and increase the effectiveness of improvements in
  science, mathematics, and engineering education in both K-12
  and postsecondary levels.

- Unaffiliated Individuals-Scientists, engineers, and
  educators in the United States and U.S. citizens may be
  eligible for support, provided that the individual is not
  employed by or affiliated with an organization, and:

-  the proposed project is sufficiently meritorious and
   otherwise complies with the conditions of any applicable
   proposal generating document;

-  the proposer has demonstrated the capability and has
   access to any necessary facilities to carry out the
   project; and

-  the proposer agrees to fiscal arrangements that in the
   opinion of the NSF Grants Office, ensure responsible
   management of Federal funds.

Unaffiliated individuals should contact the appropriate
program before they prepare a proposal for submission.

- Foreign Organizations-NSF rarely provides support to
  foreign organizations. NSF will consider proposals for
  cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign
  organizations, provided support is requested only for the
  U.S. portion of the collaborative effort.

- Other Federal Agencies-NSF does not normally support
  research or education activities by scientists, engineers,
  or educators employed by Federal agencies or Federally
  Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC's). However,
  a scientist, engineer, or educator who has a joint
  appointment with a university and a Federal agency (such as
  a Veterans Administration Hospital) or with a university and
  a FFRDC may submit proposals through the university and may
  receive support if he or she is a bona fide faculty member
  of the university, although part of the salary may be
  provided by the Federal agency. In some unusual
  circumstances, other Federal agencies and FFRDCs may submit
  proposals directly to NSF. Preliminary inquiry should be
  made to the appropriate program before a proposal is
  prepared for submission.

To check on special requirements for a specific program,
consult the applicable program solicitation or contact the
program directly.


Who May Submit Proposals

Scientists, engineers, and educators usually initiate
proposals that are officially submitted by their employing
organization. It is recommended that the proposal be
discussed with appropriate NSF program staff before formal
submission.

Graduate students are not encouraged to submit research
proposals, but they can arrange to serve as research
assistants to faculty members. Some NSF divisions accept
proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Grants, which
should be submitted by a faculty member or thesis adviser on
behalf of the graduate student. NSF also provides support
specifically for women and minority scientists and
engineers, scientists and engineers with disabilities, and
faculty at primarily undergraduate academic institutions.


Merit Review Criteria for the Selection of Research and
Education Projects

Funding decisions on proposals are made largely through the
process of merit review, in which expert evaluation by
external peer reviewers contributes to recommendations by
NSF program managers. NSF receives more than 170,000
external reviews each year from approximately 50,000
scientists and engineers.

The National Science Board approved revised criteria for
evaluating proposals at its meeting on March 28, 1997 (NSB
97-72). The criteria are designed to be useful and relevant
across NSF's many different programs, but NSF will employ
special criteria as required to highlight the specific
objectives of certain programs and activities.

On September 20, 1999, the NSF Director issued Important
Notice 125, Subject: Merit Review Criteria. The Important
Notice reminds proposers and reviewers of the importance of
ensuring that the merit review criterion relating to broader
impacts is considered and addressed in the preparation and
review of proposals submitted to NSF. It also indicates
NSF's intent to continue to strengthen its internal
processes to ensure that both of the merit review criteria
are viewed as suggestions and that not all of the
considerations involved in evaluating each criterion will
apply to any given proposal.

The two merit review criteria are listed below. Following
each criterion are considerations that reviewers may employ
in their evaluation. These considerations are suggestions,
and not all will apply to any given proposal. While
reviewers are expected to address both of the merit review
criteria, reviewers will be asked to address only those
considerations that are relevant to the proposal they are
reviewing and for which they are qualified to make
judgments.

What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity? How
important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge
and understanding within its own field or across different
fields? How well qualified is the proposer (individual or
team) to conduct the project? (If appropriate, the reviewer
will comment on the quality of prior work.) To what extent
does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and
original concepts? How well conceived and organized is the
proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources?

What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity? How
well does the activity advance discovery and understanding
while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well
does the proposed activity broaden the participation of
underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity,
disability, geographic)? To what extent will it enhance the
infrastructure for research and education, such as
facilities, instrumentation, networks, and partnerships?
Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance
scientific and technological understanding? What may be the
benefits of the proposed activity to society?

Principal investigators should address the following
elements in their proposal, to provide reviewers with the
information necessary to respond fully to both of the NSF
merit review criteria. NSF staff will give these elements
careful consideration in making funding decisions.

Integration of Research and Education. One of the principal
strategies in support of NSF's goals is to foster
integration of research and education through the programs,
projects, and activities it supports at academic and
research institutions. These institutions provide abundant
opportunities in which individuals may concurrently assume
responsibilities as researchers, educators, and students and
where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse education
with the excitement of discovery and enrich research through
the diversity of learner perspectives.

Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and
Activities. Broadening opportunities and enabling the
participation of all citizens-women and men;
underrepresented minorities; and persons with
disabilities-is essential to the health and vitality of
science and engineering. NSF is committed to this principle
of diversity and deems it central to the programs, projects,
and activities it considers and supports.


For More Information

The Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) (NSF 01-2) provides guidance
for the preparation and submission of proposals to NSF. Some
NSF programs have program solicitations that modify the
general provisions in the GPGP. In such cases, the
guidelines provided in the solicitation must be followed.
Contact with NSF program personnel before a proposal is
prepared is encouraged.

Effective October 1, 2000, all proposals to NSF must be
submitted electronically via the NSF FastLane system
(http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.htm). The GPG includes
instructions on how to obtain an exception to the FastLane
requirement for those who have difficulties with submission
or cannot submit electronically to NSF.

                     GENERAL INFORMATION

How to Use This Guide

The Guide to Programs is a compilation of funding
opportunities offered by the National Science Foundation for
research and education in science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology. The Guide includes broad, general
descriptions of programs and activities for each NSF
Directorate, as well as sources for more information. The
site also offers links to other information sources,
including NSF Directorate home pages, to related
publications such as program announcements and solicitations
that contain additional proposal or eligibility information;
and to the E-Bulletin for deadline and target date
information.

E-Bulletin

The NSF E-Bulletin is a Web-based document that announces
current deadline and target dates for the submission of
proposals to the Foundation. The E-Bulletin is updated daily
on the NSF Web site. Subscribers to NSF's Custom News
Service (CNS) can request monthly notification each time a
new E-Bulletin is available (see information on CNS below).
Each edition covers a 4-month period that includes the
current month and the following 3 months. A search engine on
the E-Bulletin allows you to request deadlines and target
dates for a selected period of time. For individuals who do
not have Web access, a print-on-demand monthly edition is
available. The E-Bulletin can be accessed at
http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/.

How to Obtain NSF Publications

NSF strongly encourages electronic dissemination of its
documents and offers several ways of obtaining publications
electronically. They include the following:

- Online Document System (ODS)-Includes all forms and
  publications available electronically from NSF. The ODS
  offers a search capability that allows you to search by
  document type, publication title, form number, and keyword.
  The ODS home page is located at http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-
  bin/pubsys/browser/odbrowse.pl. For a list of current NSF
  documents available in electronic format, visit the ODS
  Index at http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/index.htm.

- Custom News Service (CNS)-An e-mail and Web-based alert
  service designed to allow quick and easy access to NSF news,
  publications, and information. CNS allows users to create a
  personal "profile" in which they choose the types of
  information they are interested in, and notifies them via e-
  mail when new documents matching their profile are added to
  NSF's Online Document System. E-mails include links to the
  electronic location of each document, and/or full text of
  short documents. A weekly e-mail alert listing all documents
  added the previous week is available under "Notification
  Options" when you set up or modify your profile.

To sign up for NSF Custom News Service, visit
http://www.nsf.gov/home/cns/. (Note: You must have an
established Internet address to use CNS.)

- Other Methods-NSF also makes its publications available
  to users without Web access. For information on other
  methods of obtaining NSF publications, see
  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/start.htm, or call the NSF
  Information Center at 703-292-5111 (TDD: 703-292-5090); or e-
  mail the Center at info@nsf.gov.


           NSF CROSSCUTTING INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

EHR Directorate Home Page: http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



This section contains a partial listing of cross-directorate
programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Activities not mentioned here may appear elsewhere in this
publication. Refer to the appropriate directorate.

  -  NSF Priority Multidisciplinary Areas
  -  Human Resource and Career Development
  -  Crosscutting Research, Instrumentation, and Partnering
     Programs

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page at
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm.



____________________________________________________________


NSF PRIORITY MULTIDISCIPLINARY AREAS


As NSF invests broadly in science and engineering, a few
opportunities emerge that are so revolutionary and
encompassing that they promise to reshape science and
engineering and ultimately change the way we think and live.
NSF works with other Government agencies to identify and
support these priority multidisciplinary areas. The goal is
to accelerate scientific and technical progress by
identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge and barriers
that prevent progress.

The priority multidisciplinary areas that NSF has selected
for increased attention during the next several years are:

  1. Information Technology Research
  2. Nanoscale Science and Engineering
  3. Biocomplexity in the Environment
  4. 21st Century Workforce

The priority multidisciplinary areas in this section address
NSF's three strategic goals:

1.People - A diverse, internationally competitive and
  globally engaged workforce of scientists, engineers, and
  well-prepared citizens.
  
2.Ideas - Discovery at and across the frontier of science
  and engineering, and connections to its use in the service
  of society.
  
3.Tools - Broadly accessible, state-of-the-art information
  bases and shared research and education tools.


1. Information Technology Research - Sustained leadership in
the United States in information technology requires an
aggressive Federal program to create new knowledge in a
variety of areas. The U.S. economy's robust growth has in
part resulted from new ideas that became the basis for new
products. For example, NSF contributed greatly to the
development of today's Internet. NSF's investments--in
Ideas, People, and Tools--have benefited greatly from the
application of information technology.

NSF faces two major challenges and opportunities with
respect to information technology. The first challenge is
to support the people, ideas, and tools that will create
and advance knowledge in all areas of information science
and engineering. Wholly new computational approaches are
needed for problems arising from the science and
engineering disciplines and the development of new
learning technologies for use in education.

The second challenge is to upgrade the computational and
computing infrastructures for all fields that NSF
supports. Researchers and educators in many areas need to
incorporate information technology and, in some cases,
revolutionize their experimental and collaborative
processes to attain new effectiveness and greater
efficiency. Also, the United States must address a range
of access and workforce issues. The digital divide will
not disappear by itself. Overcoming inequities will
require innovative educational technologies such as highly
interactive computer science courseware that is both
multicultural and multimedia.

NSF is the lead agency for a multiagency 5-year research
initiative in information technology. Each agency
participating in the initiative will define specific
programs in keeping with that agency's mission. NSF is
primarily responsible for basic research to advance
knowledge, and for education and workforce development
activities. The multiyear Information Technology
Initiative investment by NSF will lead to the following
outcomes:

  -  Advancement of fundamental knowledge in techniques for
  computation, the representation of information, the
  manipulation and visualization of information, and the
  transmission and communication of information.

  -  Enhanced knowledge about how to design, build, and
  maintain large, complex software systems that are reliable,
  predictable, secure, and scalable.

  -  New knowledge about distributed and networked systems and
  interactions among component parts, as well as the
  interaction of systems with both individuals and cooperating
  groups of users.

  -  Development of a significantly advanced high-end
  computing capability needed to solve myriad important
  science and engineering problems.

  -  Increased understanding of the societal, ethical, and
  workforce implications of the information revolution.
  -  A strong information technology workforce and a citizenry
  capable of using information technology effectively.

For More Information

See program announcement NSF 00-126; or visit the ITR Web
site at http://www.itr.nsf.gov/.


2. Nanoscale Science and Engineering - Nanoscale science and
engineering promise to yield a dominant technology of the
21st century. Control of matter at the nanoscale level
underpins innovation in critical areas, from information and
medicine to manufacturing and the environment.

One nanometer (one billionth of a meter) is a magical point
on the dimensional scale. Nanostructures are at the
confluence of the smallest of human-made devices and the
largest molecules of living systems. Biological cells such
as red blood cells have diameters in the range of thousands
of nanometers. Microelectrical mechanical systems are now
approaching this same scale. This means we are now at the
point of connecting machines to individual cells.

  -  The Nanoscale Science and Engineering Program is a
  multiyear investment by NSF in nanoscale science and
  engineering that will lead to the following outcomes:

  -  Discovery of novel phenomena, processes, and tools.

  -  Enhanced methods for the synthesis and processing of
  engineered, nanometer-scale building blocks for materials
  and system components.

  -  New device concepts and system architecture appropriate
  to the unique features and demands of nanoscale engineering.

  -  Development of a new generation of skilled workers who
  have the multidisciplinary perspective necessary for rapid
  progress in nanotechnology.

For More Information

See program solicitation NSF 00-119; or visit the program's
Web site at http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/nano/start.htm.


3. Biocomplexity in the Environment - The environment is a
subject of profound national importance and of scientific
interest, making it a strategic priority for NSF. The
National Science Board (NSB) report Environmental Science
and Engineering for the 21st Century: The Role of the
National Science Foundation (NSB 00-22), published during
fiscal year 2000, reaffirms the importance of environmental
studies.

The goals of NSF's increasing investment in this area
include enhancing fundamental environmental research in all
relevant disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary and long-
term research; creating educational opportunities that build
scientific and technological capacity; enabling an increased
portfolio of knowledge assessments; and supporting advanced
physical, technological, informational, and international
infrastructure.

In the Biocomplexity in the Environment initiative, NSF
promotes intensive interdisciplinary investigation of
complex environmental systems that contain biological and
physical components. Biocomplexity refers to the dynamic web
of relationships and associated surprising and nonlinear
behaviors that arise when living things at all levels
interact with their environment.

The study of biocomplexity will provide a better
understanding of natural processes, the effects of human
actions on the natural world, and ways to use new technology
effectively. A strategic multiyear investment by NSF will
lead to the following outcomes:

  -  A more comprehensive understanding of environmental
  systems, including the processes that mediate energy and
  material flows among systems over space and time;
  relationships among genetic change, biodiversity, and the
  functioning of ecosystems; and social and economic factors
  affecting the environment.

  -  The development of new theories, mathematical methods,
  and computational strategies for modeling complex systems.
  These systems may improve our capability to anticipate
  environmental changes including long-term climatic change,
  land-use changes, and introductions of non-native species,
  and their impacts.

  -  The development of advanced technologies such as genetic
  and nanoscale capabilities, instrumentation and sensors for
  environmental exploration, and process engineering methods
  or novel materials that are environmentally beneficial.

  -  The improvement of education in environmental areas at
  all levels and the establishment of new international
  partnerships for environmental research and education.

  -  Sophisticated platforms for research such as networked
  observational systems, physical and digital natural history
  collections, and digital libraries.

For More Information

Visit the Biocomplexity in the Environment Web site at
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/be/.


4. 21st Century Workforce - Leadership in the United States
in the concept-based, innovation-led global economy of the
next century will depend on success in building and
sustaining a competent and diverse scientific, mathematics,
engineering, and technology (SMET) workforce, drawing on all
elements of the Nation's rich human resources.

The SMET education continuum reaches from pre-K through
elementary and secondary to undergraduate, graduate, and
continuing professional education.  The level, quality, and
accessibility of SMET education depends upon the following:
understanding the nature of learning; strategically enabling
an improved science- and technology-based educational
enterprise; and building an infrastructure to broaden
participation of all members of our society.

Across the Foundation, organizations will provide
disciplinary and interdisciplinary support for educational
linkages to the research community as well as and new tools
and models for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate education.
These activities will recognize the importance of the SMET
content of educational programs for K-12 students and for
the instructional workforce.

A National Digital Library for SMET Education will provide
ready access to the highest quality educational materials,
pedagogy, and research on learning, and will enhance the
quality of graduate, undergraduate, K-12, and public science
education.

The outcome of NSF's sustained investment in research,
education, training, and human resource programs will be:

  -  Enhanced knowledge about how humans learn.

  -  Enhanced practices throughout the SMET educational
  enterprise, especially at the K-12 level, leading to
  improved teacher performance and student achievement.

  -  A more inclusive and globally engaged SMET enterprise
  that fully reflects the strength of America's diverse
  population.



____________________________________________________________


HUMAN RESOURCE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT


Among NSF's crosscutting investments are programs directed
to the development of a diverse, internationally
competitive, and globally engaged workforce of scientists,
engineers, and well-prepared citizens. This section of the
Guide highlights programs for human resource and career
development that are supported as an NSF-wide effort of the
research programs, as well as specific crosscutting programs
of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR).

NSF sponsors a number of activities directed specifically at
bringing members of underrepresented groups into the science
and engineering education pipeline and preparing them for
potential advancement to the highest levels of leadership.
These activities are among those described in this section.

To locate programs that pertain specifically to
underrepresented groups, see "Programs for Groups
Underrepresented in Science and Engineering." Several NSF
Directorates support programs that target underrepresented
groups; however, the EHR Directorate manages most of these
programs.

The programs and activities described in this section are
organized in the following categories:

  -  Programs at the Undergraduate Level
  -  Programs at the Graduate and Postdoctoral Level
  -  Specialized Multilevel Programs
  -  Programs for Faculty and Institutional Development
  -  Programs for Groups Underrepresented in Science and
     Engineering

For More Information

For further information about programs for human resource
and career development, visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs
home page at http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm.

For further information about programs managed by the EHR
Directorate, including programs for underrepresented groups,
visit the following EHR Division home pages:

-Division of Human Resource Development,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/HRD
-Division of Undergraduate Education,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE
-Division of Graduate Education,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/


PROGRAMS AT THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL

Activities to enhance undergraduate education in science and
engineering are supported throughout NSF. In particular, the
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) in EHR offers
focused programs for the education of technologists,
primarily through community colleges, and for the education
of future teachers. On a broader scale, DUE supports course,
curriculum, and laboratory improvement aimed at all
undergraduate students, both non-majors and majors in
science and engineering. In addition, some of NSF's
disciplinary directorates offer programs in support of
course development. Information on these can be found within
the directorate sections of this Guide.

NSF is committed to the education of a science and
engineering workforce drawn broadly from the Nation's talent
pool. To increase diversity at the undergraduate level, NSF
offers the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority
Participation.
To provide opportunities for participation in research, NSF
supports the Research Experiences for Undergraduates.

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
supports active research participation by undergraduate
students in any of the research areas funded by NSF. REU
projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing
research programs or in research projects specially designed
for the purpose. Two support mechanisms are offered: REU
Supplements and REU Sites. REU Supplements may be included
in proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or as supplements
to ongoing NSF-funded projects. REU Sites are based on
independent proposals to initiate and conduct undergraduate
research participation projects for a number of students.
REU Sites projects are often focused within a single
discipline and/or single academic department; however,
interdisciplinary or multiple-department proposals with a
strong intellectual focus are also encouraged, as are
proposals with international dimensions. Undergraduate
student participants supported with NSF funds in either
Supplements or Sites must be citizens or permanent residents
of the United States or its possessions.

For More Information

For further information about the REU Program, including a
program announcement (NSF 00-107), a list of contact people,
a list of current REU Sites, and other guidance, visit the
REU Web site at
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/start.htm.



PROGRAMS AT THE GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL LEVEL

NSF is a major supporter of graduate and postdoctoral
education in science and engineering. The majority of this
support is embedded in research awards to institutions
through funds to support graduate research assistants and
postdoctoral associates. NSF also supports fellowships and
traineeships in the following programs:

  -  Graduate Research Fellowships
  -  Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
  (IGERT) Program
  -  NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education

NSF is committed to the education of a science and
engineering workforce drawn broadly from the Nation's talent
pool. To increase diversity at the graduate level and
beyond, NSF offers the Alliances for Graduate Education and
the Professoriate.

A goal of NSF is to promote a science and engineering
workforce that is globally engaged. Toward this end, the
Division of International Programs within the Directorate
for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) offers a
variety of programs. For further information, see the SBE
section in this Guide.


Postdoctoral Fellowships

In addition to supporting postdoctoral associates through
NSF research awards to institutions, NSF offers a number of
postdoctoral fellowship programs in specific disciplines.
The following table is a list of these programs, with
contact information.

                            
               FELLOWSHIP                           CONTACT
                            
Minority Postdoctoral       -  BIO Minority Research
Research Fellowships in     Fellowships
Biological, Social,         Biological Infrastructure
Behavioral, and Economic    National Science Foundation
Sciences                    4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8470
                            
                            -  SBE Minority Research
                            Fellowships
                            Cross-Directorate Activities
                            SBER, Rm. 995
                            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8763
                            http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-
                            bin/getpub?nsf94133

Postdoctoral Research       Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Fellowships in Biological   in Biological Informatics
Informatics                 Biological Infrastructure
                            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 615
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8470

CISE Postdoctoral Research  Division of Experimental and
Associates in Experimental  Integrative Activities
Computer Science            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 1160
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8980
                            http://www.cise.nsf.gov/eia/index
                            .html

NSF-NATO Postdoctoral       NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship
Fellowships in Science and  Program
Engineering                 Division of Graduate Education
                            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 907
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8630
                            http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/na
                            to.htm

-  Graduate Student         Dr. Donald Senich
Industrial Fellowship       Division of Design, Manufacture,
                            and
-  Postdoctoral Industrial  Industrial Innovation
Fellowship                  National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 527
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8330

Ridge Interdisciplinary     Division of Ocean Sciences
Global Experiments (RIDGE)  National Science Foundation
Postdoctoral Fellowship     4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 725
Program                     Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8580

NSF Astronomy and           Division of Astronomical Sciences
Astrophysics Postdoctoral   National Science Foundation
Fellowships                 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 1045
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8820 or x8582

MPS Distinguished           -  Division of Astronomical
International Postdoctoral  Sciences
Research Fellowships        Rm. 1045; Tel: 703-292-8820
                            
                            -  Division of Chemistry
                            Rm. 1055; Tel: 703-292-8840
                            
                            -  Division of Materials Research
                            Rm. 1065; Tel: 703-292-8810
                            
                            -  Division of Mathematical
                            Sciences
                            Rm. 1025; Tel: 703-292-8870
                            
                            -  Division of Physics
                            Rm. 1015; Tel: 703-292-8890
                            
                            
                            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard
                            Arlington, VA  22230

-  Mathematical Sciences    Infrastructure Program
Postdoctoral Research       Division of Mathematical Sciences
Fellowships (with Research  National Science Foundation
Instructorship option)      4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 1025
                            Arlington, VA 22230

-  Mathematical Sciences    Tel: 703-292-8870
University/Industry         E-mail: msprf@nsf.gov
Postdoctoral Research
Fellowships
International Research      International Research Fellowship
Fellowships                 Awards
                             Program
                            Division of International
                            Programs
                            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 935
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8711
                            http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-
                            bin/getpub?nsf00141

Japan Society for the       JSPS Postdoctoral Awards
Promotion of Science        Division of International
(JSPS) Postdoctoral Awards  Programs
for U.S. Researchers        National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 935
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8710
                            E-mail: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov

Science and Technology      STA Postdoctoral Awards
Agency (STA) of Japan       Division of International
Postdoctoral Awards for     Programs
U.S. Researchers            National Science Foundation
                            4201 Wilson Boulevard, Rm. 935
                            Arlington, VA 22230
                            Tel: 703-292-8710
                            E-mail: NSFJinfo@nsf.gov



SPECIALIZED MULTI-LEVEL PROGRAMS

Some NSF programs approach human resource and career
development by addressing these issues across several
education levels. This approach is used in activities aimed
at improving the recruitment and retention of women in
careers in science and engineering and at realizing the
potential for careers in science and engineering for persons
with disabilities. Programs of this type include the
following:

  -  Program for Gender Equity in Science, Mathematics,
     Engineering, and Technology
  -  Program for Persons with Disabilities


Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with
Disabilities

The Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with
Disabilities (FASED) encourage the participation of
scientists and engineers with disabilities (including
investigators and other staff, postdoctoral associates,
student research assistants, and awardees and honorable
mention recipients for graduate fellowships) in NSF
programs. This effort provides funds for equipment and for
the necessary assistance specifically required for the
performance of research on an NSF-supported project. A
request for support may be included in a new proposal
submitted to any NSF program or in a request for a
supplement to an existing NSF grant. When making a request,
be sure to check the box "Facilitation for
Scientists/Engineers with Disabilities" on NSF Form 1207.
Information is also available in program announcement 91-54.



PROGRAMS FOR FACULTY AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

One of NSF's core strategies is the integration of research
and education into the career development of faculty. This
strategy is embodied in NSF's premier program for early
career faculty and in its presidential awards component. NSF
also encourages research by faculty members from
predominantly undergraduate institutions by supporting their
substantial contributions to research and education. Special
research opportunities are available for these faculty as
well as for faculty who are underrepresented minorities.
Such research opportunities are available from NSF through
the following programs:

   - Faculty Early Career Development
   - NSF Component of the Presidential Early Career Awards for
     Scientists and Engineers
   - Research in Undergraduate Institutions and Research
     Opportunity Awards
   - Minority Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement
     Awards
   - Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science,
     Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring


To ensure a broad national base for research, NSF emphasizes
developing the research capacity of faculty across a range
of institutions, including not only the predominantly
undergraduate institutions previously mentioned, but also
institutions that have had low participation in NSF programs
in the past. The Experimental Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Program is an example of this
emphasis.

The following are two examples of specialized programs aimed
at the enhancement of research and education in minority-
serving institutions:

  -  Historically Black Colleges and
     Universities-Undergraduate Program
  -  Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology


1. Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) - The Faculty
Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is an NSF-wide
activity that supports junior faculty within the context of
their overall career development. It combines in a single
program research support and education of the highest
quality. CAREER emphasizes the importance NSF places on the
early development of academic careers dedicated to
stimulating the discovery process in which the excitement of
research is enhanced by inspired teaching and enthusiastic
learning.

For More Information

Visit the CAREER Web site at http://www.eng.nsf.gov/career/.


2. NSF Component of the Presidential Early Career Awards for
Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) - Each year, NSF selects
up to 20 nominees for the Presidential Early Career Awards
for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Nominees are selected
from among the most meritorious first-year awardees
supported by the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER)
Program (see description of CAREER above). PECASE awards
recognize outstanding scientists and engineers who early in
their careers show exceptional potential for leadership at
the frontiers of knowledge. This Presidential award is the
highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Government on scientists
and engineers who are beginning their independent careers.

For More Information

Information about PECASE, including eligibility factors and
other pertinent information is available on the PECASE Web
site at http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/pecase/start.htm.


3. Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) - The
Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) activity
supports research by faculty members from predominantly
undergraduate institutions by funding (1) individual and
collaborative research projects; (2) the purchase of shared-
use research instrumentation; and (3) Research Opportunity
Awards for work with NSF-supported investigators from other
institutions (these three types of support are described
below).

All NSF directorates participate in the RUI activity. RUI
proposals are evaluated and funded by the NSF program in the
disciplinary area of the proposed research. The objectives
of RUI are to support high-quality research, strengthen the
research environment in academic departments that are
oriented primarily toward undergraduate instruction, and
promote the integration of research and education.

The involvement of undergraduate students is an important
feature of RUI, which provides them with research-rich
learning environments. However, the primary purpose of RUI
is to support faculty research, thereby maintaining the
intellectual vibrancy of faculty members in the classroom
and research community.

RUI provides the following types of support:

  -  Single-Investigator and Collaborative Faculty Research
  Projects-Provides support through NSF research programs in
  response to proposals submitted by individual faculty
  members or by groups of collaborating investigators. RUI
  proposals differ from standard NSF proposals in that they
  include an RUI Impact Statement describing the expected
  effects of the proposed research on the research and
  education environment of the institution.

  -  Shared Research Instrumentation and Tools-Provides
  support for (1) the purchase or upgrade of instrumentation
  or equipment necessary to support research that will be
  conducted by several faculty members and (2) the development
  of new instrumentation.

  -  Research Opportunity Awards (ROA's)-Enable faculty
  members at predominantly undergraduate institutions to
  pursue research as visiting scientists with NSF-supported
  investigators at other institutions. ROA's are usually
  funded as supplements to ongoing NSF research grants. ROA's
  are intended to increase the visitors' research capability
  and effectiveness; improve research and teaching at their
  home institution; and enhance the NSF-funded research of the
  host principal investigator.

For More Information

For further information about the RUI activity, including
guidelines for the preparation and submission of proposals,
see program announcement NSF 00-144.

Prospective applicants for RUI grants and principal
investigators interested in hosting an ROA visiting
researcher are urged to contact a program officer in the
appropriate discipline.


4. Minority Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement
Awards - These awards are part of NSF's overall effort to
give members of minority groups that are underrepresented in
science and engineering greater access to scientific
research support.

  -  Minority Research Planning Grants (MRPG's)-Enable
  eligible minorities who have not had prior independent
  Federal research support to develop competitive research
  projects by supporting preliminary studies and similar
  activities. These are one-time awards of up to $18K for a
  maximum of 18 months.

  -  Minority Career Advancement Awards (MCAA's)-Support
  activities that can expand the research career potential of
  promising applicants. These awards are limited to
  approximately $50K for 12 months and in general are one-time
  nonrenewable grants.

For More Information

The submission deadline date varies with each program. For
additional information, contact the appropriate discipline.
Information is also available in program announcement NSF 94-
147.


5. Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science,
Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) -
Administered by NSF on behalf of the White House, the
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics,
and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program seeks to
identify outstanding mentoring efforts and programs that are
designed to enhance the participation of groups
traditionally underrepresented in science, mathematics, and
engineering.

For More Information

See program announcement NSF 00-41; or visit the PAESMEM Web
site at http://ww.ehr.nsf.gov/ehr/hrd/paesmem.asp.



PROGRAMS FOR GROUPS UNDERREPRESENTED IN SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING

NSF has a number of special programs that address members of
groups underrepresented in science and engineering.
Activities are aimed at increasing the participation of
underrepresented minorities (among minorities, these groups
include American Indians/Alaskan Natives [Native Americans],
Blacks [African Americans], Hispanics, and Pacific
Islanders); improving the recruitment and retention of women
and girls in science and engineering careers; and ensuring
that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to
participate fully in NSF-supported projects. Such efforts
include programs for students, faculty, and institutions
designed to develop as fully as possible our Nation's talent
pool.

The following is a list of these program and activities,
with reference to their accompanying publication, for
further information.

 DIRECTORATE FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BIO)

- Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Supporting
  Activities (NSF 00-139)


 DIRECTORATE FOR COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING (CISE)

- CISE Minority Institutions Infrastructure (NSF 96-15)

- Information Technology Workforce Program (Dear Colleague
  Letter NSF 00-77)


 Division of Human Resource Development (HRD), DIRECTORATE
FOR EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES (EHR)

- Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate
  (NSF 00-53)

- Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology
  (NSF 98-19)

- Historically Black Colleges and Universities
  Undergraduate Program (NSF 00-131)

- Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (NSF 01-
  14)

- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science,
  Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (NSF 00-41)

- Program for Gender Equity in Science, Mathematics,
  Engineering, and Technology (NSF 01-6)

- Program for Persons with Disabilities (NSF 00-69)


 DIRECTORATE FOR ENGINEERING (ENG)

- Biomedical Engineering and Research to Aid Persons with
  Disabilities (NSF 01-12)

- Supplemental Funding for Support of Women, Minorities,
  and Physically Disabled Engineering Research Assistants (see
  http://www.eng.nsf.gov/eec/suppfund.htm)


 DIRECTORATE FOR GEOSCIENCES (GEO)

- Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences
  (see http://www.geo.nsf.gov/geo/diversity/start.html)


 FOUNDATION-WIDE ACTIVITIES

- Minority Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement
  Awards (NSF 94-147). All inquiries should be directed to the
  appropriate disciplinary program officer, National Science
  Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230.

- Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with
  Disabilities (NSF 91-54)


____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING RESEARCH, INSTRUMENTATION, AND PARTNERING
PROGRAMS


The programs and activities described in this section
include

  1. Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry
  2. Partnerships for Innovation
  3. Innovation and Organizational Change
  4. Global Change Research Programs
  5. Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
  6. International Programs
  7. Small Business Innovation Research Program and
  8. Small Business Technology Transfer Program
  9. Small Grants for Exploratory Research
 10. Science and Technology Centers: Integrative
 	Partnerships
 11. Major Research Instrumentation
 12. Collaboratives to Integrate Research and Education

1. Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry
(GOALI) - The Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with
Industry (GOALI) Initiative aims to synergize
university/industry partnerships by making funds available
to support these linkages. A particular interest of the
initiative is to afford the opportunity for (1) faculty,
postdoctoral fellows, and students to conduct research and
gain experience in an industrial setting; (2) industry
scientists and engineers to bring industrial perspective and
integrative skills to academe; and (3) interdisciplinary
university/industry teams to conduct long-term projects.
This initiative targets high-risk and high-gain research,
with focus on fundamental topics that would not otherwise
have been undertaken by industry; the development of
innovative, collaborative university/industry educational
programs; and the direct exchange of new knowledge between
academe and industry. GOALI provides (1) funding for
individuals such as faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and
students to develop creative modes of collaborative
interaction with industry through individual or small-group
research projects and (2) industry-based fellowships for
graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All NSF
Directorates participate in the GOALI Initiative at this
time.

For More Information

See program announcement NSF 98-142; or visit the GOALI Web
site at http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/goali/start.htm.


2. Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) - The Partnerships for
Innovation (PFI) Program seeks to stimulate innovation by
supporting partnerships among colleges and universities,
state and local governments, the private sector, and other
relevant organizations, thus emphasizing the productive
connections between the new knowledge created in the
discovery process and learning and innovation.

For the purpose of this program, innovation explicitly
extends to training and developing people and tools and
creating organizational conditions necessary to foster the
transformation of knowledge into products, processes,
systems, and services that will fuel economic development,
create wealth, and generate improvement in the National
standard of living. Key factors in the innovation enterprise
include creating and accessing new knowledge, a
scientifically and technologically literate workforce, and
infrastructure that will enable innovation. Concurrently,
the PFI Program addresses NSF's strategic intention to
broaden participation of people and institutions in NSF
activities.

The goals of the PFI Program are:

   -  To catalyze partnerships for innovation that will enable
   the transformation of knowledge created by the national
   research and education enterprise into innovations that
   create new wealth, build strong local, regional, and
   national economies, and improve the national well-being;

   -  To broaden the participation of all types of academic
   institutions and of citizens in NSF activities to better
   meet the broad workforce needs of the national innovation
   enterprise; and

   -  To create enabling infrastructure necessary to foster and
   sustain innovation for the long-term.

Examples of proposals that might be submitted to the PFI
Program are those that include planning and/or
implementation of new models for innovation; education and
training activities that explicitly address the workforce
needs of the innovation enterprise; and development and
deployment of new tools or mechanisms that support the
innovation infrastructure. They may seek to create an
activity focusing on a critical level of innovation in a
technological area in an industrial sector, or in a
geographical region. The outcomes for proposed activities
should foster economic and/or societal well being that can
be self-sustaining in the long term. The lead organization
must be a degree-granting academic institution of higher
learning. At a minimum, proposed partnerships must include
private sector organizations or state/local government
entities.

For More Information

Contact John C. Hurt, Program Director, by telephone, 703-
292-5332; or by e-mail, jhurt@nsf.gov. A complete list of
awards made by the program including project descriptions is
available at
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/press/00/pr0068.htm. Further
information is also available in program announcement NSF 00-
82.


3. Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC) - The
Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC) Program seeks to
improve the performance of industrial, educational, service,
health care, government, and other organizations and
institutions through the support of research on theories,
concepts, and methodologies of innovation and organizational
change. To foster innovation and manage change we need to
understand effective approaches to organizational learning
and redesign; strategic and cultural change; quality and
process improvement; innovation; new product and service
development; and the development and integration of new
technologies. The program supports research using theory
combined with empirical validation to clarify effective
approaches to organizational learning and redesign;
strategic and cultural change; quality and process
improvement; innovation; new product and service
development; and the development and integration of new
technologies.

IOC is jointly sponsored by the Directorates for Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences; Engineering; and
Education and Human Resources.

For More Information

Visit the program's Web site at
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/ioc/start.htm.


4. Global Change Research Programs (GCRP) - NSF Global
Change Research Programs (GCRP's) support research and
related activities that advance fundamental understanding of
dynamic physical, biological, and socioeconomic systems as
well as interactions among those systems. In addition to
research on Earth system processes and the consequences of
changes in those systems, NSF programs facilitate data
acquisition and data management activities necessary for
basic research on global change, promote the enhancement of
modeling designed to improve representation of Earth system
interactions, and develop advanced analytic methods to
facilitate fundamental research. NSF also supports
fundamental research on the general processes used by
governments and other organizations to identify and evaluate
different types of policies for mitigation, adaptation, and
other responses to changing global environmental conditions.

For More Information

A list of NSF-sponsored global change research programs and
further information about each is available on the GCRP Web
site at http://www.nsf.gov/geo/egch/.

5. Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PGNV) - The
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) is an
historic public/private partnership between the Federal
Government (including 7 agencies and 19 Federal
laboratories) and DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors
Corporations that aims to strengthen America's
competitiveness by developing technologies for a new
generation of vehicles.

PNGV's long-term goals are (1) to develop an environmentally
friendly car with up to triple the fuel efficiency of
today's midsize cars; (2) to significantly improve national
competitiveness in automotive manufacturing; and (3) to
apply commercially viable innovation to conventional
vehicles. PNGV's success is important to the country for a
number of reasons, primarily jobs and global competitiveness
(one out of every seven jobs in the United States is
automotive related); reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign
oil (the United States currently imports 50 percent of the
oil it consumes); and environmental factors (automobiles are
a major contributor to atmospheric carbon dioxide, a
greenhouse gas).

For More Information

Write to the PNGV Secretariat, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Herbert Hoover Building, Room 4845, 14th Street &
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230; or contact by
telephone, 202-482-6260; or by fax, 202-482-6275. To inquire
via e-mail, send messages to pngv-info@ta.doc.gov and type
"PNGV Question" in your subject line. Also available is an
electronic information request form, accessible from the
PNGV Web site at
http://www.ta.doc.gov/pngv/cover/pngvcover.htm.


6. International Programs - Support of international
activities is an integral part of NSF's mission of promoting
the progress of U.S. science and engineering. In particular,
NSF recognizes the importance of (1) enabling U.S.
researchers and educators to advance their work through
international collaboration and (2) helping ensure that
future generations of U.S. scientists and engineers gain
professional experience overseas early in their careers.
Consistent with the international character of science and
engineering, disciplinary programs throughout NSF offer
support to U.S. scientists and engineers for the
international aspects of their research when those aspects
are judged to be important to the specific objectives of
those activities.

The Division of International Programs (INT) in the Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate expands and
facilitates the international dimensions of NSF's mission by
promoting new partnerships between U.S. scientists and
engineers and their foreign colleagues. Most INT programs
are organized on a regional or country basis. Prospective
applicants should also consider international opportunities
supported by other parts of NSF and elsewhere.

For More Information

Information and guidelines on proposal preparation for
international programs and activities are available in
program announcement NSF 00-138; or visit the INT Web site
at http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/int.


7. Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small
  Business Technology Transfer Program

  -  Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)-NSF
  encourages small businesses to submit high-quality proposals
  that focus on important science, engineering, and
  science/engineering education problems and opportunities and
  that will lead to significant commercial and public benefit.
  The SBIR Program is a Government-wide program intended to
  stimulate technological innovation, use small business
  concerns to meet Federal research and development (R&D)
  needs, foster and encourage the participation of minority
  and disadvantaged persons in technological innovation, and
  increase the commercialization by the private sector of
  innovations resulting from Federal R&D.

   SBIR uses a uniform three-phase process. Phase I is a 6-
   month effort designed to evaluate the feasibility of an
   idea based on its scientific and technical merit. Phase
   II builds on the feasibility study and leads to the
   development of a model or prototype. Phase III is the
   commercialization phase. Development of a partnership
   with another funding source is strongly encouraged and is
   one of the measures used in the evaluation of Phase II
   proposals. SBIR funds are not used for Phase III efforts.

   SBIR is highly competitive and supports the Nation's
   small, high-tech businesses, universities, and research
   institutions that are able to convert basic ideas and
   research into commercial products that will enhance the
   Nation's productivity and help maintain its competitive
   leadership in the international marketplace.

   The small business can partner with other businesses or
   nonprofit institutions such as academic or Government
   laboratories. In Phase I, the partner's participation can
   be 331/3%, and in Phase II, up to 50%. Members of
   academic institutions can participate either through a
   subcontract to the institution or as consultants.
   
   For further information, visit the SBIR Web site at
   http://www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/.


   -  Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)-The
   STTR Program is also a Government-wide program. It differs
   from SBIR in that it requires the small business to engage
   in cooperative research with nonprofit research
   institutions. STTR is also a three-phase process. Phase I is
   a 12-month effort that determines scientific, technical, and
   commercial merit and establishes concept feasibility and
   eligibility for Phase II. Phase II further develops the
   proposed idea while taking into consideration scientific,
   technical, and commercial merit; Phase I results; and other
   relevant information. Phase III involves the commercial
   application of the research funded in Phases I and II. STTR
   funds are not used for Phase III efforts.

   STTR is highly competitive and supports the Nation's
   small, high-tech businesses, universities, and research
   institutions that are able to convert basic ideas and
   research into commercial products that will enhance the
   Nation's productivity and help maintain its competitive
   leadership in the international marketplace.

   The small business must partner with a federally funded
   research and development center, university, or nonprofit
   institution. In both Phase I and Phase II, the
   participation must amount to a minimum of 40 percent of
   the effort for the small business concern and 30 percent
   of the effort for the research institution. Members of
   the academic or research institution participate through
   a subcontract to the institution. Before starting Phase
   I, the partners make an agreement that covers rights to
   the technology involved in the proposal.

   For further information, visit the STTR Web site at
   http://www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/.


8. Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) - Proposals
for small-scale, exploratory, and high-risk research in the
fields of science, engineering, and education normally
supported by NSF may be submitted to individual programs.
Such research is characterized as preliminary work on
untested and novel ideas; ventures into emerging research
ideas; the application of new expertise or new approaches to
"established" research topics; having extreme urgency with
regard to availability of or access to data, facilities, or
specialized equipment, including quick-response research on
natural disasters and similar unanticipated events; and
efforts of similar character likely to catalyze rapid and
innovative advances.

NSF strongly encourages investigators to contact the NSF
program(s) most germane to the proposal topic before
submitting a Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER)
proposal. This will make it easier to determine whether the
proposed work meets the SGER guidelines described here and
the availability for funding, or whether it would be more
suitable for submission as a fully reviewed proposal.

The project description must be 2 to 5 pages long. It should
include a clear statement that explains why the proposed
research should be considered particularly exploratory and
high risk and the nature and significance of its potential
impact on the field. In addition, an explanation should be
included as to why an SGER grant would be the best means of
supporting the work.

Brief biographical information is required for the principal
investigator (PI) and co-PI(s) only, and should include a
list of no more than five significant publications or other
research products. The box for "Small Grant for Exploratory
Research" must be checked on the cover sheet.

These proposals will be subject to internal NSF merit review
only. Renewed funding of SGER awards may be requested only
through submission of a non-SGER proposal that will be
subject to full merit review. The maximum SGER award amount
will not exceed $100,000. Although the maximum award amount
is $100,000, the award amount usually will be substantially
less than a given program's average award amount. The
project's duration will normally be one year, but may be up
to two years.

For participating directorates and at the discretion of the
program officer with the concurrence of the division
director, a small fraction of especially promising SGER
awards may be extended for up to 6 additional months and
supplemented with up to $50,000 in additional funding.

These award extensions will be possible for awards with an
initial duration of 2 years or less. Requests for extensions
must be submitted 1 to 2 months before the expiration date
of the initial award. A project report and an outline of the
proposed research (not to exceed 5 pages) must be included.


9. Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships
(STC) - The Science and Technology Centers (STC) Program was
established in 1987 to fund important basic research and
education activities and to encourage technology transfer
and innovative approaches to interdisciplinary activities.
Since its inception, 30 comprehensive STC's have been
established.

The STC's explore new areas and build bridges among
disciplines, institutions, and other sectors. They offer the
research community an effective mechanism to embark upon
long-term scientific and technological research activities,
explore better and more effective ways to educate students,
and develop mechanisms to ensure the timely transition of
research and education advances made into service in
society.

For More Information

Write to the Office of Integrative Activities, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1270,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact by telephone, 703-292-8040;
or by e-mail, nsf_oia@nsf.gov; or visit the OIA home page at
http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/start.htm.


10. Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) - The Major
Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program is designed to
improve the condition of scientific and engineering (S&E)
equipment used for research and research training in our
Nation's academic institutions. The program works to improve
the quality and expand the scope of research and research
training in S&E and foster the integration of research and
education by providing instrumentation for research-
intensive learning environments.

In addition the program assists in the acquisition or
development by U.S. institutions of major research
instrumentation that is generally too costly to support
through other NSF programs. Maintenance and technical
support associated with these instruments is also supported.
Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large system of
instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common
research focus. Computer systems, clusters of advanced
workstations, networks, and other information infrastructure
components necessary for research are supported.

For More Information

Write to the Office of Integrative Activities, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1270,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact by telephone, 703-292-8040;
or by e-mail, nsf_oia@nsf.gov; or visit the OIA home page at
http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/start.htm.


11. Collaboratives to Integrate Research and Education
(CIRE) - The Collaboratives to Integrate Research and
Education (CIRE) activity was created to establish long-term
research and education relationships between minority-
serving institutions and NSF-supported facilities and
centers. CIRE's long-term goal is to formally establish
these developing relationships by negotiating formal
institution-to-institution agreements for their continuation
and support. Examples of the types of activities supported
by CIRE are (1) the development of collaborative and
mutually beneficial research and education projects that may
include infrastructure enhancement at the minority-serving
institution, if needed, to support the proposed
collaborative activity and (2) exchanges of faculty and
students. It should be noted, however, that CIRE is not a
general infrastructure program for minority-serving
institutions.

For More Information

Write to the Office of Integrative Activities, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1270,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact by telephone, 703-292-8040;
or by e-mail, nsf_oia@nsf.gov; or visit the OIA home page at
http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/start.htm.

             DIRECTORATE FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

BIO Directorate Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) promotes and
advances scientific progress in biology, largely through
grants to colleges, universities, and other institutions,
especially in those areas where NSF has major
responsibility. NSF is the Nation's principal supporter of
fundamental academic research on plant biology,
environmental biology, and biodiversity. It provides support
for research to advance understanding of the underlying
principles and mechanisms governing life. Research ranges
from the study of the structure and dynamics of biological
molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, to studies of
cells, organs, and organisms, to studies of populations and
ecosystems. It encompasses processes that are internal to
the organism as well as those that are external, and it
includes temporal frameworks ranging from measurements in
real time, through individual life spans, to the full scope
of evolutionary time.

The BIO Directorate supports programs and activities through
the following:

   -  Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI)
   -  Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
   -  Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBN)
   -  Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
   -  Crosscutting Programs and Activities (including the Plant
   	Genome Research Program)


Eligibility Requirements for BIO Proposals

The most frequent recipients of support for basic scientific
research in the biological sciences are academic
institutions and nonprofit research organizations. In
special circumstances, grants are awarded to other types of
institutions and to individuals. In these cases, preliminary
inquiry should be made to the appropriate program officer
before a proposal is submitted. Support may be provided for
projects involving a single scientist or a number of
scientists. Awards are made for projects confined to a
single disciplinary area and for those that cross or merge
disciplinary interests.


Multi-Investigator Proposals in the BIO Directorate

Increasingly, many important research problems in science
can best be addressed by groups of investigators. A group
approach may not only result in a more comprehensive
treatment of many scientific problems, but also provide
innovative opportunities for training students.

The need for increased attention to research and training in
biology by multiple principal investigators has been
identified by several workshops such as the "NSF/BIO
Workshop on Impact of Emerging Technologies on the
Biological Sciences" and by advisory committees such as the
NSF Biological Sciences Advisory Committee. In response to
these recommendations, the BIO Directorate encourages
proposals from three or more investigators, who may come
from more than one academic institution, to partake in
collaborative studies focused on a single problem. BIO
programs will evaluate these proposals, in addition to
proposals received from individual principal investigators
(PI's), as part of a program's portfolio of activities
within their existing budget. As is the case for proposals
from individual investigators, multi-PI proposals may
provide for the training of students, and industrial
collaborations may be involved, if appropriate.
Investigators interested in submitting a multi-PI proposal
may contact the appropriate BIO program for further advice
and guidance.


Submission of Proposals to the BIO Directorate

Starting October 1, 2000, all proposals directed to NSF must
be submitted through NSF's FastLane system. For details
about this new policy, see the latest NSF Grant Proposal
Guide (NSF 01-2). General information about FastLane is
available at https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/.

Incoming proposals are assigned to program officers within
the BIO Directorate's divisions for merit review and
recommendation. Support normally is not provided for
bioscience research with disease-related goals, including
work on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of physical
and mental disease, abnormality, or malfunction in human
beings or animals. Animal models of such conditions and the
development and testing of drugs and other procedures for
their treatment also are not eligible for support.

Review of duplicate proposals that have been sent to another
Federal agency will be suspended until the other agency
takes final action. Exceptions are made for proposals from
beginning investigators, for conferences or workshops, or
for fellowships, as well as for cases in which a proposer
and the Federal program managers have previously agreed to a
joint review and possibly joint funding. A beginning
investigator is defined as an individual who has not
previously been a principal investigator on any federally
funded award except a doctoral dissertation improvement
grant, fellowship, or research planning grant. Applicants
are encouraged to contact a program officer by phone or e-
mail concerning their proposals.


Deadlines and Target Dates for BIO Programs and Activities

Many programs in the BIO Directorate have an established
deadline or target date for the submission of proposals. To
confirm a date, refer to the NSF E-Bulletin,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/; visit the BIO
Directorate home page, http://www.nsf.gov/bio/; or contact
the appropriate program director. The earliest possible
effective date for an award is approximately 6 months after
the target or deadline date. Unless there is a program
announcement stating otherwise, proposals must conform to
all format requirements in the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (NSF
01-2), with special attention to page limitations, font
size, and appendix materials. Some programs or specific
competitions have program announcements that provide more
details about the activities described in this Guide.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE


The programs in the Division of Biological Infrastructure
(DBI) support activities that provide the infrastructure for
contemporary research in biology.

DBI supports research through the following program
clusters:

  -  Instrument-Related Activities Cluster
  -  Research Resources Cluster
  -  Training Cluster

Additionally, DBI administers the Plant Genome Research
Program (NSF 00-151). Further information is available at
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/dbi_pgr.htm.

For More Information

Write to the Division of Biological Infrastructure, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 615,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8470; or visit the DBI home page,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/dbi/start.htm.



INSTRUMENT-RELATED ACTIVITIES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Biological Infrastructure and consists of the following:

  1. Multi-User Equipment and Instrumentation Resources for
     Biological Sciences
  2. Instrument Development for Biological Research
  3. Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment
     at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML)

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/dbi_instrument.htm.


1. Multi-User Equipment and Instrumentation Resources for
Biological Sciences - This program provides cost-shared support for the
acquisition of major items of specialized multi-user
instrumentation, thereby providing access to state-of-the-
art instruments. The instrumentation must be used in the
conduct of research that falls within the purview of the BIO
Directorate. The institution is required to share the
capital cost.

  -  Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Proposals
  for Multi-User Equipment and Instrumentation Resources for
  Biological Sciences-The Multi-User Equipment and
  Instrumentation Resources for Biological Sciences Program
  (see program announcement NSF 98-137) accepts proposals
  through the RUI Program (see program announcement NSF 00-
  144). The Multi-User Equipment Program requires that one of
  the principal investigators be actively receiving NSF
  funding for research. NSF recognizes that research in NSF-
  funded areas at RUI institutions is often supported by other
  sources. Therefore, for RUI institutions, the program makes
  an exception to the requirement for active NSF research
  funding provided that (1) the user group is conducting
  research in NSF-supported subject areas, and (2) the user
  group is able to show adequate research support from other
  funding sources (such as private foundations or
  institutional research support) to support the proposed
  research activities.

  -  Joint NSF/NIH Multi-User Instrumentation Activity-Offers
  support for the purchase of a single instrument with a total
  purchase cost exceeding $500,000. Proposals that would
  normally be eligible for submission to both the National
  Institutes of Health (NIH) and NSF may be submitted to NIH
  for joint funding with NSF. Proposers must include the
  necessary NSF documentation, as summarized in program
  announcement NSF 98-137. Proposals will be evaluated by the
  agencies in a special review group that will be convened by
  NIH as a special NIH study section, with NSF participation.
  A program announcement for shared instrumentation grants
  will be published in the January issue of the NIH Guide for
  Grants and Contracts. There is one annual deadline date
  (usually in the last week of March) for receipt of
  applications.

2. Instrument Development for Biological Research - This
program supports the development of new instrumentation to
increase the accuracy, range, or sensitivity of observations
for BIO research fields, including development of concept
and proof of concept for entirely new instruments;
development of new instruments that will provide new
capabilities or significantly extend currently achievable
sensitivity or resolution; and improved or novel software
for the operation of instruments or the analysis of data or
images. For more information, see program announcement NSF
98-119.

3. Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment
at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories - This
program supports refurbishment, rehabilitation, enhancement,
acquisition, construction, and planning at field stations
and marine laboratories. Sites are required to have a plan
for archiving data in electronic form and for making these
scientific databases available to the community. Support can
be provided for necessary computer equipment, connectivity,
and development of scientific data bases and communication
systems. Significant cost-sharing is required. For more
information, see program guidelines NSF 98-17.



RESEARCH RESOURCES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Biological Infrastructure and consists of the following:

  1. Biological Databases and Informatics
  2. Support of Living Stock Collections
  3. Biological Research Collections

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/dbiresearch.htm.


1. Biological Databases and Informatics - This program
encourages support of new approaches to the management of
biological knowledge that render the collection,
maintenance, dissemination, and query of the data and
information therein of greater use to the scientific
community. For more information, see program announcement
NSF 99-91.

2. Support of Living Stock Collections - This program
supports repositories of research organisms, genetic stocks,
and seeds, as well as cell lines and DNA clones that are
associated with the whole organisms in the collection. The
resources supported by this program are considered essential
for national or international scientific research in the
biological sciences. Funds are also provided for curatorial
databases and for linking the information associated with
the collection to other information resources or scientific
databases. Long-term support of a collection or repository
will require the development and use of such databases. For
more information, see program announcement and guidelines
NSF 97-80.

3. Biological Research Collections - This program provides
support for collection improvement, collection
computerization, research on curatorial and collection
management techniques, and community-based development
activities. Supplements are also provided to underwrite the
involvement of undergraduate and high school students in
collection-based research. For more information, see program
announcement NSF 98-126.



TRAINING CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Biological Infrastructure and supports training-related
activities. It consists of the following:

  1. Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites
  2. Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions
  3. Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
  4. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, including
     -Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
     -Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological
     Informatics
     -Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Microbial Biology

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/dbitraining.htm.


1. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites -
This program provides opportunities for undergraduate
students to experience hands-on participation in research
and related scholarly activities. BIO provides support to
grantees who involve students in special training programs
and ongoing research through the REU Sites Program. For more
information, see program announcement NSF 00-107.

2. Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions -
This program supports multidisciplinary collaborative
research groups at predominantly undergraduate institutions.
These groups are composed of at least three faculty members
representing at least two disciplinary areas, and up to 10
undergraduates who will work on a biological research
project that requires a cross-disciplinary approach.
Submission of a preproposal is required before a full-length
proposal will be accepted. Competitions will be on a
biennial cycle, with the next one anticipated in fiscal year
2001. For more information, see program announcement NSF 99-
11.

3. Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
(IGERT) - The agency-wide Integrative Graduate Education and
Research Training (IGERT) Program was created by NSF to meet
the need for a cadre of broadly prepared Ph.D.'s with the
technical, professional, and personal skills essential to
address the varied career demands of the future. The IGERT
Initiave sponsors development of innovative, research-based
graduate education and training programs in Ph.D.-degree-
granting institutions. The program supports projects that
are based on multidisciplinary research themes and organized
by diverse groups of investigators with appropriate research
and teaching expertise. The use of a multidisciplinary
research theme provides a framework for the integration of
research and education activities, and for collaborative
efforts in training that span disciplinary areas. Thus, an
IGERT project may involve investigators from one or more
departments within a single institution or from more than
one institution. The emphasis of the IGERT Program is on the
training of graduate students; however, the program will
support efforts that include undergraduate and/or
postdoctoral training if such participation will strengthen
the proposed training program.

For More Information

IGERT program solicitation NSF 00-78, answers to frequently
asked questions about the program, detailed instructions on
preparing and submitting an IGERT preproposal or formal
proposal, and the names of cognizant NSF staff are available
on the IGERT Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/igert/start.htm.


4. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships - NSF's postdoctoral
research fellowships are offered in select program areas to
U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawfully admitted permanent
resident aliens. Applicants choose a sponsoring scientist
and present a research and training plan. These fellowships
are awarded to individuals for research and training at any
appropriate U.S. or foreign institution for 2 years, and
require a change from the Ph.D. institution.

The BIO Directorate offers postdoctoral research fellowships
in selected areas of biology to provide opportunities for
recent doctoral scientists to obtain additional training;
gain research experience under the sponsorship of
established scientists; and broaden their scientific
horizons beyond their research experiences during their
undergraduate or graduate training. These fellowships are
further designed to assist new scientists to direct their
research efforts across traditional disciplinary lines and
to offer them unique research resources, sites, and
facilities, including foreign locations. NSF postdoctoral
fellowships are awarded to individuals, and applications are
submitted directly by the applicant to NSF. Fellows must
affiliate with an appropriate research institution and are
expected to devote themselves full time to the fellowship
activities for the duration of the fellowship. At the
conclusion of the fellowship, a fellow who accepts a tenure-
track appointment at a U.S. institution eligible to receive
NSF funds may apply for a research starter grant. This
program seeks to encourage research and training at the
postdoctoral level at the intersection of biology and the
informational, computational, mathematical, and statistical
sciences. Specific activities are described below. Complete
information, including deadline dates and program
announcement numbers, is available at
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/dbi/dbitraining.htm#pr.

  -  Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships-Seek to
  prepare minority scientists who are within 4 years of
  receipt of their doctoral degrees for leadership positions
  in academe and industry. The term "minority," as used here,
  refers to those racial or ethnic groups that are
  significantly underrepresented at advanced levels of science
  and engineering in the United States. They include American
  Indians or Alaskan Natives (Native Americans), Blacks
  (African Americans), Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders.
  Tenure at a foreign institution can be followed by an
  additional third year of support at a U.S. institution.
  Fellows are invited to an annual meeting at NSF and are
  eligible to apply for research starter grants. Minority
  graduate students within 18 months of their doctoral degrees
  are eligible for travel awards to visit prospective sponsors
  before they prepare a fellowship application. For more
  information, see program announcement NSF 00-139.

  -  Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological
  Informatics-Provide training to young scientists in
  preparation for careers in biological informatics where
  research and education will be integrated. There is an
  increasing need for training in biological informatics at
  all occupational levels, and it is expected that the
  recipients of these fellowships will play an important role
  in training the future workforce.

  -  Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Microbial
  Biology-Support training and research on the basic biology
  of protozoan, microalgal, fungal, archaeal, bacterial, and
  viral species that are not generally considered to be model
  organisms, such as E. coli, Saccharomyces cerevesiae, or
  tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The use of model organisms in
  comparative studies with non-model organisms is not
  excluded. Studies of the interactions of these microbes
  among each other and with plants and animals (e.g.,
  symbiosis) may also be supported. Applicants are reminded
  that BIO does not support research with disease-related
  goals, including the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of
  physical or mental disease, abnormality, or malfunction in
  human beings or animals. Animal or plant models of such
  conditions or the development or testing of drugs or other
  procedures for their treatment are also not eligible for
  support.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY


The Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) supports
fundamental research on the origins, functions,
relationships, interactions, and evolutionary history of
populations, species, communities, and ecosystems.
Scientific emphases include biodiversity, molecular genetic
and genomic evolution, mesoscale ecology, conservation
biology, global change, and restoration ecology.

DEB also supports computational biology research (including
modeling); a network of long-term ecological research sites;
doctoral dissertation research; research conferences and
workshops; Undergraduate Mentoring in Environmental Biology;
and a variety of other NSF-wide activities.

DEB supports research through the following program
clusters:

   -  Systematic and Population Biology Cluster
   -  Ecological Studies Cluster

For More Information

Write to the Division of Environmental Biology, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 635,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8480; or visit the DEB home page,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/deb/start.htm.


SYSTEMATIC AND POPULATION BIOLOGY CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Environmental Biology and supports research on the patterns
and causes of diversity within and among populations and
species. Research projects may involve any group of
organisms, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine
taxa, and may range in subject from microbes to
multicellular plants, animals, and fungi.

The cluster consists of the following:

   -  Population Biology
   -  Systematic Biology
   -  Biotic Surveys and Inventories

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/deb/debsysbio.htm.



1. Population Biology - This program focuses on measures of
population properties and understanding processes that lead
to variation within and between populations. Approaches
include empirical and theoretical studies of population
structure and dynamics, microevolution, organismal
adaptation, geographical differentiation, natural
hybridization and speciation, and processes that lead to
macroevolutionary patterns of trait evolution. Research
areas include:

  -  Population Ecology-Supports studies of single species
  from an ecological and evolutionary perspective, including
  life history and life cycle phenomena of terrestrial,
  freshwater, and wetland organisms; demography of age- and
  stage-structured populations; population dynamics, including
  linear, nonlinear, and stochastic approaches; and patterns
  of natural and sexual selection.

  -  Evolutionary Genetics-Supports studies of the causes and
  consequences of variation, change, selection, and evolution
  of biochemical characteristics, RNA and DNA sequences,
  mobile elements, and genic organization and function; the
  evolution of genetic architecture; evolutionary genomics;
  and population and quantitative genetics.

  -  Evolution of Phenotypes-Supports studies of how the
  properties of genes (number, arrangement, and pattern) and
  their interactions, including epigenetics and development,
  determine evolutionary processes; and how micro- and macro-
  evolutionary processes explain the evolution of complex
  phenotypes.

Other programs within NSF also support research that address
aspects of ecology and evolutionary biology. Studies that
focus on organism-centered analyses of physiology,
morphology, behavior, or development should be directed to
programs in the Division of Integrative Biology and
Neuroscience (IBN) (see information on IBN in the
Neuroscience Cluster section of this BIO chapter). Studies
that focus on marine organisms should be directed to the
Biological Oceanography Program in the Division of Ocean
Sciences (see the Directorate for Geosciences chapter).
Studies that focus on interactions among species should be
directed to the Ecology Program (see the Ecological Studies
Cluster, the next section in this chapter).
Interdisciplinary studies are welcome.

2. Systematic Biology - Main focus areas of this program
include (1) phylogenetic analyses that produce or test
phylogenetic hypotheses or models and the use of derived
phylogenies to elucidate patterns of structural,
developmental, or molecular evolution; (2) studies that lead
to improved classifications, better methods of taxonomic
identification, contributions to classificatory theory, and
nomenclature reform (included here are the Special
Competitions for Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in
Taxonomy [see program announcement and guidelines NSF 99-
15]); (3) understanding of processes that underlie the
origin and maintenance of taxonomic diversity; and (4)
theoretical and empirical studies of biogeographical, co-
evolutionary, and paleobiological patterns to develop models
of the origin, diversification, distribution, and extinction
of species and evolutionary lineages and to determine the
tempo and mode of evolutionary change.

3. Biotic Surveys and Inventories - Main focus areas of this
program include collecting and recording the diversity of
life on Earth. Permanent, well-curated collections and
computerized databases are strongly encouraged as products
of the program's support. For more information, see program
announcement NSF 98-158.



ECOLOGICAL STUDIES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Environmental Biology and supports research on natural and
managed ecological systems, primarily in terrestrial,
wetland, and freshwater habitats. Research areas include
experimental, theoretical, and modeling studies on the
structure and function of complex biotic/abiotic
associations and the coupling of small-scale systems to each
other and to large-scale systems. Projects are encouraged
that develop conceptual and synthetic linkages, such as
theoretical and modeling studies; that are conducted at one
or more scales of ecological organization; and that
synthesize empirical and theoretical findings into new
ecological paradigms.

The cluster consists of the following:

  1. Ecosystem Studies
  2. Ecology
  3. Long-Term Ecological Research
  4. Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/deb/debecological.htm.


1. Ecosystem Studies - Research supported by this program
includes mechanistic or empirical investigations of whole-
system ecological processes and relationships in the
following areas: biogeochemistry, such as studies of
decomposition, global and regional elemental budgets, and
biotic versus abiotic controls of nutrient cycles; primary
productivity, particularly ecophysiology within an ecosystem
framework; and landscape dynamics, with an emphasis on
quantitative models of disturbances, ecosystem resilience,
and successional patterns.

2. Ecology - This program supports community ecology and
population interactions in such areas as dynamics and
processes within specific communities or habitats; food-web
structure and landscape patterns formed by community
dynamics; paleoecology; and organismal interactions such as
mutualism, plant/animal interactions, competition,
predation, coevolution, and chemical or evolutionary
ecology.

3. Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) - This program
supports investigations of whole ecosystems and their
component organisms and processes at sites that represent
major biomes. Projects are multidisciplinary and actively
encourage collaborative research with non-ecological
investigators. The deadline date for submission of proposals
is announced only via special solicitations; unsolicited
proposals will not be accepted.

4. Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB) -
This program supports smaller studies that focus on
evolutionary or ecological phenomena and that require long-
term investigation. These awards are designed to provide
funding to help maintain an ongoing long-term research
project; LTREB awards are not a source of start-up funds to
initiate long-term research, nor does DEB envision that
LTREB projects will be the main source of extramural support
for investigators. For further information, visit the LTREB
Web site, http://www.nsf.gov/bio/progdes/ltreb.htm.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE


The Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBN)
supports research aimed at understanding the living
organism-plant, animal, microbe-as a unit of biological
organization. Such research encompasses

-  the mechanisms by which plants and animals develop, grow,
reproduce, regulate their physiological activity, and
respond to their environment;

-  the integration of molecular, subcellular, cellular, and
functional genomics approaches to understand the
development, functioning, and behavior of organisms in both
laboratory and natural settings;

-  all aspects of the nervous system, including its
structure, function, development, and integration with the
physiological and behavioral systems affected by it;

-  factors influencing the behavior of animals in the
  laboratory and field;

-  whole-organism approaches to physiological ecology; and

-  the form and function of organisms in view of their
   evolution and environmental interactions.

Synthetic and analytic approaches that address this
integration often require advanced computational techniques
and interdisciplinary perspectives involving other areas of
biology, behavioral science, physical science, mathematics,
engineering, and computer science. In addition, the
development and use of a wide diversity of organisms as
biological models are encouraged to assist both in
identifying unifying principles common to all organisms and
in documenting the variety of mechanisms that have evolved
in specific organisms. Current scientific emphases include
biotechnology, biomolecular materials, environmental
biology, global change, biodiversity, molecular evolution,
plant science, microbial biology, and computational biology,
including modeling. Research projects generally include
support for the education and training of future scientists.

The IBN Division also supports doctoral dissertation
research, research conferences, workshops, symposia,
computational biology, and a variety of NSF-wide activities.

The IBN Division supports research through the following
program clusters:

   -  Developmental Mechanisms Cluster
   -  Neuroscience Cluster
   -  Physiology and Ethology Cluster

For More Information

Write to the Division of Integrative Biology and
Neuroscience, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 685, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8420; or visit the IBN home
page, http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/ibn/start.htm.



DEVELOPMENTAL MECHANISMS CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Integrative Biology and Neuroscience and supports research
on the nature, control, and evolution of those processes
that comprise the life cycle of organisms. Approaches range
from molecular genetic and genomic analysis of developmental
processes to the experimental manipulation of whole
organisms. Included in this cluster is research on
gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis,
differentiation, pattern formation, morphogenesis, and areas
of development specific to either plants or animals (e.g.,
self-incompatibility, seed and fruit development). Also
included are studies that explore the mechanisms of
development in an evolutionary context.

The cluster consists of the following:

   -  Plant and Microbial Developmental Mechanisms
   -  Animal Developmental Mechanisms
   -  Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/ibn/ibndevelop.htm.



NEUROSCIENCE CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Integrative Biology and Neuroscience and supports research
on all aspects of nervous system structure, function, and
development. Integrative approaches to basic research range
from fundamental mechanisms of neuronal function at the
molecular and cellular levels to adaptations of the brain
for appropriate behavior in particular environments. A major
focus is the development and use of a wide diversity of
organisms as biological models for understanding fundamental
principles of neuroscience. Multidisciplinary collaborative
research projects are encouraged to apply different types of
research techniques to single-focused problems in
neuroscience.

The cluster consists of the following:

  1. Behavioral Neuroscience
  2. Computational Neuroscience
  3. Developmental Neuroscience
  4. Neuroendocrinology
  5. Neuronal and Glial Mechanisms
  6. Sensory Systems

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/ibn/ibnneuro.htm.


1. Behavioral Neuroscience - This program focuses on the
neural regulation of behavioral events ranging from simple
movements to complex adaptive and interactive responses.
Molecular, cellular, and systems approaches are used to
investigate sensorimotor integration, biological rhythms,
and cognitive functions such as attention, spatial
representation, and learning and memory. Studies are
encouraged that employ a variety of novel techniques to
study behavior within an evolutionary and ecological
context, including regulation and manipulation of gene
expression and genomic analyses, and functional brain
imaging.

2. Computational Neuroscience - This program focuses on the
computational functions of neurons, neural circuits, and
nervous systems and encourages the development and testing
of mathematical or computer models of neural systems. In
addition to experimental studies on animals, the activity
welcomes theoretical approaches for developing innovative,
testable concepts that will clarify and extend current
experimental observations in all areas of neuroscience.

3. Developmental Neuroscience - This program focuses on the
development, regeneration, and aging of the nervous system.
The use of model systems that elucidate basic mechanisms and
principles is encouraged. Current studies include aspects of
cell lineage and determination, axonal navigation and cell
migration, regulation of gene expression, neuronal
morphogenesis and neuron-glia interactions, synaptic
specificity and plasticity, cell death, and the relationship
of neural developmental mechanisms with learning. Studies
typically employ a variety of approaches, including cellular
and molecular techniques, genetic and genomic analyses, and
the study of development at the systems or behavioral level.

4. Neuroendocrinology - This program focuses on
understanding multifaceted relationships among the central
nervous system, hormones, and behavior, especially in
relation to environmental factors. This includes how the
brain controls endocrine secretion and the effects of
steroid and peptide hormones on the brain. Behavioral
paradigms and molecular techniques are used to study the
basic mechanisms underlying neuroendocrine development and
the interaction between physiology, the environment, and
gene expression.

5. Neuronal and Glial Mechanisms - This program focuses on
innovative approaches and techniques using novel model
systems to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of
neuronal and glial cell function, including energy
metabolism, ion and substrate transport, and synaptic
mechanisms. Major thrusts include the genetic and
biophysical bases of a membrane's electrical properties,
their regulation by intracellular second messengers, and the
integration of metabolism and signaling activity by
interactions between neurons and glia in both the peripheral
and central nervous systems.

6. Sensory Systems - This program focuses on the mechanisms
by which the nervous system acquires, encodes, and processes
information about the environment. This includes research on
neural processes at the molecular, cellular, systemic, and
behavioral levels and psychophysical correlates of sensory
neural processes. Topics include sensory transduction;
neural coding and integrative mechanisms; and comparative
aspects of sensory capabilities, including vision, hearing,
touch, taste, smell, equilibrium, electrosensation, magnetic
sensation, and other senses.



PHYSIOLOGY AND ETHOLOGY CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Integrative Biology and Neuroscience and supports
integrative studies of physiological functions at the
genomic, cellular, systemic, and organismal levels, and
animal behavior in both field and laboratory settings.

The cluster consists of the following:

  1. Animal Behavior
  2. Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology
  3. Integrative Animal Biology
  4. Integrative Plant Biology

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/ibn/ibnphysio.htm.


1. Animal Behavior - This program focuses on the mechanisms,
development, functions, and evolution of all animal
behaviors, studied observationally and experimentally in
laboratory and natural settings. Specific areas include
behavioral ecology and evolution; nonhuman learning and
cognition; behavioral genetics; development of behavior; and
behavioral physiology and motivation, including behavioral
endocrinology, animal communication, and animal orientation.
These areas are neither limiting nor mutually exclusive, and
interdisciplinary collaborations and other projects that
integrate diverse approaches (including functional genomics)
to the study of behavior are particularly encouraged. This
program also considers Long-Term Research in Environmental
Biology proposals (further information is available at
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/progdes/ltreb.htm).

2. Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology - This program
supports research that addresses ecological or evolutionary
questions in the areas of morphology, comparative
physiology, physiological ecology, and biomechanics of
plants, animals, protists, fungi, and bacteria, with
emphasis on the study of whole organisms, living or extinct.
These studies focus largely on how physiological or
morphological mechanisms have evolved and how they may
influence evolutionary pathways or interactions between
organisms and their biotic or physiochemical environment.
The program also considers Long-Term Research in
Environmental Biology proposals (further information is
available at http://www.nsf.gov/bio/progdes/ltreb.htm).

3. Integrative Animal Biology - This program focuses on the
basic physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular,
tissue, organ, and whole-animal levels. The program's
encompassing theme is "the whole animal as an integrated
system." It includes research on integrative aspects of
comparative physiology, functional morphology,
endocrinology, epithelial transport, and biomechanics. (Note
that studies focusing on the nervous system are supported by
the IBN Division's Neuroscience Cluster.) A description of
these programs can be found on the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/ibn/ibnneuro.htm.

4. Integrative Plant Biology - This program supports
research on plants as functional units, integrating genomic,
molecular, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to the
understanding of plant form and function. Some examples are
whole-plant, tissue, and organ physiology; sensory
mechanisms; and hormonal and environmental regulation of
plant function. Other examples are plant physiological
interactions with pathogens, nitrogen-fixing organisms,
mycorrhizae, and other beneficial or pathogenic organisms in
the rhizosphere; and interactions with parasites, epiphytes,
endophytes, and other commensal interactions. The emphasis
is on understanding the physiological and metabolic basis of
plant responses to such interactions. Also supported is
research on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms
through which plant function adapts to changing
environmental conditions.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOSCIENCES


The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
supports research and related activities that contribute to
a fundamental understanding of life processes at the
molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels.

Investigator-initiated research proposals are considered in
the following programs: Biomolecular Structure and Function,
Biomolecular Processes, Cell Biology, and Genetics. Programs
in the MCB Division also support fundamental studies leading
to technological innovation, proposals with substantial
computational components, and multidisciplinary and small-
group research. Biodiversity and biotechnology are major
focal points of the MCB Division.

Particularly encouraged by programs in the MCB Division are
proposals that involve microbial biology, plant biology,
theoretical/computational aspects of molecular and cellular
studies, molecular evolution, and biomolecular materials.
Genomic approaches are encouraged in all areas. In fiscal
years 1999 and 2000, the division has coordinated a special
BIO-wide competition for Microbial Observatories (see
program announcement NSF 00-21). In addition, the MCB
Division supports a variety of NSF-wide activities,
including research on Biocomplexity and Life in Extreme
Environments and activities designed to promote the
integration of research and education such as Faculty Early
Career Development and Research at Undergraduate
Institutions (for more information, visit the NSF
Crosscutting Programs home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm) . The division also
considers proposals for limited support of special meetings
and workshops.

The MCB Division supports research through the following
program clusters:

  -  Biomolecular Structure and Function Cluster
  -  Biomolecular Processes Cluster
  -  Cell Biology Cluster
  -  Genetics Cluster

For More Information

Write to the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
655, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8440; or visit the MCB home page,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/mcb/start.htm.



BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and supports research
aimed at understanding the structure and function of
biological macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic
acids, polysaccharides, and lipid assemblies. The research
supported by this cluster encompasses a broad range of
topics and techniques. The cluster encourages
multidisciplinary and innovative efforts between biology and
physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer sciences.

The cluster consists of the following:

  1. Molecular Biochemistry
  2. Molecular Biophysics

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/mcb/mcbstructure.htm.


1. Molecular Biochemistry - This program emphasizes the
correlation of function with known structures of biological
macromolecules and supramolecular structures such as
multienzyme complexes, membranes, and viruses.  Other areas
of emphasis include the mechanisms of regulation and
catalysis by enzymes and RNA; biochemical reactions involved
in bioenergetic processes and photosynthesis; key
biochemical processes involved in synthesis and folding of
proteins; and the synthesis of other biomolecular materials.
Approaches typically include a combination of biochemical,
molecular biological, chemical, physical, and genetic
techniques. Increasingly a combination of these techniques
is being used in an integrated manner to explore the
function and mechanisms of action of gene products
identified from research in genomics.

2. Molecular Biophysics - This program supports
multidisciplinary research at the interfaces of biology,
physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.
Emphasis is on research on the structure, dynamics,
interactions, and functions of biological macromolecules,
including the three-dimensional structures of macromolecules
at atomic resolution; assembly and architecture of
supramolecular structures (e.g., multienzyme units, viruses,
membranes, and contractile proteins); energy transduction;
structure and dynamics of photosynthetic reaction centers;
and mechanisms of electron and proton transfer in biological
systems. Typical approaches and techniques include theory
and computation; x -ray diffraction; magnetic resonance;
optical spectroscopy; specialized microscopy, such as atomic
force; and mass spectrometry. Information from genome
sequencing projects and informatics methods are providing
new opportunities. For example, bioinformatics methods for
parsing genes into protein domain encoding regions; methods
for automated analysis of protein structures; and
computational approaches for comparing new structures with
structures available in the protein data base are playing an
increasing role in molecular biophysics research.



BIOMOLECULAR PROCESSES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and supports research on
molecular mechanisms by which genetic and metabolic
processes occur in plant, animal, and microbial organisms.
These processes and related regulatory features are the
primary areas of emphasis.

This cluster consists of the following:

  1. Biochemistry of Gene Expression
  2. Metabolic Biochemistry

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/mcb/mcbprocess.htm.


1. Biochemistry of Gene Expression - This program supports
research using biochemical and molecular biological methods
to investigate mechanisms for the replication, expression,
transfer, and stability of genetic information, both DNA and
RNA. These studies involve primarily in vitro biochemical
approaches, including genomics. Gene expression mechanisms
are a major focus and include transcription and processing
of mRNA regulatory features, including chromatin
architecture, RNA stability, and translational mechanisms.
Other areas of study include DNA replication, mutation, and
repair.

2. Metabolic Biochemistry - This program supports research
on many aspects of the dynamic activities of cells,
including characterization of the biochemical pathways and
other processes by which all organisms acquire, transform,
and utilize energy from substrates and synthesize new small
molecules and macromolecular cell components. Major topics
of interest include the diversity of primary and secondary
metabolism and mechanisms of metabolic regulation, in
response to both internal and external signals. Also of
interest are biotransformations of environmentally
significant compounds; manipulations of metabolism with
practical applications; quantitative and temporal aspects of
metabolism; integration and subcellular organization of
metabolic processes; and the use of new methods and
technologies and approaches, including genomics to conduct
studies of metabolic pathways and networks.



CELL BIOLOGY CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and supports research on
the structure, function, and regulation of plant, animal,
and microbial cells. Cluster programs and activities support
research that will utilize both traditional and innovative
methodologies and encourage multidisciplinary approaches,
technique development, modeling, and approaches that exploit
genomic information.

The cluster consists of the following:

  1. Cellular Organization
  2. Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/mcb/mcbcell.htm.


1. Cellular Organization -- This program supports studies of
the structure, function, and assembly of cellular elements,
such as the cytoskeleton, membranes, organelles,
intracellular compartments, intranuclear structures, and
extracellular matrix, including cell walls. This encompasses
structural and dynamic aspects of cellular and intracellular
motility, meiosis and mitosis, and cell shape and polarity,
including the mechanisms of endocytosis, exocytosis, and
intracellular trafficking of membranes and macromolecules.

2. Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation - This
program supports the study of intracellular and
transmembrane signal transduction mechanisms and functions.
These include signal reception; ion channels; second
messenger and/or signaling cascades and their interactions;
cellular mechanisms of recognition and defense; and the
regulation of cell cycle progression.



GENETICS CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is located within the Division of
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and supports a wide range
of studies directed toward answering significant questions
of organization, recombination, function, regulation of
function, and transmission of heritable information in all
organisms, from viruses and micro-organisms to plants and
animals. Specific areas include mechanisms of gene
regulation, chromosome structure and replication, epigenetic
phenomena, DNA repair and recombination, sex determination,
genetic interactions between genomes, and molecular
evolution and genomics. The methodology used should be
appropriate to the questions asked about genetic structure
and function. The review process for proposals is organized
around the areas described below, although interdisciplinary
proposals or proposals that ask genetic questions but use
methodology from other scientific disciplines will be
coreviewed in a manner that will ensure effective and fair
evaluation of each proposal.

The cluster consists of the following:

  1. Eukaryotic Genetics
  2. Microbial Genetics

For More Information

Visit the cluster's Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/mcb/mcbgenetics.htm.


1. Eukaryotic Genetics - This program supports genetic
studies of eukaryotic organisms, with the exception of
fungi. Studies of both organelle and nuclear genomes are
included, as well as studies of viruses of these organisms
and parasitic or symbiotic interactions at the genetic
level. Epigenetic phenomena, molecular evolution, and
genomics are also areas of interest.

2. Microbial Genetics - This program supports genetic
studies of eubacteria, archaebacteria, and fungi, including
yeast. Also included are studies of the genetics of
bacterial viruses and other infectious agents of bacteria
and fungi. Investigations of microbial interactions with
other organisms are also considered if the emphasis of the
study is on the microbe. Studies on molecular evolution of
microbial genes and on genomics are also considered.



____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES


In addition to the programs mentioned in this section, the
Directorate for Biological Sciences takes an active role in
several crosscutting programs and activities.

In fiscal year (FY) 1998, NSF initiated the new Plant Genome
Research Program. It is part of a national plant genome
research initiative established by the Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP). The long-term goal of this program
is to understand the structure, organization, and function
of plant genomes important to agriculture, the environment,
energy, and health. In FY 1998, the program held two
separate competitions (see program announcements NSF 98-30
and NSF 98-52). Results of both competitions are available
at http://www.nsf.gov/bio/pubs/awards/genome98.htm.

In FY 1999, the program continued activities supported under
NSF 98-30 and also supported new collaborative research and
infrastructure projects under announcement NSF 99-13.
Results of this competition are available at
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/pubs/awards/genome99.htm.

The FY 2000 competition has been completed (see program
announcement NSF 99-171). A link to the awards will be
posted on the Plant Genome Research Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/dbi_pgr.htm, when available.
In addition, the program will continue to participate in the
interagency activities to further develop the national plant
genome research initiative as described in the report
National Plant Genome Initiative progress report, published
in October 1999 by OSTP.

Additionally, BIO provides support for computational
biology; research conferences, symposia, and workshops; the
purchase of scientific equipment for research purposes;
maintenance and improvement of research collections;
research directed toward micro-organisms; basic research in
conservation and restoration biology; research in
biotechnology; research in areas of biosystems analysis and
control; and early development of academic faculty as both
educators and researchers through such programs as Faculty
Early Career Development. Also provided are active research
participation grants for high school students (Research
Awards for Minority High School Students), undergraduates
(Research Experiences for Undergraduates) and Undergraduate
Mentoring in Environmental Biology, and faculty from
predominantly undergraduate institutions (Research
Opportunity Awards); graduate education and research
training (Integrative Graduate Education and Research
Training); postdoctoral research fellowships; and, in
selected areas, doctoral dissertation improvement grants.

For More Information

See the alphabetical listing on the BIO Directorate Programs
and Deadlines Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov:/bio/programs.htm, located on the BIO
home page, http://www.nsf.gov/bio/.

Information on many of the programs listed here is available
on the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm.

    DIRECTORATE FOR COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE AND
                         ENGINEERING

CISE Directorate Home Page: http://www.cise.nsf.gov/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Directorate for
Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) has
three goals:

- to enable the United States to uphold a position of world
  leadership in computing, communications, and information
  science and engineering;

- to promote understanding of the principles and uses of
  advanced computing, communications, and information systems
  in service to society; and

- to contribute to universal, transparent, and affordable
  participation in an information-based society.

To achieve these goals, the CISE Directorate supports
investigator-initiated research in all areas of computer
and information science and engineering; helps develop and
maintain cutting-edge national computing and information
infrastructure for research and education in general; and
contributes to the education and training of the next
generation of computer scientists and engineers.

CISE activities are core to NSF's efforts in information
technology, including the Information Technology Research
Program. The directorate's activities in fiscal year (FY)
2001 encompass broad, thematic, large-scale, and long-term
basic computer science research, emphasizing software, human-
computer interaction, information management, scalable
information infrastructure, high-end computing, and the
economic and social implications of information technology.
Support will be provided for individual investigator and
group research projects and for a limited number of
information technology research centers. Complete
descriptions of the program and details on proposal
submission will be available on the CISE Directorate home
page in FY 2001.

The Directorate for Computer and Information Science and
Engineering supports programs and activities through the
following:

  -  Crosscutting Programs and Activities
  -  Division of Computer-Communications Research (C-CR)
  -  Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS)
  -  Division of Advanced Computational Infrastructure and
     Research (ACIR)
  -  Division of Advanced Networking Infrastructure and
     Research (ANIR)
  -  Division of Experimental and Integrative Activities (EIA)

CISE is inherently multidisciplinary, and the directorate
strongly encourages collaboration with all NSF-supported
disciplines. Several CISE programs, such as Research
Infrastructure, Instrumentation, and Educational
Innovations, encompass all fields of computer and
information science and engineering and are managed on a
cross-divisional basis.

In addition to supporting research, the CISE Directorate
provides the general scientific community with access to
advanced computing and networking capabilities. Programs
such as Partnerships for Advanced Computational
Infrastructure give qualified users access to extremely
powerful computing resources, train users, and develop the
software required for effective use. Networking activities
offer and build a national infrastructure for computer and
human interaction as well as communication for research and
education. In addition, the directorate supports distributed
research resources and systems for research and education,
and educational development through various activities such
as educational infrastructure and educational supplements.

For More Information

Visit the CISE Directorate home page,
http://www.cise.nsf.gov/.



____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES


In addition to the programs mentioned in this section, the
CISE Directorate takes an active role in the following
crosscutting programs and activities:

  -  Information Technology Research
  -  Biocomplexity in the Environment
  -  21st Century Workforce

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF COMPUTER-COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH


The Division of Computer-Communications Research (C-CR)
supports research in a broad array of areas as well as
interdisciplinary research in the context of computer
science and engineering. This interdisciplinary research
includes research on challenge problems, biocomputing, and
computational biology. Basic themes of work in C-CR center
on parallel and distributed systems, high-confidence
systems, security, reliability, applied algorithms, and
problem-solving environments.

The C-CR Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Communications
  2. Computer Systems Architecture
  3. Design Automation
  4. Numeric, Symbolic, and Geometric Computation
  5. Operating Systems and Compilers
  6. Signal Processing Systems
  7. Software Engineering and Languages
  8. Theory of Computing

For More Information

Write to the Division of Computer-Communications Research,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
1145, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8910; or visit the C-CR home page,
http://www.cise.nsf.gov/ccr/index.html.


1. Communications - Supports research on the sciences,
technologies, and algorithms that facilitate the efficient
representation and transmission of information. Projects may
address a variety of different communication contexts,
including wireless, wireline, and optical systems; and
research into the related fields of magnetic and optical
data storage. Research supported by the Communications (COM)
Program is distinguished from that in the networking
research programs in ANIR by its focus on point-to-point
issues, as well as methodologies associated with the lower
OSI layers (e.g., the physical layer and the data link
layer), while the ANIR programs address higher-layer issues
confronted in multiuser networks. Areas supported by COM
include the following: compression of speech, images, video,
and data; efficient modulation and coding for the reliable
transmission of information over inherently unreliable
(and/or constrained) channels; multiple-access
methodologies; algorithms for the detection of signals in
noise, as well as the estimation, acquisition, and tracking
of signal parameters; cryptography and data security; and
information theory, including fundamental assessments of
what is and is not achievable in the various communications
functions.

2. Computer Systems Architecture - Supports fundamental
research on new computing systems. Focus is on new
architecture ideas and concepts that will form the basis for
solving computing problems likely to arise in the future.
Broadly, this covers design, implementation, and evaluation
of novel computing structures and technologies. Theoretical
and small-scale experimental studies are supported, as are
assessments of fault tolerance and performance. Research on
system software, when intimately connected to the
architecture or hardware, is supported.

Currently, special attention is given to research in the
following areas: metrics (benchmarks, new applications, non-
performance metrics); parallelism (including small-scale and
mpps); systems of systems (latency reduction, bandwidth
increase, processor-in-memory, I/O, interconnects, new
device support); small-scale MP's (roughly 2 to 100 nodes)
(synchronization, communication, protection, memory system
structure, reliability, performance metrics, compiler
architecture interaction); memory (bandwidth, latency
questions, hierarchy management); interconnect (fault
tolerance, dynamics of faults and recovery, reliability,
quality of service); processor-in-memory (PIM) (single and
multiple PIM's, new architectures); input/output
(availability, scalable I/O, performance, data stream
management, low overhead protection, latency tolerance);
single-thread computing (prediction and speculation,
architectural support, control implification); multiple-
thread computing (multiscalar, dynamic sharing,
communication, synchronization, multiple independent
processors); protection (non-trusted applications coming in
off the net, security, privacy).

3. Design Automation - Supports basic research in electronic
design automation (EDA) and those areas in which Very Large
Scale Integration (VLSI) design technology is applicable,
such as systems-on-a-chip, embedded systems, and
multitechnology (optical, micro-electro-mechanical, etc.)
design methods. Research covers all phases of the complete
design cycle for integrated circuits and systems, from
conception through manufacturing test. Topical areas of VLSI
design technology include (1) theoretical foundations,
models, algorithms, tools, analysis, synthesis, simulation,
validation, and verification; (2) system design
methodologies (systems-on-a-chip, multichip, and
multitechnology systems); (3) manufacturing (fault models
and algorithms for diagnosis and test in digital, analog,
and mixed signal designs); and (4) design and system
prototyping methods, tools, and environments, especially the
information infrastructure aspects.

4. Numeric, Symbolic, and Geometric Computation (NSGC) -
Supports fundamental research in areas where advanced
algorithmic and computational techniques are coupled with
mathematical methods of analysis. Specific program areas
include computationally oriented numerical analysis;
mathematical optimization; symbolic and algebraic
computation; computational geometry; computational logic and
automated deduction; and computer graphics. The program also
supports advanced computational techniques for simulation of
physical processes; design and construction of high-quality
mathematical computing software for scientific research; and
experimental implementation when it is an integral part of
the research. The program also encourages the integration of
numeric, symbolic, geometric, and graphic techniques into
problem-solving environments to support computational
science and engineering. Innovative applications of advanced
computational and graphic techniques in science and
engineering applications, manufacturing and design, proof
support systems, and prototypic and design verification are
also welcome.

5. Operating Systems and Compilers - Supports research on
the development, design, evaluation, and implementation of
computing systems ranging from operating systems, compilers,
and run-time systems, to middleware for the integration of
heterogeneous systems and information sources. In operating
systems and distributed systems, topics of interest include
the development of mechanisms and application programming
interfaces for uniform access and management of resources in
local area networks and wide area networks; middleware
infrastructure for building scalable services; resource
management for new applications and quality-of-service
requirements; security; and electronic commerce. In
compilers and run-time systems, the topics of interest
include dynamic compilation; techniques that include various
models of storage consistency and storage-hierarchy
performance; and compiler support for programming on the
Web.

6. Signal Processing Systems - Supports fundamental research
in the areas of digital signal processing, analog signal
processing, and supporting hardware and software systems.
This includes one-dimensional digital signal processing (1-D
DSP), including (adaptive) filtering and equalization and
time-frequency representations; statistical signal and array
processing; image and multidimensional digital signal
processing, including image analysis, filtering, restoration
and enhancement, image and video coding, and vector
quantization; and analog signal processing, including analog-
to-digital conversion and analog circuits and filters.

Currently, special attention is given to antenna array
processing with application to wireless communications
systems, especially cellular telephony, personal
communications systems, and wireless local area networks;
signal compression for reduced data rate with applications
to wireless communications systems;
scalable/progressive/multiresolution approaches in signal
decomposition, compression, and other signal processing
techniques to support content analysis; data quality
validation; and manufacturing applications (e.g.,
nondestructive test and evaluation), computed tomography,
and synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

7. Software Engineering and Languages - Supports fundamental
research underlying the development and evolution of quality
software-based systems. Projects may study or develop
methods, processes, tools, or environments, taking a
conceptual, experimental, or developmental approach, or may
represent innovative work in the theory and design of
programming languages, language semantics, and programming
environments.

Specific research topics include domain-specific languages
for specification and design; constructive approaches to
software design and evolution; issues of software modularity
and composition; enhancement of confidence and quality;
automating stages of software development; distributed and
network environment issues, including distributed
development and software security; and formal foundations
for all aspects of software engineering and programming
languages. Experimental approaches to concept validation are
strongly encouraged as a necessary adjunct to conceptually
motivated research. Projects contributing to an experimental
research infrastructure by providing access to testbeds,
software development data, or repositories of software
project artifacts will be considered.

8. Theory of Computing - Supports fundamental research in
three areas. Core theory covers computational complexity,
cryptography, interactive computation, computational
learning, parallel and distributed computation, computation
on random data, on-line computation, and reasoning about
knowledge. Fundamental algorithms includes developing
combinatorial, approximation, parallel, on-line, numerical,
geometric, and graph algorithms that transcend application
domains. Application-specific theory supports developing
models and techniques for solving problems that arise in
areas of science and engineering such as molecular biology,
communications networks, and computational linguistics. Of
particular interest are theoretical developments that have
potential impact on experimental or applied areas of
computer science research and investigators are encouraged
to pursue strategies that mix theory with experimentation.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS


The Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS)
supports research that will improve the ability to generate,
organize, locate, communicate, and store knowledge using new
technologies. IIS recognizes that high-quality content and
its accessibility and usability are important benefits
provided by new technologies and are complementary to
bandwidth and disk space. IIS fundamental research foci
include universal access; human language technology;
knowledge modeling; scientific collaboratories; robotics;
computer vision; data mining; database access technology;
human-computer interaction; and embedded intelligent
systems. IIS also supports interdisciplinary and interagency
activities such as the Digital Library and STIMULATE
(Speech, Text, Image, and Multimedia Advanced Technology
Effort) Initiatives.

The IIS Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Computation and Social Systems
  2. Human-Computer Interaction
  3. Information and Data Management
  4. Knowledge and Cognitive Systems
  5. Robotics and Human Augmentation
  6. Special Projects
  7. Universal Access

For More Information

Write to the Division of Information and Intelligent
Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 1115, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8930; or visit the IIS home page,
http://www.cise.nsf.gov/iis/index.html.


1. Computation and Social Systems - Encourages and supports
research in two broad and highly interrelated areas: (1)
integration, sustainable use, and impacts of information
technology on groups, organizations, communities, and
societies; and (2) theories and technologies for reasoning,
decision making, interaction, and collaboration in groups,
organizations, communities, and societies. The research
addresses issues and technologies at the level of groups,
organizations, communities, and societies, and human-
centered as well as technological aspects. Examples of
topics are impacts and policy implications of information
technology; integration of information technologies in
workplaces and communities; social and organizational
informatics; theories of knowledge, action, and information
processing at group, organization, and societal levels;
economics of information technology, computation, and
networks; theories and models of organizational
information/knowledge processing and coordination; knowledge
networking and collaboratories; multiagent systems and
distributed artificial intelligence; computer-supported
cooperative work and decision-making; and computational
organization research.

2. Human Computer Interaction - Supports research
fundamental to the design of systems that mediate between
computers and humans. Topics include universal access;
visualization; animation and simulation; interactive
computing; human language technology, including speech
recognition and natural language understanding; posture- and
sound-based interfaces; virtual reality; and multimedia
environments.

3. Information and Data Management - Supports research
fundamental to the design, implementation, development,
management, and use of databases; information retrieval; and
knowledge-based systems. Topics include data, metadata,
information, and knowledge modeling; information
organization and information process management; information
access and knowledge discovery/datamining in distributed
heterogeneous systems; system architecture and
implementation; and evolutionary system development and
administration for enhancement of conventional databases,
scientific databases, multimedia information systems,
digital libraries, knowledge discovery, and expert systems.

4. Knowledge and Cognitive Systems - Supports research
fundamental to the development of machines that behave
intelligently. This can be in conjunction with humans
(computer-aided machine intelligence) or alone (autonomous
intelligent agents). Some of the research involves knowledge
representation in machines and studies of cognitive
processes, which may be modeled on what we know of human or
animal cognition, or which may use approaches different from
those in humans and animals. Cognitive activities of
interest include multiple types of machine learning,
planning, reasoning, decision-making, sensory cognition, and
linguistic cognition, or combinations of these in
intelligent agents. Fundamental research in these areas may
have as a goal, for example, the application of integrated
design and manufacturing; network management; medical
diagnosis; data mining; or intelligent tutoring.

5. Robotics and Human Augmentation - Supports research
fundamental to the design of machines and systems that
implement some characteristics of intelligence, so that the
machines can serve effectively to augment human activities.
Research topics include machine sensing, perception, and
action; automatic representation, reasoning, and planning
for complex physical tasks involving temporal and spatial
relationships; integration of sensing and modeling of task
environments; hardware and algorithmic design of robotic
systems, including micro- and nanoscale systems;
communication and sharing of task control between human and
machine and among machines; and linkage and cooperation
among geographically separated robotics resources.

6. Special Projects - Supports research activities that
explore new relationships among computing, communication,
and digital content from human-centered perspectives in
order to support communities of users in scholarly, social,
and work contexts. Special Projects promotes
interdisciplinary and topical fusion. In particular, it
manages the Digital Libraries Initiative, a multiagency
research program designed to create large knowledge bases,
the technology needed to access them, and the means for
improving their usability in a wide range of contexts.

7. Universal Access - Aims primarily to support research
fundamental to empowering people with disabilities so that
they are able to participate as first class citizens in the
emerging information society. The program also seeks to
advance computer technology so that all people can possess
the skills needed to fully harness the power of computing.
To these ends, Universal Access focuses on topics such as
the development of new models, architectures, and languages
that emphasize interface speed and usability by all; the
definition of semantic structures for multimedia information
to support cross-modal I/O; the development of specific
solutions to address the special needs of large disabled
communities; and experimental studies to evaluate the
success of attempts to provide access in all its varied
forms. The word "access" implies the ability to find,
manipulate, and use information in an efficient and
comprehensive manner.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND
RESEARCH


The Division of Advanced Computational Infrastructure and
Research (ACIR) provides access to, and support of, high-end
computing infrastructure and research for the national
scientific community through the programs it supports.

The ACIR Division supports the following programs and
activities:

   1. Advanced Computational Research
   2. Partnerships for Advanced Computational Infrastructure
   3. Terascale Computing System

For More Information

Write to the Division of Advanced Computational
Infrastructure and Research, National Science Foundation,
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1122, Arlington, VA 22230; or
contact the division by telephone, 703-292-8970; or visit
the ACIR home page, http://www.cise.nsf.gov/acir/index.html.


1. Advanced Computational Research - Supports a range of
enabling technologies needed to advance the state of the art
in high performance computing, and brings advanced computing
and simulation capabilities to bear on fundamental problems
throughout science and engineering. Technologies of
particular interest include (1) data handling and
visualization; (2) scalable systems; and (3) high-
performance algorithms and applications. For details on each
of the three focus areas and for specific program
information, see program announcement NSF 98-168.

2. Partnerships for Advanced Computational Infrastructure -
Provides the foundation to meet an expanding need for high-
end computation and information technologies required by the
U.S. academic community. The Partnerships for Advanced
Computational Infrastructure (PACI) supports two
partnerships, each consisting of a leading-edge site and a
significant number of partners. The two leading-edge sites,
which maintain a variety of high-end computer systems,
together with partners who support smaller versions of these
and other computers and experimental systems, constitute a
distributed, metacomputing environment that is connected via
high-speed networks. The PACI sites also participate in the
development, application, and testing of the necessary
software, tools, and algorithms that contribute to the
expansion of this "national grid" of interconnected, high-
performance computing systems.

The activities of the partnerships are structured along the
following four thrusts: (1) access to a diverse set of
advanced and mid-range computer engines and data storage
systems and experimental machine architectures; (2) enabling
technologies, by developing both software tools for parallel
computation and software to enable use of the partnerships'
widely distributed architecturally diverse machines and data
sources to effectively use the partnerships' very large
distributed systems; (3) application technologies, by
engaging groups in high-end applications to develop and
optimize their discipline-specific codes and software
infrastructures and to make these available to the program
as a whole, as well as to researchers in other areas; and
(4) education outreach and training, building a growing
awareness and understanding of how to use high performance
computing and communications resources and broadening the
base of participation to help ensure the nation's continued
world leadership in computational science and engineering.

3. Terascale Computing System - Provides a multiteraflop
computing system in support of science and engineering
research in the United States. NSF bears special
responsibility for this national program, which is available
for use by the national computational community is balanced
in terms of processor speed, memory, communications, and
storage. It is a part of the portfolio of resources provided
by the PACI Program, and it supplements the capabilities
that are available through the PACI partnerships. For
further information, see program announcement NSF 00-29.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ADVANCED NETWORKING INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESEARCH


The Division of Advanced Networking Infrastructure and
Research (ANIR) has two basic research programs and one
experimental facility program. The overall goals of these
programs are

- to focus on the fundamental science and technology needed
  to facilitate the efficient, high-speed transfer of
  information through networks and distributed systems;

- to support larger, more multidisciplinary projects;
  specialized hardware/software and networks for networking
  systems research; and mechanisms for developing research
  agendas as well as enhancing community development; and

- to support research, development, implementation, and
  testing of advanced high-performance network testbeds and
  related technologies in support of the distributed
  information technology goals of the research and education
  communities in the United States.

The ANIR Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Advanced Networking Infrastructure
  2. Networking Research
  3. Special Projects in Networking

For More Information

Write to the Division of Advanced Networking Infrastructure
and Research, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 1175, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8950; or visit the ANIR home
page, http://www.cise.nsf.gov/anir/index.html.


1. Advanced Networking Infrastructure - Seeks primary to
stimulate, contribute to, and make available for the
research and education community the very latest in high-
performance networking capability in both the national and
international arenas. The program seeks to enable the use of
novel and advanced research applications across all
disciplines of science and engineering; to coordinate
interactions with networking and other disciplines of
science; and to promote the analysis, improvement, and
evolution of the Internet. The program's focus has shifted
from backbone networks to middleware and network services;
networked applications; and networking for new participants.

2. Networking Research - Focuses on the fundamental science
and technology needed to facilitate the efficient high-speed
transfer of information through networks and distributed
systems. Projects funded range from network design and
performance evaluation to middleware and software frameworks
in support of applications running on top of networks and
distributed systems. Projects may also address how networks
and distributed systems interact with underlying
communications technology and with other related
disciplines. Research areas include high-speed, optical,
wireless, and mobile networks; traffic control; resource
management; quality of service; protocols; multicast;
network security, design, and management; performance
evaluation; network architectures; network systems; object-
oriented frameworks for networks; agent-based networks;
multimedia applications; and multiple-access protocols.

3. Special Projects in Networking - Differs from the
Networking Research Program in that it supports larger and
more multidisciplinary projects; specialized hardware and
software or networks for networking systems research; and
mechanisms for developing research agendas and enhancing
community development. Research projects supported by this
program focus on networking issues and may include work from
other disciplines of computer science and engineering, such
as distributed systems; communications; operating systems;
data bases; software; signal processing; control theory; and
devices. Theoretical research activities address the next
generation of networking and typically require small teams
of researchers. Experimental research that demonstrates
proof of concept for novel networking ideas may range in
scope from laboratory experimentation to national
collaborations.


____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF EXPERIMENTAL AND INTEGRATIVE ACTIVITIES


The Division of Experimental and Integrative Activities
(EIA) supports experimental research, spans several areas,
and often involves infrastructure needs. In particular, EIA
promotes the development of experimental computer and
communications research; furthers the evolution of
multidisciplinary research involving CISE and other
disciplines; contributes to the creation of a diverse
personnel pool; carries out exploratory and prototype
projects that cross organizational boundaries; operates
special international activities; and supports special
studies and analyses of issues that affect disciplinary
areas supported by the CISE Directorate. Additionally, EIA
plays a major integrative role in CISE by linking research
and education through support for both CISE-specific and NSF-
wide activities.

The EIA Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. CISE Advanced Distributed Resources for Experiments
  2. CISE Educational Innovation
  3. CISE Minority Institutions Infrastructure
  4. CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates
  5. CISE Research Infrastructure
  6. Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies
  7. Combined Research-Curriculum Development
  8. Digital Government
  9. Experimental Partnerships
 10. Instrumentation Grants for Research in CISE
 11. Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
 12. Major Research Instrumentation
 13. Next Generation Software
 14. NSF-CONACyT Collaborative Research Opportunities
 15. NSF-CNPq Collaborative Research Opportunities
 16. Research Experiences for Undergraduates
 17. Special Projects

For More Information

Write to the Division of Experimental and Integrative
Activities, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 1160, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8980; or visit the EIA home
page, http://www.cise.nsf.gov/eia/index.html.


1. CISE Advanced Distributed Resources for Experiments -
Supports the establishment and maintenance of CISE Advanced
Distributed Resources for Experiments (CADRE) to complement
research and education activities. Once established, these
unique resources can be accessed remotely by researchers
around the country. Resources can be diverse. They may
include hardware such as prototyping testbeds; software such
as code libraries for experimental compiler research;
repositories such as collections of human discourse data;
and services such as brokers to bring together creators and
users of educational materials. The program anticipates
making about five awards annually, averaging $400,000 per
year for 4 years. For specific program information, see
program announcement NSF 98-127.

2. CISE Educational Innovation - Supports innovative
educational activities at the undergraduate level in
computer and information science and engineering that
transfer research results into the undergraduate curriculum.
Projects supported are expected to show promise as a
national model of excellence by acting as a prototype for
use by a broader segment of the CISE community. Proposals
may address a variety of educational activities, including
the development of courses, instructional technologies,
software, and other educational materials. A related
program, Combined Research and Curriculum Development, in
cooperation with the Engineering Directorate, supports
multidisciplinary projects in upper level undergraduate and
introductory graduate level curricula. For specific program
information, see program announcement NSF 00-33.

3. CISE Minority Institutions Infrastructure - Provides
awards to aid efforts that might significantly expand the
numbers of minority students attracted to and retained in
computer and information science and engineering
disciplines. Eligible institutions must be minority
institutions (defined by significant percentages of minority
students). The program considers a variety of activities,
including research programs involving minority students,
curriculum development projects, mentoring, and outreach.
Both 1-year planning grants and continuing grants of up to 5
years in duration are awarded. Significant matching for the
latter (usually 25 percent) is expected. For specific
program information, see program announcement NSF 96-15.

4. CISE Postdoctoral Research Associates - Aims through
awards to increase expertise in experimental computer
science and engineering by providing opportunities to work
in established laboratories performing experimental research
in computer science and engineering. Through these awards,
recent Ph.D.'s are able to broaden their knowledge and
experience and prepare for significant research careers on
the frontiers of experimental computer science. For specific
program information, see program announcement NSF 97-169.

5. CISE Research Infrastructure -- Provides support for the
establishment, enhancement, and operation of major
experimental facilities for all CISE research areas.
Projects supported usually involve several individual
projects with synergy among their research activities. CISE
area Ph.D. degree-granting departments or partnerships with
at least one such partner are eligible. Outreach to
underrepresented groups is another program goal. For
specific program information, see program announcement NSF
00-5.

6. Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies -
Stimulates research on the integration of technology with
learning at all levels of education-grades K-12, college,
and university-and from learning in the classroom to self-
directed and lifelong learning. Projects supported through
this program should involve a significant research component
in the information, computer, communications, and
computational science and engineering aspects of learning
technologies. For specific program information, check the
EIA Division Web site.

7. Combined Research-Curriculum Development - Emphasizes the
need to incorporate exciting research advances in important
technological areas into the upper level undergraduate and
graduate engineering curricula. A major objective of the
program, which is Jointly supported by the CISE and
Engineering (ENG) Directorates, is to stimulate faculty
researchers to place renewed value on quality education and
curriculum innovation in the context that education and
research are of equal value and complementary parts of an
integrated whole.

Each project supported by the Combined Research-Curriculum
Development (CRCD) Program focuses on a particular topic
that is of industrial and national importance in areas
supported by both Directorates. Additionally, each CRCD
project contains five major components: research, curriculum
development, a team of participants (faculty and students),
project evaluation plans, and cost-sharing of at least 25
percent. For specific program information, see program
announcement NSF 00-66.

8. Digital Government - Aimes to build a research domain of
problems that intersect the traditional CISE research
communities with the mid- to long-term research,
development, and experimental deployment needs of the
Federal information service communities. It accomplishes
this by supporting projects that innovatively, effectively,
and broadly address potential improvement of agency,
interagency, and intergovernmental operations and government-
citizen interaction. The Federal Government is a major user
of information technologies, a collector and maintainer of
very large data sets, and a provider of critical and often
unique information services to individuals, states,
businesses, and other customers. Yet most Federal agencies
are struggling with the creation of a strategic vision and
an operational philosophy for information technologies. For
specific program information, see program announcement NSF
99-103.

9. Experimental Partnerships - Provides opportunities in
support of multidisciplinary, group-oriented research in
topics that are within the domain of CISE programs and
activities. Experimental partnerships focus on a single
problem whose solution requires scientific advances, both in
experimental computer science and engineering and in one or
more partner disciplines within CISE. The program
anticipates making up to 14 awards (depending on available
funds) per year; awards are expected to average $500,000
annually for up to 5 years. For specific program
information, see program announcement NSF 98-127.

10. Instrumentation Grants for Research in CISE - Provides
support to groups with two to five participating projects
for the purchase of research equipment, instrumentation, or
software for research in CISE areas. Both graduate degree-
granting and 4-year institutions are eligible. Significant
matching-usually 33 percent-is required. For specific
program information, visit the EIA Division Web site,
http://www.cise.nsf.gov/eia/index.html.

11. Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
(IGERT) - Seeks to enable the development of innovative,
research-based, graduate education and training activities
that will produce a diverse group of new scientists and
engineers well-prepared for a broad spectrum of career
opportunities. Projects supported must be based upon a
multidisciplinary research theme and organized around a
diverse group of investigators from Ph.D.-granting
institutions in the United States with appropriate research
and teaching interests and expertise. For further
information, see program solicitation NSF 00-78, or visit
the IGERT Web page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/igert/start.htm.

12. Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) - Supports
projects that have one primary research focus and whose
infrastructure requirement is too costly for other programs.
All institutions are eligible, with a limit of two proposals
from each institution per year. Matching at the 30-percent
level is expected. For further information, see program
solicitation NSF 99-168; or visit the MRI home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/programs/mri/start.htm.

13.  Next Generation Software - Fosters multidisciplinary
software research under two components: Technology for
Performance Engineered Systems (TPES) and Complex
Application Design and Support Systems (CADSS). The overall
thrust of NGS is research and development for new software
technologies integrated across the systems' architectural
layers, and supporting the design and the operation cycle of
applications, computing and communications systems, and
delivering quality of service (QoS).

The TPES component will support research for methods and
tools leading to the development of performance frameworks
for modeling, measurement, analysis, evaluation, and
prediction of performance of complex computing and
communications systems, and of the applications executing on
such systems.

The CADSS component will support research on novel software
for the development and run-time support of complex
applications executing on complex computing platforms. This
includes programming models, new compiler and run-time
technology, application composition environments, and
debugging tools. CADSS-fostered technology breaks down
traditional barriers in existing software components in the
application development, support, and runtime layers, and
will leverage TPES-developed technology for delivering QoS.
For specific program information, see program announcement
NSF 00-134.

14. NSF-CONACyT Collaborative Research Opportunities -
Supports, jointly between NSFand the Consejo Nacional de
Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) (National Council of Science
and Technology Research) of Mexico, efforts in international
cooperative research and research infrastructure in computer
science, information systems, computer engineering, and
engineering research (including environment and
manufacturing, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and
biomedical systems). Proposals from Mexican researchers and
research institutions are selected and administered by
CONACyT and are subject to the regulations of the Program
for the Support of Science in Mexico. Proposals to NSF from
researchers at institutions in the United States are subject
to standard NSF review procedures and will be processed by
the CISE Directorate and by NSF's Directorate for
Engineering. Proposals are accepted in all areas usually
covered by the Directorate. For specific program
information, see program announcement NSF 96-145.

15. NSF-CNPq Collaborative Research Opportunities -
Supports, jointly between NSF and CNPq-Conselho Nacional de
Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico da Pesquisas
(National Council of Scientific and Technological Research)
of Brazil, new efforts in international cooperative research
in any CISE-related area where the efforts are likely to
produce positive, complementary, and synergistic effects.

The initiative seeks to advance scientific and engineering
knowledge in areas of interest to the CISE Directorate
through joint research efforts by investigators who have
complementary talents and interests. The initiative
capitalizes on the international character of modern
scientific research and the ability to conduct collaborative
research from a distance through the support of computer
network infrastructures.

Proposals from Brazilian researchers and research
institutions are selected and administered by CNPq's ProTem
Office (Programa Tematico Multiinstitucional em Ciencia da
Computacao) and are subject to the standards for submission
and review of that organization. Proposals to NSF from
researchers at institutions in the United States will be
subject to standard NSF review procedures outlined in the
NSF Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 01-2) and will be processed by
the CISE Directorate. For specific program information, see
program announcement NSF 98-139; or contact Larry Brandt,
program director, by telephone, 703-292-8980; or by e-mail,
lbrandt@nsf.gov; or visit the NSF-CNPq Web site,
http://www.cnpq.br.

16. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) -
Provides opportunities for undergraduate students to
experience hands-on participation in research and related
scholarly activities. Active research experience is one of
the most effective techniques for attracting talented
undergraduates to and retaining them in careers in
mathematics, science, and engineering. The REU Program, an
Foundation-wide effort, is designed to help meet this need.
The program has two components. One supports sites for
several students; the other supplements awards to existing
research grants for one or two students. For more
information on REU, see program announcement NSF 00-107; or
refer to the "REU Points of Contact at NSF" list on the REU
Web site, http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/start.htm.

17. Special Projects - Supports activities to expand
opportunities for women, minorities, and persons with
disabilities in computer and information science and
engineering and for special workshops, symposia, and
analytical studies of interest to the CISE Directorate.
Potential proposers are strongly encouraged to contact a
program director to discuss their project ideas before
submitting a proposal.

        DIRECTORATE FOR EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

EHR Directorate Home Page: http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) is
responsible for the health and continued vitality of the
Nation's science, mathematics, engineering, and technology
education and for providing leadership in the effort to
improve education in these areas.

The EHR Directorate supports programs and activities through
the following:

   -  Division of Educational System Reform (ESR)
   -  Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education
      (ESIE)
   -  Division of Graduate Education (DGE)
   -  Division of Human Resource Development (HRD)
   -  Division of Research, Evaluation, and Communication (REC)
   -  Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
   -  Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
      (EPSCoR)

For More Information

Visit the EHR Directorate home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM REFORM


The Division of Educational System Reform (ESR) manages a
portfolio of programs that encourage and facilitate
coordinated approaches to systemic, standards-based reform
of science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education.

Systemic reform relies on partnerships to identify needs,
articulate visions, and develop goals, strategies, and
activities for improvement of targeted areas. Although each
systemic initiative is unique in its approach, all must
begin as a collaborative effort among individuals and
organizations that are committed to requiring high
expectations for all students through challenging
educational opportunities. Systemic initiatives catalyze
change and cultivate coordination within cities, states,
rural areas, school systems, and other organizations
involved with education. They result in a comprehensive
impact on curriculum (inclusive of content, instruction, and
assessment), policy, professional development, convergence
of intellectual and fiscal resources, broad-based
stakeholder support, and student performance.

The proposing organization develops a single plan of reform
that must delineate the curriculum, professional
development, and assessment components to ensure a
transition to a high-quality, standards-based SMT education
for all students. Awardees enter into cooperative agreements
with NSF, specifying accountability for reaching the goals
of a reform plan that must result in demonstrable and wide-
ranging improvements in student achievement.

The ESR Division supports improvement in K-12 SMT education
through the following programs and activities:

  1. Urban Systemic Program
  2. Rural Systemic Initiatives

For More Information

Write to the Division of Educational System Reform, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 875,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8690; or visit the ESR home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESR/index.htm.


1. Urban Systemic Program (USP) - Urban school systems
enroll more than half of all public school students in the
United States. Although progress is being made, in student
achievement there is a continuing disparity between the
academic performance of urban students in science and
mathematics and their counterparts in suburban schools. This
disparity has been linked to a number of factors, including
uneven allocation of resources; lack of highly qualified and
experienced teachers; low enrollment in advanced courses;
inadequate curricular materials; lack of good equipment and
facilities; and few role models for students. Nevertheless,
as measured by State and local criteria and norm-referenced
tests, student achievement in science and mathematics showed
significant gains, particularly at the elementary level. The
Urban Systemic Program (USP) represents an effort to help
urban school systems make deeper inroads into overcoming
these factors while sustaining gains and advancing efforts
through the high school level to improve student
achievement.

Eligibility Requirements for USP

To be eligible for USP, school districts must serve a
central city and have a student population of at least
20,000. It is presumed that proposals for USP will
originate from the Office of the Superintendent or other
official who is designated as the Chief School Officer.
Proposals must meet a cost-share requirement of 20 percent
of the proposed budget request. Importantly, school
districts seeking USP support must show an established
infrastructure for change; demonstrate that standards-
based reform is significantly underway in the school
system; and possess the ability to advance standards-based
reform into full-scale implementation.

Beginning in fiscal year 2000, urban school districts that
already have awards in ESR may compete to receive
supplemental funding through a special program, K-12
Higher Education Partnerships (KHEP) (see program
announcement NSF 00-45). KHEP will assist these school
districts in enhancing their teacher and student
development activities by stimulating interest and
increasing participation in science, mathematics, and
related technology areas.


2. Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI) - The RSI Program seeks
to promote systemic improvement in science, mathematics, and
technology (SMT) education for students in rural and
economically disadvantaged regions of the Nation. RSI is
particularly concerned with those students who have been
underserved by NSF programs. RSI seeks to ensure
sustainability of improvements by encouraging community
development activities in conjunction with instructional,
policy, and resource restructuring.

Students in rural areas, particularly those characterized by
high and persistent poverty, typically receive much less
instruction in science and mathematics than do students in
some suburban or urban classrooms. Moreover, societal
conditions can be barriers that keep these students from
achieving. Taken together, these circumstances negatively
affect a child's chances of pursuing a postsecondary degree
or career that could provide a better quality of life.

The premise of RSI is that a variety of educational,
economic, and social factors must be aligned to
significantly affect the achievement levels of students in
disadvantaged circumstances. Therefore, RSI proposals must
be submitted on behalf of consortia formed to address
curriculum reform; teacher preservice and in-service
education; policy restructuring, assessment, and
implementation of national standards; and the economic and
social well-being of the targeted regions.

The RSI program supports the following three categories of
awards:

  -  Development Awards-The complexity of systemic educational
  reform generally requires discussion and planning.
  Additionally, consensus-building is essential for successful
  implementation of a reform agenda. Development awards will
  be made to established regional coalitions that have
  articulated visions and goals for educational improvement.
  They will typically support a self-study of the region; the
  development of baseline data; an in-depth study of proposed
  activities coupled with their feasibility in this context;
  articulation of implementation strategies; and determination
  of financial commitment of the relevant partners.

  -  Implementation Awards-While the establishment of regional
  coalitions is a key component, the primary goal of RSI is
  the successful and sustainable improvement of SMT education
  at the K-12 and lower division undergraduate levels in
  rural, economically disadvantaged, remote, and sparsely
  populated areas. Proposers must have demonstrated readiness
  to achieve systemic educational reform through comprehensive
  planning that has (1) produced a regional vision for SMT
  education; (2) resulted in commitment to policy, fiscal, and
  instructional practice reforms on the part of the
  participating districts; (3) identified strengths and
  weaknesses in current programs; (4) secured local, State,
  and national resources, both public and private, to promote
  necessary change; and (5) focused on needed State and local
  policy changes to expedite reform.

  -  Tribal Colleges and Universities Component-In response to
  Presidential Executive Order 13021, White House Initiative
  for Tribal Colleges and Universities, the RSI Program
  established a separate competition for, and accepts
  proposals from, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU's) to
  promote systemic reform in K-12 schools within their service
  areas. Activities funded under the TCU component are the
  same as those for the RSI Development or Implementation
  awards, but typically the TCU awards target fewer school
  districts in their consortia.

Eligibility Requirements for RSI

Regions that are eligible under RSI are composed of school
districts that are designated as "rural" or "small town" by
the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for
Education Statistics, and that have 30 percent or more of
their school-age children (ages 5 through 17) living in
economic poverty, as determined by the 1990 census.
Proposing consortia should include representatives from
State and local education agencies and schools and may
include community colleges, business and industry, health
and human service agencies, economic development agencies,
private foundations, and 4-year colleges and universities.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND INFORMAL EDUCATION


The programs in the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and
Informal Education (ESIE) work together to provide students
in grades pre-K through 12 with access to quality learning
opportunities in science, mathematics, and technology (SMT),
and to increase scientific literacy for citizens of all
ages. ESIE's education efforts are designed to promote the
success of all students, regardless of their background,
ability, or future education plans.

The ESIE Division achieves its goals by supporting the
development and implementation of high-quality instructional
materials, as well as strategies to strengthen teacher
competency in SMT content and pedagogy; to prepare students
for their transition from secondary school to higher
education levels and the workplace; and to provide
stimulating learning environments outside of school.
Essential to achieving these goals are ESIE's efforts to
rebuild and diversify the national infrastructure for SMT
education; to engage parents in their children's education;
and to promote the use of learning technologies to increase
access to quality education and to address varied learning
styles of students. ESIE projects are built on collaboration
among K-12, higher education, informal science, and business
sectors, as well as meaningful partnerships of scientific
and technical practitioners, SMT educators, and education
administrators.

The ESIE Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Teacher Enhancement
  2. Centers for Learning and Teaching
  3. Instructional Materials Development
  4. Informal Science Education
  5. NSF After School Centers for Exploration and New
     Discovery
  6. Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and
     Science Teaching
  7. Advanced Technological Education

For More Information

Write to the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal
Education, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact ESIE by
telephone, 703-292-8628; or visit the ESIE home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESIE/index.html.


1. Teacher Enhancement (TE) -- The TE Program supports
professional development projects that promote strong
conceptual understanding and instructional and leadership
skills. These projects help build a supportive school
culture that empowers teachers to engage all students in
rich and challenging science, mathematics, and technology
(SMT) education. The TE Program supports the following types
of projects:

  -  Local Systemic Change-Supports school districts and their
  partners in reforming K-12 science and/or mathematics
  education. Local Systemic Change projects emphasize
  strategies that will lead to successful implementation of
  national standards for content, teaching, assessment,
  programs, and systems. Projects include comprehensive or
  full-scale reform efforts and pilot efforts for building a
  foundation for reform through exploration of exemplary
  instructional materials, and for developing district
  leadership in SMT education.

  -  Teacher Retention and Renewal-Supports efforts to develop
  and retain an effective SMT instructional workforce.
  Projects are expected to develop cadres of teacher leaders
  within districts who can (1) serve as mentors to novice SMT
  teachers during their induction years; and (2) act as change
  agents for implementing SMT programs that model standards-
  based teaching and provide professional development
  opportunities for peers.

  -  Mathematics and Science Courses for Improving Teacher
  Qualifications-Creates pilot courses for teachers who are
  currently (1) SMT teachers responsible for courses out of
  their field of certification; (2) teachers who are
  responsible for SMT training but who have inadequate
  disciplinary backgrounds; and (3) SMT teachers who wish to
  move to another grade level. Courses should build on current
  research on teaching and learning and include instruments to
  assess participant learning and provide evidence of
  effectiveness.

  -  Professional Development Materials-Develops training
  materials for teachers and instructional SMT leaders in
  grades pre-K through 12. These materials address needs
  identified in major SMT education reform efforts, including
  enhancement of teachers' understanding, adoption, and
  implementation of standards-based teaching practices,S and
  use of state-of-the-art instructional materials, assessment
  strategies, and educational technologies.

  -  Technology in Support of Professional
  Development-Anticipates changes in the access to, and
  capabilities of, learning technologies. Projects develop
  technological tools to improve teaching and support
  instructional delivery; expand access to resources; and
  provide opportunities for interaction among education
  stakeholders (e.g., teachers, teacher educators, scientists,
  mathematicians, engineers, technologists, the informal
  science community).

Eligibility Requirements for TE

The TE Program has special eligibility requirements beyond
the standard NSF requirements. For more information, see
program solicitation and guidelines NSF 00-99.


2. Centers for Learning and Teaching (CLT) - The CLT
projects are designed to address national issues critical to
the K-12 instructional workforce. By forging partnerships
between the higher education and K-12 sectors, the centers
respond to each of the following three goals: (1) increase
the number of new and current K-12 educators that are
prepared to facilitate standards-based science, mathematics,
and technology (SMT) instruction; (2) rebuild and diversify
the national infrastructure for K-16 education in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology; and (3) provide
substantive opportunities for research on teaching and
learning, education reform policies, and outcomes of
standards-based reform in science and mathematics. Emphasis
is placed on educating future generations of SMT teachers
and professionals in content, instructional practices,
assessment, research, evaluation, curriculum development,
and informal education.

Eligibility Requirements for CLT

The CLT Program has special eligibility requirements beyond
the standard NSF requirements. For more information, see
program solicitation NSF 00-148.


3. Instructional Materials Development (IMD) - Supports the
development of materials and assessment strategies that are
aligned with national standards and promote improvement of
science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) instruction at
the pre-K through 12 levels. These materials should enable
students to acquire sophisticated content knowledge, higher-
order thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills.

IMD-supported materials are designed for the success of all
students, regardless of their background, ability, or future
education plans. They should promote students' positive
attitudes toward SMT disciplines and students' positive
perception of themselves as learners. By incorporating
investigative, hands-on science and mathematics, the
materials facilitate changes in the basic delivery of
classroom instruction. Although demonstration models may be
funded, projects are expected to be national in scope so
that upon completion, the materials will be ready for use by
teachers and students across the nation.

Eligibility Requirements for IMD

The IMD Program has special eligibility requirements beyond
the standard NSF requirements. For more information, see
program solicitation and guidelines NSF 00-99.


4. Informal Science Education - Projects supported by the
Informal Science Education (ISE) Program provide rich and
stimulating opportunities outside of the formal school
setting where individuals can increase their appreciation
and understanding of science and technology, as well as
their impact on today's society. ISE projects take place in
diverse environments and involve the use of various media.
Projects generally reach large audiences and have the
potential for significant regional or national impact.

The ISE Program seeks to promote public understanding of
science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) through
collaborative efforts, especially when such efforts bridge
the informal and formal education communities. These
collaborations allow partners to combine their resources and
expertise to develop more effective strategies for reaching
diverse target audiences, particularly those traditionally
underrepresented in SMT disciplines. ISE also strives to
stimulate parents and other adults to become proponents for
quality SMT education.

Eligibility Requirements for ISE

The ISE Program has special eligibility requirements beyond
the standard NSF requirements. For more information, see
program solicitation and guidelines NSF 00-99.


5. NSF After School Centers for Exploration and New
Discovery (ASCEND) - ASCEND projects are community-based
efforts that provide opportunities for middle school and
high school students to engage in year-round academic
enrichment activities. Projects promote technological
literacy by exploring science, mathematics, and engineering
in creative after-school and weekend programs that are
designed to interest youth in ongoing scientific discovery,
as well as careers in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology.

Eligibility Requirements for ASCEND

The ASCEND Program has special eligibility requirements
beyond the standard NSF requirements. For more information,
see program solicitation and guidelines NSF 00-99.


6. Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching (PAEMST) - The PAEMST Program is operated
by NSF on behalf of the White House. Since its inception in
1983, PAEMST has provided national recognition for nearly
3,000 outstanding elementary and secondary mathematics and
science teachers in the 50 States and U.S. territories.
Awardees participate in a recognition program in Washington,
DC, where they are honored by the White House, NSF, other
Federal agencies, the National Academy of Sciences, the
business community, and various professional organizations.
Awardees receive $7,500 from NSF to improve science or
mathematics education in their schools and districts.

Eligibility Requirements for PAEMST

The PAEMST Program has special eligibility requirements
beyond the standard NSF requirements. For complete
information, visit the PAEMST Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESIE/awards/default.htm.


7. Advanced Technological Education (ATE) - The ATE Program
is managed jointly by ESIE and the Division of Undergraduate
Education. ATE promotes improvement in the education of
technicians in science and engineering related fields at the
undergraduate and secondary school levels. It particularly
targets 2-year colleges and encourages collaboration among 2-
year colleges, 4-year colleges, universities, secondary
schools, business, industry, and government. Proposals are
solicited in the following three major tracks:

  -  Projects-Activities may include the design and
  implementation of new courses, laboratories, and educational
  materials; the adaptation and implementation of exemplary
  curricula and programs in new educational settings; the
  preparation and professional development of college faculty
  and secondary school teachers; internships and field
  experiences for students, faculty, and teachers; or national
  conferences, workshops, and similar activities focusing on
  issues in technological education.

  -  Centers-ATE Centers are comprehensive national or
  regional resources that provide models and leadership for
  other projects and act as clearinghouses for educational
  materials and methods. National Centers of Excellence engage
  in the full range of activities described above for
  projects. Regional Centers for manufacturing or information
  technology education pursue comprehensive approaches
  focusing on reforming academic programs, departments, and
  systems to produce a highly qualified workforce to meet
  industry's needs within a particular geographic region.

  -  Articulation Partnerships-These projects focus on
  enhancing either of two important educational pathways for
  students between 2-year colleges and 4-year colleges and
  universities. One type of Articulation Partnership focuses
  on strengthening the science, mathematics, and technology
  preparation of prospective K-12 teachers who are enrolled in
  pre-professional programs at 2-year colleges. The other type
  of Articulation Partnership targets 2-year college programs
  for students to continue their education in 4-year science,
  mathematics, engineering, and technology programs,
  especially programs that have a strong technological basis.

Proposals in all three tracks must evidence a coherent
vision of technological education, a vision that recognizes
the needs of the modern workplace, of students as lifelong
learners, and for articulation of educational programs at
different levels.

For More Information

Visit the ATE Program Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/ate/.



____________________________________________________________


EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH


The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCoR) increases the research and development (R&D)
competitiveness of 19 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. The States are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho,
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana,
Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

EPSCoR offers two types of funding and an accompanying
outreach program supports improvements in R&D
competitiveness:

- EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Awards-Provide
  36-month awards of up to $9 million to support
  infrastructure improvements in science and technology areas
  selected by the State's EPSCoR governing committee as being
  important to the State's future R&D competitiveness.

- EPSCoR Co-funding-Provides partial support for proposals
  that have been (1) certified as related to the areas
  identified as EPSCoR State R&D priorities; and (2) reviewed
  at or near the cutoff for funding by regular programs and
  special initiative competitions throughout NSF.

- Outreach-Involves senior NSF personnel working with
  EPSCoR researchers and their institutions to acquaint them
  with NSF priorities, programs, policies, and procedures.

For More Information

Write to EPSCoR, Directorate for Education and Human
Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 875, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
program by telephone, 703-292-8683; or by e-mail,
jhoehn@nsf.gov; or visit the EPSCoR home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EPSCOR/.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION


The Division of Graduate Education (DGE) provides support
for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate
education programs to ensure the strength, diversity, and
vitality of the science and engineering workforce in the
United States. DGE aims to enhance the flexibility and
appropriateness of graduate programs at various levels in
order to maintain the preeminence of American science,
mathematics, and engineering, and to strengthen the U.S.
economy. Activities supported by the division fortify the
links between higher education and K-12 education; recognize
and support a diverse pool of outstanding individuals in
their pursuit of advanced science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology education; and support innovative models of
graduate education.

DGE supports research and education through the following
programs and activities:

  1. Graduate Research Fellowships
  2. Graduate Teaching Fellowships in K-12 Education
  3. Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeships
  4. NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science and
     Engineering
  5. Travel Grants for NATO Advanced Study Institutes

For More Information

Write to the Division of Graduate Education, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 907,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8630. For information, including program
announcements and application forms, visit the DGE home
page, http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/dge.htm.


1. Graduate Research Fellowships - Graduate Research
Fellowships (GRF's) promote the strength and diversity of
the Nation's scientific and engineering base. NSF's GRF's
offer recognition and 3 years of support for advanced study
to approximately 900 outstanding graduate students annually
in all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. For
awards that will be used in academic year 2001-2002, the
stipend for each fellow will be $18,000 for a 12-month
tenure, and an annual cost-of-education allowance of $10,500
will be made available to the awardee's institution for each
year of tenure, in lieu of tuition and fees.

Eligibility Requirements for GRF

To be eligible for this nationwide merit competition, an
individual must be a citizen, national, or permanent
resident of the United States, and at or near the beginning
of graduate study.

For More Information

For fiscal year 2001 applications, write to Oak Ridge
Associated Universities, NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
Program, P.O. Box 3010, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-3010; or contact
ORAU by telephone, 865-241-4300; or by e-mail,
nsfgrfp@orau.gov.

Individuals are expected to apply through FastLane at
http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov. Application forms and
instructions are also available on the Graduate Research
Fellowships Application Forms Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/grfp.htm.


2. Graduate Teaching Fellowships in K-12 Education (GK-12) -
In order to strengthen K-12 science and mathematics
education, provide pedagogical training and experience for
graduate students, and enhance links between K-12 and higher
education levels, NSF initiated the Graduate Teaching
Fellowships in K-12 Education (GK-12) Program in 1999. GK-12
projects support graduate and advanced undergraduate
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET)
students as content resources for K-12 teachers. These
Fellows assist teachers in the science and mathematics
content of their teaching; demonstrate key science and
mathematics concepts; and gain pedagogical skills necessary
at all education levels. The activity links the acknowledged
excellence of U.S. graduate education with the excitement
and critical needs of K-12 learning and teaching, and
promotes interest in teaching and learning practices among
graduate level institutions.

Proposals may be submitted only by academic institutions
that grant master's or doctoral degrees in SMET fields.
GK-12 fellows, selected by awardee institutions, must be
citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S. They
must be graduate students enrolled in SMET programs or
advanced undergraduate SMET majors who have demonstrated a
strong proficiency in mathematics and science.

For More Information

Visit the GK-12 Program Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/gk12/.


3. Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeships
(IGERT) - NSF places high priority on the preparation of
Ph.D.'s who are equipped with the multidisciplinary
background and the technical, professional, and personal
skills essential to address the career demands of the
future. To meet these needs, NSF created an agency-wide
graduate education program called Integrative Graduate
Education and Research Traineeships (IGERT). Unlike Graduate
Fellowships, for which individuals apply, IGERT considers
proposals from institutions that offer doctoral degrees.

The primary goal of the IGERT Program is to enable the
development of innovative graduate education activities that
are research-based and that will produce scientists and
engineers who are well prepared for a broad spectrum of
career opportunities. IGERT integrates research and
education with emphasis on experimentation, to yield a
variety of new models for a paradigm shift in graduate
education. Projects supported should incorporate the
following features:

  -  a comprehensive, doctorate-level multidisciplinary
  research theme that serves as the foundation for graduate
  education activities;
  
  -  activities that integrate the multidisciplinary research
  theme with innovative educational opportunities, including
  training in the responsible conduct of research and
  interactions between students and faculty;
  
  -  an educational environment that exposes students to state-
  of-the-art research instrumentation and methodologies;
  
  -  an institutional strategy and operation plan for student
  recruitment, with special consideration for efforts aimed at
  members of groups underrepresented in science and
  engineering, to ensure preparation of a diverse science and
  engineering workforce; and
  
  -  a well-defined strategy for assessment of project
     performance.

For More Information

Visit the IGERT Web site,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/igert/start.htm.


4. NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science and
Engineering (featuring Special Fellowship Opportunities for
Visiting Scientists and Engineers from NATO Partner
Countries) - At the request of the U.S. Department of State,
NSF administers a program of NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships
to promote a closer collaboration among scientists and
engineers of member and NATO-defined partner countries.
Approximately 25 awards are made each year to visiting
scientists and engineers from NATO member or partner
countries to enable them to conduct research at institutions
in the United States and to U.S. scientists or engineers to
enable them to conduct research in other NATO member or
partner countries.

Eligibility Requirements for NSF-NATO Fellowships

U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or citizens
of NATO partner countries who have received their doctoral
degree in science and engineering within the past five
years, or who will have done so by the start of the
fellowship, are eligible for the program. Applications from
citizens of NATO partner countries must be submitted through
a principal investigator at a U.S. institution.

For More Information

Send an inquiry via e-mail to nsf-nato@nsf.gov; or visit the
program's Web site, http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/nato.htm.


5. Travel Grants for NATO Advanced Study Institutes - NSF
awards travel grants of $1,000 each to enable U.S. science
and engineering graduate students and junior postdocs to
attend select NATO Advanced Study Institutes held in the
NATO member or partner countries of Europe. These 2- to 3-
week instructional courses, conducted by noted scientists
and engineers, are scheduled throughout the year, although
the majority of them are held during the summer.

Eligibility Requirements for NATO Advanced Study Institutes

The director of a NATO Advanced Study Institute may nominate
a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident who is a
graduate student or who has received a Ph.D. within the past
3 years, and has been accepted at a NATO institute.

For More Information

Send an inquiry via e-mail to nato-asi@nsf.gov; or visit the
program's Web site, http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/asi.htm.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT


The Division of Human Resource Development (HRD) has primary
responsibility for broadening the participation of groups
underrepresented at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate
levels in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology,
and improving the research infrastructure of minority
institutions. The division operates and coordinates a range
of programs that focus on increasing the presence of
underrepresented minorities, women and girls, and persons
with disabilities in science and engineering.

The HRD Division supports programs and activities in the
following focus areas:

  -  Minorities and Minority-Serving Institutions
  -  Women and Girls
  -  Persons with Disabilities

For More Information

Write to the Division of Human Resource Development,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
815, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8640; or visit the HRD home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/HRD/default.asp.



MINORITIES AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

Minority groups underrepresented in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology (SMET) disciplines include
American Indians/Alaskan Natives (Native Americans), Blacks
(African Americans), Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders. The
Division of Human Resource Development's supported efforts
for minority and other students are focused on two major
objectives: (1) developing students; and (2) strengthening
the research capabilities of minority institutions. HRD
Division programs represent a coherent effort to stimulate
organizational and institutional change; markedly improve
the quality of educational opportunities available to
minority and other students; and increase the quality and
quantity of these students who are pursuing degrees in
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology
disciplines.

  1. Historically Black Colleges and
     Universities-Undergraduate Program
  2. Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation
  3. Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate
  4. Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology


1. Historically Black Colleges and
Universities-Undergraduate Program - Seeks to enhance the
quality of undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology (SMET) education at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities as a means to broaden
participation in the Nation's SMET workforce. The program
provides support for the implementation of comprehensive
institutional strategies to strengthen SMET teaching and
learning in ways that will improve the access and retention
of underrepresented groups in SMET. Typical project
implementation strategies include SMET course and curricular
reform and enhancement; faculty professional development;
supervised research and other active learning experiences
for SMET undergraduates; student support; scientific
instrumentation to improve SMET instruction; and other
activities that meet institutional needs.


2. Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
- LSAMP is designed to develop the comprehensive strategies
necessary to strengthen the preparation of minority students
and increase the number of minority students who
successfully complete baccalaureates in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) fields. This
objective facilitates the long-term goal of increasing the
production of Ph.D.'s in SMET fields, with an emphasis on
entry into faculty positions.

The LSAMP Program requires each awardee to establish
meaningful partnerships among academic institutions, and
encourages the inclusion of Government agencies and
laboratories, industry, and professional organizations. It
is expected that successful partnerships will enable the
development of approaches tailored to the institutional
setting for achievement of program goals in SMET
undergraduate education. Activities supported include
student enrichment, such as collaborative learning, skill
development, and mentoring; academic enrichment, such as
curricular and instructional improvement; and direct student
support, such as summer activities.

Eligibility Requirements

Academic institutions with a track record of educating
minority and other students in SMET disciplines are eligible
to apply to the LSAMP Program. Nonprofit organizations serve
as members of the alliance or partnership.


3. Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate
(AGEP) - The AGEP Program seeks to significantly increase
the number of American Indian/Alaskan Native (Native
American), Black (African American), Hispanic, and Pacific
Islander students receiving doctoral degrees in the sciences
(physical and life science disciplines), mathematics, and
engineering (SME). The lack of role models and mentors in
the professoriate constitutes a significant barrier to
producing minority SME doctoral graduates, and NSF is
particularly interested in increasing the number of
minorities who will enter the professoriate in these
disciplines.

Specific objectives of the AGEP Program are (1) to develop
and implement innovative models for recruiting, mentoring,
and retaining minority students in SME doctoral programs;
and (2) to develop effective strategies for identifying and
supporting underrepresented minorities who want to pursue
academic careers.

The AGEP Program also supports a research effort to identify
major factors that promote the successful transition of
minority students from (1) undergraduate through graduate
study; (2) course-taking in the early years of the graduate
experience to independent research required for completion
of a dissertation; and (3) the academic environment to the
SME workplace. To accomplish this objective, the research
component will be informed by a portfolio of Federal and
private efforts in this arena in order to identify factors
underlying exemplary as well as unsuccessful efforts.

Eligibility Requirements for AGEP

Alliances consisting of SME doctoral degree-granting
institutions are eligible to apply to the program. One
institution must be designated as the lead institution for
the project. Institutions in the United States and its
territories that have documented success in graduating
minority students at the Ph.D. level are strongly encouraged
to participate. Alliances are encouraged to establish
partnerships with minority serving undergraduate
institutions to enhance recruitment efforts, where
appropriate.


4. Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology
(CREST) - NSF recognizes that academic institutions with
significant minority student enrollments play a vital role
in conducting the research that contributes to our knowledge
base in all disciplines and in educating minority students
who go on to careers in the fields of science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology (SMET).

The CREST Program makes substantial resources available to
upgrade the capabilities of the most research-productive
minority institutions. It develops outstanding research
centers through the integration of education and research.
Additionally, it serves to promote the production of new
knowledge; increase the research productivity of individual
faculty; and expand a diverse student presence in SMET
disciplines. CREST centers increase the effectiveness of
related science and engineering activities within their
geographical regions.

Eligibility Requirements for CREST

Institutions eligible to participate in CREST are those that
have (1) enrollments of at least 50 percent by members of
minority groups that are underrepresented in advanced levels
of science and engineering, such as American Indians/Alaskan
Natives (Native Americans), Blacks (African American's),
Hispanics or Latinos, and Pacific Islanders; (2) graduate
programs in NSF-supported fields of science, and
undergraduate or graduate programs in engineering; (3)
demonstrated strengths in NSF-related fields, as evidenced
by an existing or developing capacity to offer doctoral
degrees in one or more science and engineering discipline's;
(4) a willingness and capacity to serve as a regional
resource center; (5) a demonstrated commitment and track
record in enrolling and graduating minority scientists and
engineers; (6) strong alliances with universities or
laboratories operating programs of excellence focused in the
same research areas; and (7) alliances with businesses,
government laboratories, and other universities for minority
student career development.



WOMEN AND GIRLS

Program for Gender Equity in Science, Mathematics,
Engineering, and Technology

All of the divisions within the EHR Directorate encourage
projects that will increase the participation of women and
girls in science and engineering. Because women are
underrepresented in many disciplines, the Human Resource
Development (HRD) Division supports research on focused
interventions that are specifically directed toward
increasing the number of women as full participants in the
mainstream of the Nation's scientific and technological
enterprise. The Program for Gender Equity in Science,
Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology supports the
following activities:

-  Large Collaborative Projects-Must build on existing
research about gender and science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology (SMET) infrastructure, and must involve
multiple institutions that demonstrate significant
commitment. The goal is to effect permanent change. Projects
may leverage support from existing programs and activities,
and may address educational issues from grade school through
the undergraduate experience. The goals and activities of
the project may address special needs and interests based on
educational level, race, ethnicity, rural/urban environment,
and physical disabilities. The participants may be a mix of
students, teachers, counselors, parents, community leaders,
administrators, teacher-educators, faculty, student and
adult mentors, and others.

-  Planning Grants-Are available to determine the
feasibility of a project, to conduct studies, and to build
collaborative efforts. Planning grants should result in high
quality, complex proposals. Only one planning grant proposal
per institution will be accepted in any one year.

-  Small Experimental Projects-Are directed toward critical
transition points that facilitate or hinder the successful
participation of women and girls in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology (SMET) education, from grade
school to graduate school and on to their careers. Projects
are small and focused and involve only one or a few
institutions in developing or testing an innovative approach
to problem-solving. The approach should build on current
research and models of how social, learning, and teaching
factors facilitate the interest, motivation, and achievement
of girls and women in SMET.

-  Information Dissemination Activities-Can focus on
research topics or on the development and dissemination of
strategies for reducing the barriers for women and girls in
these fields. Activities supported include media (e.g.,
videotapes and brochures), conferences, teleconferences,
symposia, and workshops that bring together experts to
discuss issues, projects, policies, and research related to
the participation and achievement of women and girls in
science, engineering, and mathematics.



PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

1. Program for Persons with Disabilities (PPD) - The goal of
PPD is to achieve full participation of students with
disabilities in science and mathematics education leading to
increased representation within the nation's science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) work force.
Projects supported include those that

  -  develop and test innovative techniques of teaching
  science and mathematics that are appropriate for all
  students;

  -  increase the awareness and recognition of the needs and
  capabilities of students with disabilities;

  -  promote the accessibility and appropriateness of
  instructional materials and learning technologies; and

  -  increase the availability of mentoring resources.

Program efforts focus on changing the factors of neglect,
paucity, and lack of direction that historically have
stifled the early interest in science and mathematics shown
by students with disabilities and impeded their advancement
as they prepared themselves for careers in SMET.

NSF encourages persons with disabilities to participate
fully in all supported programs. Activities supported under
PPD include the following:

  -  Demonstration and Intervention Projects-Reduce the
  barriers that inhibit the interest, participation,
  retention, and advancement in SMET education and careers for
  persons with disabilities.

  -  Renewal of Exemplary Demonstration and Intervention
  Projects-Support successful projects to assist with
  institutionalizing those exemplary strategies used to
  promote the inclusion of students with disabilities in SMET
  education.

  -  Information Dissemination Projects-Support symposia,
  workshops, and development of information on techniques,
  instructional materials, technologies, and adaptations to
  promote full inclusion and participation of students with
  disabilities in SMET curricula.

  -  Capacity-Building Within Community Colleges-Supports
  projects designed to establish and test models by which
  students with disabilities are recruited and trained in SMET
  disciplines in community college environments.

For More Information

Visit the PPD Web site, http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/ehr/hrd/ppd/.


2. Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science,
Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring - The White House
established the Presidential Awards for Excellence in
Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) to
recognize the importance of role models and mentors in the
academic and personal development of students that are
underrepresented in these fields. The PAESMEM Program
identifies outstanding mentors and mentoring programs that
enhance the presence of underrepresented students in the
sciences, mathematics, and engineering. At the individual
and the institutional levels, recipients of the PAESMEM have
been exemplary in their dedication to the idea that the
Nation must develop its human resources in these disciplines
to the fullest extent possible.

Viable nominees, both individual and institutional, must
have served as a mentor or facilitated mentoring services
for at least five years. Awards are made to (1) individuals
who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained mentoring
and effective guidance to a significant number of students
at the K-12, undergraduate, or graduate education level; and
(2) institutions that have through their programming,
enabled a substantial number of students traditionally
underrepresented in science, mathematics, and engineering to
pursue and complete relevant degree programs successfully
(at the post secondary level, these efforts must show that
students have completed either a baccalaureate, master's, or
doctoral degree).

____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF RESEARCH, EVALUATION, AND COMMUNICATION


The Division of Research, Evaluation, and Communication
(REC) provides a research-based foundation for teaching and
learning in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology (SMET), using the results of research in
technology utilization, content, pedagogy, assessment, and
policy-oriented studies and indicators. The REC Division
supports projects that investigate the learning process and
integrate research with educational practices, including
those that provide the groundwork for the effective use of
technology. The division provides support for NSF's
participation in the Interagency Education Research
Initiative and the EHR Directorate's participation in the
agency-wide Faculty Early Career Development Program (see
the CAREER home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/career/start.htm). Through
periodic program evaluations, REC activities also analyze
the development, implementation, and impact of science and
mathematics programming across the EHR Directorate.

The REC Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Education Research
  2. Evaluation

For More Information

Write to the Division of Research, Evaluation, and
Communication, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 855, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8650; or by e-mail,
REC@nsf.gov; or visit the REC home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/REC.


1. Education Research - The REC Division has initiated a
new, comprehensive education research program, Research on
Learning and Education (ROLE), to support the knowledge base
that undergirds improvement in math and science instruction;
provide more efficient use of educational technologies; and
develop a more effective math and science instructional
workforce. The ROLE Program supports research in several
domains, including basic research in neural and cognitive
sciences; teaching, learning, and institutional change
processes; exploratory development of new instructional
approaches; materials and implementation models whose impact
can be systematically evaluated; studies of systemic factors
in implementing educational innovations; policy studies; and
collaborative research and development proposals on new and
evolving information technologies.


2. Evaluation - Provides support for the assessment of NSF
education and training programs and coordinates the
evaluation of similar initiatives in other Federal agencies
for the purpose of program improvement, accountability, and
a generation of new knowledge for the education community at
large. Evaluations are usually supported through
competitively awarded contracts to outside organizations.
Occasionally, the program solicits grant proposals for
evaluative studies of NSF or other national science and
mathematics programs of interest. The program may also
accept proposals for the development of innovative
techniques, approaches, and methodologies for the general
improvement of education evaluation.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION


The Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) serves as the
focal point for NSF's efforts in undergraduate education.
Whether preparing students to participate as citizens in a
technological society, enter the workforce with 2- or 4-year
degrees, continue their formal education in graduate school,
or further their education in response to new career goals
or workplace expectations, undergraduate education provides
the critical link between the Nation's secondary schools and
a society increasingly dependent on science and technology.

DUE's programs and leadership efforts aim to strengthen the
vitality of undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology (SMET) education for all students, including
SMET majors, prospective teachers of grades pre-K through
12, students preparing for the technical workplace, and
students in their role as citizens in a technological
society.

Projects submitted to programs in DUE are encouraged to
incorporate, as appropriate, features that address one or
more of four themes that have been targeted for special
emphasis. These themes are (1) teacher preparation; (2)
professional development for faculty; (3) increasing
diversity within SMET fields; and (4) integrating technology
in education. Although the activities described below are
expected to constitute the majority of projects supported
through DUE, proposals that address other mechanisms for
improving undergraduate SMET education will be considered.

DUE supports the following programs and activities:

  1. Advanced Technological Education
  2. Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement
  3. NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
     Scholarships
  4. National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and
     Technology Education Digital Library

For More Information

Write to the Division of Undergraduate Education, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 835,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8670; or by e-mail, undergrad@nsf.gov; or visit the
DUE home page, http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/.


1. Advanced Technological Education (ATE) - The ATE Program
is managed jointly by DUE and the Division of Elementary,
Secondary, and Informal Education. ATE promotes improvement
in the education of technicians in science- and engineering-
related fields at the undergraduate and secondary school
levels. It particularly targets 2-year colleges and
encourages collaboration among 2-year colleges, 4-year
colleges, universities, secondary schools, business,
industry, and government. Proposals are solicited in the
following three major tracks:

  -  Projects-Activities may include the design and
  implementation of new courses, laboratories, and educational
  materials; the adaptation and implementation of exemplary
  curricula and programs in new educational settings; the
  preparation and professional development of college faculty
  and secondary school teachers; internships and field
  experiences for students, faculty, and teachers; or national
  conferences, workshops, and similar activities focusing on
  issues in technological education.

  -  Centers-ATE Centers are comprehensive national or
  regional resources that provide models and leadership for
  other projects and act as clearinghouses for educational
  materials and methods. National Centers of Excellence engage
  in the full range of activities described above for
  projects. Regional Centers for manufacturing or information
  technology education pursue comprehensive approaches that
  focus on reforming academic programs, departments, and
  systems to produce a highly qualified workforce to meet
  industry's needs within a particular geographic region.

  -  Articulation Partnerships-These projects focus on
  enhancing either of two important educational pathways for
  students between 2-year colleges and 4-year colleges and
  universities. One type of Articulation Partnership focuses
  on strengthening the science, mathematics, and technology
  preparation of prospective K-12 teachers who are enrolled in
  pre-professional programs at 2-year colleges. The other type
  of partnership targets 2-year college programs for students
  to continue their education in 4-year science, mathematics,
  engineering, and technology programs, especially programs
  that have a strong technological basis.

Proposals in all three tracks must evidence a coherent
vision of technological education-a vision that recognizes
the needs of the modern workplace, the needs of students as
lifelong learners, and the needs for articulation of
educational programs at different levels.

For More Information

Visit the ATE Program Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/ate/.


2. Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) -
The CCLI Program supports projects that are expected to
improve undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology education (SMETE) by increasing the availability
and use of high-quality educational materials and the
employment of effective pedagogical strategies. Proposals
that address all levels of undergraduate education are
encouraged; proposals to improve introductory-level courses,
curricula, and laboratories are especially welcome.

NSF invites proposals to improve undergraduate SMETE in a
broad spectrum of institutions, including 2-year colleges, 4-
year colleges, and universities. Projects may involve a
single institution, a collaborative effort among several
institutions, or a collaboration with business and industry
partners. The CCLI Program has three major tracks:

  -  Educational Materials Development-Projects are expected
  to produce innovative materials that incorporate effective
  educational practices to improve student learning of SMET.
  Projects to develop textbooks, software, or laboratory
  materials for commercial distribution are appropriate. Two
  types of projects will be supported: (1) those that intend
  to demonstrate the scientific and educational feasibility of
  an idea, a "proof of concept," or a prototype; and (2) those
  that are based on prior experience with a prototype that
  intend to fully develop the product or practice. Such
  materials are expected to be disseminated nationally for
  adoption and adaptation.

  -  Adaptation and Implementation-Projects are expected to
  result in improved education in SMET at academic
  institutions through the adaptation and implementation of
  exemplary materials, laboratory experiences, and/or
  educational practices that have been developed and tested at
  other institutions. Proposers may request funds in any
  category normally supported by NSF, or funds only to
  purchase instrumentation.

  -  National Dissemination-Projects are expected to provide
  faculty with professional development opportunities to
  enable them to introduce new content into undergraduate
  courses and laboratories; and to explore effective
  educational practices to improve their teaching
  effectiveness. Projects should be designed to offer
  workshops, short courses, or similar activities on a
  national scale in single or multiple disciplines.

For More Information

Visit the CCLI Program Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/ccli/.


3. NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Scholarships
(CSEMS) -- The NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and
Mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS) Program provides
institutions with funds to support scholarships for talented
but financially disadvantaged students in computer science,
computer technology, engineering, engineering technology, or
mathematics degree programs. Through support from this
program, grantee institutions establish scholarships that
promote full-time enrollment and completion of degrees in
higher education in the above fields. NSF established the
program in accordance with the American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-277). The
Act reflects the Nation's need to increase substantially the
number of graduates from associate, baccalaureate, and
graduate degree programs in these fields. The goals of this
program are to

  -  improve education for students in the stated disciplines;
  -  increase retention of students to degree completion;
  -  improve professional development, employment, and further
     higher education placement of participating students; and
  -  strengthen partnerships between institutions of higher
     education and related employment sectors.

The eligibility criteria for a CSEMS scholarship recipient
include the following:

  -  status as a U.S. citizen, national, refugee alien, or
     permanent resident alien at the time of application;
  -  demonstrated financial need, defined here as financial
     eligibility for U.S. Department of Education Pell Grant or
     Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need; and
  -  full-time enrollment in computer science, computer
     technology, engineering, engineering technology, and/or
     mathematics degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate,
     or graduate level.

CSEMS institutional proposers must be institutions of higher
education, including consortia of such institutions, that
grant degrees in computer science, computer technology,
engineering, engineering technology, or mathematics.

For More Information

Visit the CSEMS Program Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/csems/csems.htm.


4. National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and
Technology Education Digital Library (NSDL) - The goal of
the NSDL Program is to support the creation and development
of a national digital library for science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education (SMETE). The resulting
virtual facility-a learning environment and resource network
for SMETE-is intended to meet the needs of students and
teachers at all levels: K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and
lifelong learning, in both individual and collaborative
settings. The NSDL Program builds on work supported under
the multi-agency Digital Libraries Initiative (see
http://www.dli2.nsf.gov/) and represents a synergistic
collaboration of research and education efforts.

The NSDL Program accepts proposals in the following tracks:

  -  Core Integration Track-Projects are expected to focus on
  the coordination and management of the library's core
  holdings and services and develop and maintain a premier
  portal for the library (the outcome from a set of FY 2000
  pilot projects will inform a single award in this track for
  FY 2001).
  
  -  Collections-Projects are expected to aggregate and manage
  a subset of the library's content within a coherent theme or
  specialty.
  
  -  Service-Projects are expected to develop services that
  will support users, collection providers, and the Core
  Integration effort, as well as enhance the impact,
  efficiency, and value of the library.
  
  -  Targeted Research-Projects are expected to explore
  specific topics that have immediate applicability to one of
  the other three tracks.

For More Information

Visit the NSDL Program Web site,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/nsdl/.


                 DIRECTORATE FOR ENGINEERING

ENG Directorate Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/home/eng/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) supports engineering
research and education in a competitive environment that
places strong emphasis on innovation, creativity, and
excellence. This support benefits the Nation by creating the
human resources and knowledge that spur technological
innovation and economic growth in an increasingly swift,
complex, and interconnected world. Although the research
supported by ENG is fundamental in nature, much of it
focuses on societal needs. Over the long term, ENG
investments contribute to innovation that enables the
creation of valuable new products and services and new and
more productive enterprises that enhance the Nation's future
economic strength, security, and quality of life.

A large fraction of ENG funds is invested in investigator-
initiated research, much of which exploits opportunities in
three major technologies: micro/nano systems, information
technology, and biotechnology. ENG's investment in these
technologies can be expected to enable significant advances
in health care, manufacturing, education, and commercial
services. ENG invests a smaller but significant portion of
its budget in selected targets of opportunity, particularly
in areas where these three technology streams converge. For
example, in fiscal year 1999, ENG launched the initiative
Engineering Microsystems: XYZ on a Chip, which encourages
the development of novel applications and the exploration of
nonelectrical processes at the microscale. An example of
work supported in this area involves the development of a
retinal microchip prosthesis that within the next few years
may be able to provide artificial vision to blind people
afflicted by retinal diseases.

To amplify its efforts, ENG focuses on facilitating dynamic
partnerships among industry, academe, other Federal
agencies, State and local governments, professional
societies, and foreign countries. For example, awards made
by the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with
Industry Program, which receives strong ENG support, bring
university and industry collaborators together at the
conceptual phase of a research and education endeavor.
Strengthening these intellectual connections increases the
value of engineering education and fundamental research to
the private sector and opens up exciting new areas of
research.

Overall, the National Science Foundation (NSF) provides
about 36 percent of the total Federal support for
fundamental engineering research at universities and
colleges in the United States.

The Directorate for Engineering supports programs and
activities through the following:

  -  Crosscutting Programs and Activities
  -  Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems
     (BES)
  -  Division of Chemical and Transport Systems (CTS)
  -  Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS)
  -  Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial
     Innovation (DMII)
  -  Division of Electrical and Communications Systems (ECS)
  -  Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC)

For More Information

Visit the ENG Directorate home page,
http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.



____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES


-  NSF-Wide Activities - In addition to the programs and
activities mentioned in this section, the Directorate for
Engineering (ENG) also takes an active role in the following
NSF-wide programs and activities: the Faculty Early Career
Development Program, Research Experiences for
Undergraduates, Integrative Graduate Education and Research
Training, Graduate Fellowships, Grant Opportunities for
Academic Liaison with Industry, Major Research
Instrumentation, undergraduate activities, minority and
women's programs, and programs for persons with
disabilities.

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/.


-  Engineering-Wide Activities - The ENG Directorate also
has programs that are available across all of its divisions.
These include the Combined Research-Curriculum Development
Program and supplemental support for underrepresented
research assistants on engineering grants. For information
about these programs, see the Division of Engineering
Education and Centers (EEC) section of this Guide; or visit
the EEC home page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/eec/.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF BIOENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS


The Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems
(BES) supports research that

- expands the knowledge base of bioengineering at scales
  ranging from proteins and cells to organ systems, including
  mathematical models, devices, and instrumentation systems.
  BES is particularly interested in metabolic pathway
  engineering; tissue engineering; proteomics; and other
  quantitative methods of predicting the phenotypic behavior
  of cells, cell components, and cell groupings (tissues). BES
  continues its strong interest in upstream and downstream
  processing of proteins and other biochemicals (see the
  Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology Program, below,
  for more information).

- applies engineering principles to the models and tools
  used in understanding living systems, and to products for
  human health care. BES supports the development of
  prototypes for new and improved devices and software for
  persons with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on basic
  engineering research that will contribute to better and more
  efficient health care delivery and that will aid people with
  disabilities. Current areas of interest include biomedical
  photonics and sensing (see the Biomedical Engineering
  Program, below, for more information).

- improves our ability to apply engineering principles to
  avoid and correct problems that impair the usefulness of
  land, air, and water. Current interest areas include
  environmental remediation, especially with respect to
  understanding the fate and transport of surface and
  groundwater pollutants; novel processes for waste treatment;
  industrial ecology; technologies for avoiding pollution; and
  technology to limit fouling of the ocean (see the
  Environmental Engineering Program, below, for more
  information).

The BES Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology
  2. Biomedical Engineering and Research to Aid Persons with
     Disabilities
  3. Environmental Engineering

For More Information

Write to the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental
Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 565, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8320; or by fax, 703-292-9098; or visit
the BES home page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/bes/.


1. Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology - Supports
research that links the expertise of engineering with that
of the life sciences to provide a fundamental basis for
economical manufacturing of substances of biological origin.
Engineers and small groups of engineers and scientists are
encouraged to apply for support. Synergy among the various
disciplines in these types of projects is a very important
evaluation criterion.

  Current areas of interest within the program include the
  following:

  -  Quantitative Systems Biotechnology--Quantitative methods
  for predicting the phenotypic behavior of proteins,
  pathways, and cells from genomic data.

  -  Metabolic Engineering--Methods for understanding and
  beneficially altering the chemical pathways of living
  systems.

  -  Tissue Engineering--Development of polymeric scaffolding;
  imbedding of cells; cell-to-cell communications; tissue
  biomechanics; and so forth.

  -  Bioprocessing--Novel bioreactors and processing systems
  and controls; major changes in downstream isolation and
  purification.

  -  Proteomics--Understanding the protein output of living
  systems and their structures/activity relationships.


2. Biomedical Engineering and Research to Aid Persons with
Disabilities - Supports fundamental engineering research
that has the potential to contribute to improved health care
and to the reduction of health care costs. Other areas of
interest include models and tools for understanding
biological systems; fundamental improvements in deriving
information from cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems;
extraction of useful information from complex biomedical
signals; new approaches to the design of structures and
materials for eventual medical use; and new methods of
controlling living systems. The program is also directed
toward the characterization, restoration, and substitution
of normal functions in humans. Emphasis is on the
advancement of fundamental engineering knowledge rather than
on product development. The research could lead to the
development of new technologies or to the novel application
of existing technologies rather than to product development.
Also supported are undergraduate engineering design
projects, especially those that provide prototype "custom-
designed" devices or software for persons with mental or
physical disabilities. New areas of research interest
include biomedical photonics and sensors.

3. Environmental Engineering - Supports sustainable,
developmental research, the goal of which is to reduce the
adverse effects on land, fresh and salt water, and air that
are brought on by the solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges
that result from human activity, thus impairing the value of
those resources. The program also supports innovative
research in the areas of biological, chemical, and physical
processes that are used alone or as components of engineered
systems to restore the usefulness of the polluted land,
water, and air resources. Emphasis is on engineering
principles that underlie pollution avoidance and pollution
treatment and repair. Improved sensors, innovative
production processes, waste reduction and recycling, and
industrial ecology are important to this program. Research
may be directed toward improving the cost-effectiveness of
pollution avoidance as well as developing new principles for
pollution avoidance technologies. The program places
particular emphasis on engineering principles that are
underlying pollution avoidance.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF CHEMICAL AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS


The Division of Chemical and Transport Systems (CTS)
supports research that contributes to the knowledge base
that is important for a large number of industrial
manufacturing processes and also for some natural processes
that involve the transformation and transport of matter and
energy. The transformation processes may be chemical,
biological, physical, or a combination. The industrial
processes involve a wide range of technological pursuits and
are found in such industries or areas as aerospace,
electronics, chemicals, recovery of natural resources, the
environment, petroleum, biochemicals, materials, food, power
generation, and allied activities.

CTS supports research that involves the development of
fundamental engineering principles, process control and
optimization strategies, mathematical models of macro and
molecular systems, and experimental techniques. Emphasis is
on projects that have the potential for innovation and broad
application in areas related to environmental preservation,
materials development, and chemical processing. These
principles are also applied to naturally occurring systems
such as rivers and lakes, coastline areas, and the
atmosphere, especially in populated areas. Increased
emphasis is being placed on environmentally benign chemical
and material processing, nanotechnologies, molecular
modeling, and effective coupling of research and education.

The CTS Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Chemical Reaction Processes
  2. Interfacial, Transport, and Separation Processes
  3. Fluid and Particle Processes
  4. Thermal Systems

For More Information

Write to the Division of Chemical and Transport Systems,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
525, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8371; or by fax, 703-292-9054; or visit
the CTS home page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/cts/.


1. Chemical Reaction Processes - This program has two sub-
elements: Process and Reaction Engineering and Kinetics,
Catalysis, and Molecular Processes. Activities supported
through these sub-elements include research on rates and
mechanisms of important classes of catalyzed and uncatalyzed
chemical reactions as they relate to the design, production,
and application of catalysts, chemical processes, and
specialized materials; fundamental theories and novel
modeling and simulation approaches to reactive molecular
processes; molecular modeling to relate atomistic-level
phenomena to plant-scale design; single-molecule mechanisms
and characterization; molecular motors; combinatorial
catalysis and combinatorial chemistry; automated parallel
synthesis and high-throughput screening; catalytic and
materials process informatics; catalysis in medicine and
life processes; reactions in nanoenvironments; large-scale
kinetics data bases and intelligent data management;
distributed and collaborative reactive process
characterization; bioinspired reactive process design;
nanofabricated reactive processes; nanophase control in
reactive processes; electrochemical and photochemical
processes; environmentally sustainable and abundant
feedstocks; wasteless pathways and pollution prevention; low-
temperature chemical processes; single-step processing;
combined reaction and separation; design and optimization of
complex chemical processes, including scheduling and supply
chain modeling; dynamic modeling and control of processes;
sensors for chemical or life systems for process and quality
control; processing of materials for electronics,
optoelectronics, quantum, and single-electron computing;
magnetic and ferroelectric materials for digital data
storage; fine and specialty chemicals, including
pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, intermediates for consumer
products, transportation, foods, flavors, and fragrances;
reactive processing of polymers, ceramics, and thin films;
global integration of chemical processes within the service
economy; and interactions between chemical reactions and
transport processes in reactive systems and the use of this
information in the design of complex chemical reactors.

2. Interfacial, Transport, and Separation Processes - This
program has two sub-elements: Interfacial, Transport, and
Thermodynamics and Separation and Purification Processes.
Activities supported through these sub-elements include
research in areas related to interfacial phenomena and mass
transport phenomena, separation science, and phase
equilibrium thermodynamics. Research in these areas supports
various aspects of engineering technology, with the major
focus on chemical and material processing and bioprocess
engineering. Research conducted in this program also
contributes to the division's emphasis on developing basic
knowledge useful to the minimization and remediation of
hazardous waste emissions in chemical processes. In
addition, the program provides support for novel fundamental
approaches and theories dealing with the thermodynamics of
complex fluids and transport phenomena at interfaces, with
applications to biological systems and the processing of
nanoscale materials and thin films.

3. Fluid and Particle Processes - This program has two sub-
elements: Particulate and Multiphase Processes and Fluid
Dynamics and Hydraulics. Activities supported through these
sub-elements include fundamental research on mechanisms and
phenomena that govern single and multiphase fluid flow;
particle formation and transport; various multiphase
processes; synthesis and processing of nanostructures; and
fluid and solid system interactions. The common research
theme across this broad range of topical areas is the
expectation that new conceptual understanding, innovative
approaches to a recognized problem, and/or the
identification of a new line of investigation will be
established as a result of the proposed research. Research
is sought that will help to improve the basic understanding
of the governing mechanics responsible for the motion of
fluids and particulates. It is expected that these
investigations will supply the engineering science knowledge
base to support innovative developments in areas such as
transportation, manufacturing, materials, nano- and
biotechnology, processing industries, and the environment.

4. Thermal Systems - This program has two sub-elements. The
first, Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing, supports
projects that seek a basic understanding of heat transfer,
particularly at the micro- and nanoscale levels, and that
apply heat and mass transfer principles to technologically
related fields. Areas in need of basic heat transfer
research include photon and phonon transport in thin films;
laser/radiation interactions with liquid and solid phases;
macroscopic transport with microstructure formation during
solidification; flow and heat transport in porous media;
microjet cooling for electronic equipment; phase-change
materials; rheology; and crystal growth. Examples of
technologically related fields are manufacturing, laser
processing and machining, welding, gas turbines, heating and
ventilation systems, biotechnology, and cryogenics. The
overall goal is to learn more about the fundamentals of heat
transfer and transport processes that improve the efficiency
of industrial systems.

The second element, Combustion and Plasma Systems, supports
research on understanding the fundamental physical and
chemical processes involved in combustion; providing
principles for addressing major problems in the combustion
arena, such as pollutant formation in combustion, energy-
conversion inefficiencies, and fire hazards; elucidating the
fundamental science and engineering principles necessary for
the application of plasma technology to such situations as
chemical conversion, materials refining, energy recovery,
and biosystems modification; and demonstrating how
combustion or plasma processing can be applied to solve
problems in such areas as the production of fine powders or
thin films, waste destruction, sterilization, and surface
modification. Major topics covered include flame chemistry,
incineration, internal combustion engines, pollutant
formation from combustion, models of combustion or plasma
systems, diagnostics for combustion and plasmas, plasma
chemistry and physics, production of particles and coatings,
destruction of environmental pollutants and contaminants,
and combustion synthesis. Priorities include projects
related to environmental quality (both prevention and
amelioration) and new manufacturing techniques, especially
for materials. Support includes computational efforts in
both theory and simulation, and experimental studies on real
engineering systems or laboratory models, diagnostic
techniques, and real-time monitoring of processes.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF CIVIL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS


The Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) supports
research that contributes to the knowledge-base and
intellectual growth in the areas of infrastructure
construction and management; geotechnology; structures;
dynamics and control; mechanics and materials; sensing for
civil and mechanical systems; and the reduction of risks
induced by earthquakes and other natural and technological
hazards.

The CMS Division encourages cross-disciplinary partnerships
at the intersections of traditional disciplines. These
partnerships promote discoveries using technologies such as
autoadaptive systems, nanotechnology, and information
technology, to enable revolutionary advances in the Nation's
civil and mechanical systems.

The CMS Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Dynamic System Modeling, Sensing, and Control
  2. Geotechnical and GeoHazards Systems
  3. Infrastructure and Information Systems
  4. Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering
  5. Structural Systems and Engineering

The CMS Division also manages the Network for Earthquake
Engineering Simulation Program, a Major Research Equipment
project that will be under construction from FY 2000 through
FY 2004. For further information, visit the program's Web
site at http://www.eng.nsf.gov/nees/.

For More Information

Write to the Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
545, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8360; or by fax, 703-292-9053; or visit
the CMS home page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/cms/


1. Dynamic System Modeling, Sensing, and Control (DSMSC) -
Supports research on the fundamental engineering concepts
and mathematical theories for modeling; analysis;
simulation; and control of complex, nonlinear dynamic
systems, including study of new control methods; acoustics;
vibrations; and kinematics relationships. DSMSC invests in
research on information technology as related to smart and
autoadaptive civil and mechanical systems, including the
study of new technologies for sensing and acquiring
information; multiple and intelligent system functionality;
and modeling, synthesis, simulation, and prototyping of
intelligent systems and their components. Research of this
type will advance the knowledge base for integration of
sensors, actuators, controllers, and power sources for
autoadaptive applications.

2. Geotechnical and Geohazards Systems (GHS) - Seeks to
advance the fundamental engineering and related knowledge
for geostructures (foundations, slopes, excavations, soil
and rock improvement technologies, and reinforcement
systems); geohazards mitigation; constitutive modeling and
verification; remediation and containment of geo-
environmental contamination; transferability of laboratory
results to field scale; and nondestructive and in situ
evaluation. GHS support is given for research that will
increase geotechnical and geohazards knowledge necessary to
mitigate the impacts of natural and technological hazards on
both the constructed and the natural environment. A broad
spectrum of research is supported, including the use of data
from laboratory and field experiments to verify design
procedures and methodologies; simulation of phenomena; and
collection of data from catastrophic events, including rapid-
response reconnaissance inspections.

3. Infrastructure and Information Systems (IIS) - Supports
research to develop new science bases necessary for
developing and deploying advanced information systems and
technologies required to sustain the nation's
infrastructure. IIS research affects infrastructure system
design, construction, maintenance, and operation and
control, and includes networking technology; Internet-based
data systems; voice and data communications technologies;
and geographical information systems-based multimedia global
infrastructure information systems. The IIS Program is also
interested in systems and network approaches to
infrastructure management and life cycle engineering;
integrated systems behavior and network simulation; hazard
preparedness and response; societal and economic impacts;
decision theory; intelligent systems and engineering (life
cycle design); and conceptual and theoretical bases of
scalable enterprise for civil systems construction and
management.

4. Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering (SMME) - Links
the expertise of analytical, computational, and experimental
solid mechanics and biomechanics with materials and surface
engineering to understand, characterize, analyze, design,
and control the mechanical properties and performance of
materials and devices. SMME supports research on the
deformation, fracture, fatigue, friction, wear, and
corrosion of all types of materials, including composites,
nanostructured materials, construction materials, and
coatings and surface modification for service under extreme
conditions. The program also supports experimental and
analytical investigations and simulation modeling of
material microstructures and their connections to nano-,
meso-, and macroscale structural behavior.

5. Structural Systems and Engineering (SSE) - Emphasizes new
discoveries in the design, construction, repair,
rehabilitation, upgrade, and maintenance of structural
materials and systems. SSE supports research that will
advance the knowledge base on the application of advanced
polymer materials and high-performance steel and concrete
materials; durability of construction materials; soil
structure interaction; safety and reliability of bridges and
other structures, including applications of condition
assessment to structural systems; and indoor environmental
conditions. Also of interest is research that will lead to
improved understanding of the impact of extreme events on
the performance of the constructed environment, and on
interactions between natural and constructed environments.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION


The overall goals of the Division of Design, Manufacture,
and Industrial Innovation (DMII) include supporting research
that will deepen our understanding of the processes,
machinery, and systems that comprise modern manufacturing
and making the Nation's manufacturing base more competitive
by increasing its rate of innovation and responsiveness to
changing needs. Emphasis is on research that employs a blend
of experimental, analytical, and computational efforts
directed toward developing economically competitive and
environmentally compatible technologies. Included are
methodologies for concurrent design and production of
products with engineered microstructures and properties,
innovative fabrication and assembly techniques, and
integrated enterprise-wide production systems.

The Division solicits novel ideas on meso-, micro-, and
nanomanufacturing. Proposals addressing concepts,
principles, and tools for manufacturing to the service
sector are also considered.

DMII supports research that will lead to the improvement of
industrial productivity in the United States as well as the
commercialization of new knowledge by the small business
community through NSF's Small Business Innovation Research
Program.

DMII supports the following programs and activities:

  1. Design and Integration Engineering
  2. Manufacturing Processes and Equipment
  3. Operations Research and Production Systems
  4. Innovation and Organizational Change
  5. Small Business Innovation Research
  6. Industry/University Liaison

For More Information

Write to the Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial
Innovation, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 550, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8330; or by fax, 703-292-
9056; or visit the DMII home page,
http://www.eng.nsf.gov/dmii/.


1. Design and Integration Engineering - Supports the
creation of new knowledge to develop the fundamental
principles of and procedures for engineering design. This
includes theories of design; methodologies for and models of
design; and organization and management techniques for the
effective use of engineering design systems. Particular
focus is on the development of an overarching theory of
manufacturing systems to allow the effective design of the
information and communications framework required to
interface the hardware and software elements of a modern
computer-integrated manufacturing system. While the primary
objective is to bridge design and manufacturing, efforts are
also aimed at integrating all aspects of the manufacturing
life cycle.

2. Manufacturing Processes and Equipment - Supports the
development of new knowledge to improve the predictability
and productivity of existing manufacturing processes and
equipment and the innovation of new manufacturing processes
and equipment. This will allow manufacturing of a broad
range of products from a wide range of new and recycled
materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites,
and specially engineered materials. The program aims to
understand the fundamental behavior of materials and
machines during processing; to develop novel manufacturing
processes and machine prototypes; and to control
manufacturing process and operations during the production
of actual parts.

3. Operations Research and Production Systems - Supports
analytical and computational research geared toward the
improvement of productivity of engineered systems. Support
is given to research that is driven by relevant problems in
manufacturing, logistics, and service systems. The
Operations Research element welcomes innovative research
proposals that are oriented toward basic methodologies and
motivated by problems relevant to engineering. The
Production Systems element encourages research driven by
real and relevant industrial problems in all aspects of
production operations, including manufacturing,
communications, transportation, and service. Investigators
interested in submitting a proposal to the Production
Systems element are strongly encouraged to establish ties
with an appropriate industrial partner or partners.

4. Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC) - Seeks to
improve the performance of industry, education, service,
health care, government, and other organizations and
institutions through the support of research on theories,
concepts, and methodologies of innovation and organizational
change. The Directorates for Engineering; Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences; and Education and Human
Resources jointly support IOC.

The program supports research using theory combined with
empirical validation to understand effective approaches to
organizational learning and redesign; strategic and cultural
change; quality and process improvement; innovation; new
product and service development; and development and
integration of new technologies. Proposers should work with
partner organizations in industry, education, health care,
government, or service. IOC supersedes and extends its scope
beyond those of two former NSF programs: Management of
Technology Innovation and Transformations to Quality
Organizations.

5. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Offers
opportunities and incentives for creative small businesses
that are involved in science, engineering, education, or
technology to conduct innovative, high-risk research on
important scientific and technical problems. SBIR-supported
projects should have significant potential for
commercialization and public benefit, if the research is
successful. This three-phase program offers incentives for
converting research done in Phases I and II into commercial
application in Phase III, with the final effort funded by
private capital. NSF also supports the Small Business
Technology Transfer (STTR) Program to link entrepreneurs to
the academic research community (for more on STTR, see
Industry/University Cooperative Liaison Program).

For More Information

See program solicitation NSF 00-48, which is widely
publicized by the Small Business Administration and is
announced in the Commerce Business Daily. For complete
information on either program, visit the SBIR/STTR Web
site, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/.


6. Industry/University Liaison - Encourages
industry/university collaboration through two sub-
activities. They are

   -  Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with
   Industry(GOALI), an initiative that aims to synergize
   industry/university partnerships by making funds available
   for the support of an eclectic mix of industry/university
   linkages. Specifically, GOALI provides support (1) to
   conduct research and gain experience with production
   processes in an industrial setting; (2) for industry
   scientists and engineers to bring industry's perspective and
   integrative skills to academe; and (3) for interdisciplinary
   industry/university teams to conduct long-term projects.
   GOALI supports faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students
   in developing creative modes of collaborative interaction
   with industry through individual or small group projects and
   supports industry-based fellowships for graduate students
   and postdoctoral fellows. The GOALI initiative targets high-
   risk and high-gain research that focuses on fundamental
   topics that would not have been undertaken by industry, and
   supports the development of innovative, collaborative,
   industry/university educational programs and the direct
   transfer of new knowledge between academe and industry.

   For More Information

  Visit the GOALI Web site, http://www.nsf.gov/goali/; or
  the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
  http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/.


  -  Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is a Federal
  program that links entrepreneurs to the academic research
  community and encourages commercialization of Government-
  funded research by the private sector, thus reinforcing the
  efforts of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
  Program. Proposals submitted to the STTR Program must have
  small business principal investigators, but up to 60 percent
  of STTR funding may be used to support university
  subcontracts necessary to assist in the commercialization of
  research products by the small business firm. STTR is a
  three-phase program that offers incentives for converting
  research done in Phases I and II to commercial application
  in Phase III, with the final effort funded by private
  capital.

  For More Information

  See program solicitation NSF 00-48, which is widely
  publicized by the Small Business Administration and is
  announced in the Commerce Business Daily. For complete
  information on either program, visit the SBIR/STTR Web
  site, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS


The Division of Electrical and Communications Systems (ECS)
supports research and education to improve the fundamental
understanding of devices and components and to define and
apply the principles of information-based systems for
control, communications, and computation. The study of micro-
and nanoelectronic, photonic, and electromechanical devices
and their integration into circuits and microsystems is a
core discipline of electrical engineering. Modern computing
and communication systems are based on these devices, and
trends toward smaller devices raise new research challenges
to fabricate nanoscale structures and to understand quantum
principles that dominate their behavior. Research on the
principles of analysis and the design of systems is a second
core area in electrical engineering, and the convergence of
control, communications, and computation forms the basis for
new research directions in intelligent engineering systems.
Learning and self-adaptive systems, distributed systems and
networks, hybrid discrete and continuous representation,
high-performance simulation and domain-specific computing,
and biologically based search and optimization algorithms
are research topics of current interest. The integration of
device research and systems principles leads to broad
applications in telecommunications, power and energy,
environment, transportation, biomedicine, manufacturing, and
other areas. ECS supports integrative research through
opportunities whose themes encourage innovative and
collaborative systems-oriented research. ECS also provides
support for specialized resources and infrastructure that
facilitate research and education activities.

The ECS Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  1. Electronics, Photonics, and Device Technologies
  2. Control, Networks, and Computational Intelligence
  3. Integrative Systems
  4. Resources and Infrastructure

For More Information

Write to the Division of Electrical and Communications
Systems, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 675, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8339; or by fax, 703-292-
9147; or visit the ECS home page,
http://www.eng.nsf.gov/ecs/.


1. Electronics, Photonics, and Device Technologies (EPDT)
(formerly Physical Foundations of Enabling Technologies) -
Seeks to improve the fundamental understanding of devices
and components based on the principles of electronics,
photonics, electromagnetics, electro-optics,
electromechanics, and related physical phenomena, and to
enable the design of integrated microsystems that define new
capabilities and applications. Experimental and theoretical
studies of nanoscale electronic and photonic devices and
principles, use of nanotechnology for device fabrication,
and related topics in quantum engineering and quantum
computing are of particular current interest. Adaptive and
reconfigurable devices and low-power/low-noise electronics
are used in novel network architectures and advanced
communications systems. Microsensors and microactuators are
used in diverse areas, ranging from industry and defense
applications to biology and medicine. The program invites
proposals for research that can lead to high performance of
micro- and nanoscale devices, components, and materials;
advanced methods of design, modeling, and simulation of
devices and components; and improved techniques for
processing, fabrication, and manufacturing, including plasma-
based processing techniques.

2. Control, Networks, and Computational Intelligence (CNCI)
(formerly Knowledge Modeling and Computational Intelligence)
- Supports creative research underlying the analysis and
design of intelligent engineering systems and networks for
control, communications, and computation. The program
invites proposals for research that can lead to improved
methods for analysis, design, optimization, and evaluation
of complex systems. Distributed systems and networks occur
in telecommunications, power and energy, and transportation
systems. Hybrid systems incorporate both continuous and
symbolic knowledge representation and are of increasing
interest in the study of networks, manufacturing, and
transportation systems. Adaptive, learning, and self-
organizing principles offer potential for improved
performance for systems with unknown models and changing
characteristics, especially in biomedical and environmental
applications. Biologically inspired methods and algorithms,
including neural networks, evolutionary computation,
behavioral architectures, and intelligent agents for
engineering applications, are also of interest. High-
performance and domain-specific computation is applied to
the development of simulation, design, and decision tools
for engineering applications.

3. Integrative Systems (IS) - Stimulates innovative research
in areas that integrate device concepts and systems
principles to develop new technologies and new research
directions. Proposals are sought that address fundamental
research issues associated with the analysis and design of
such integrative systems. Areas of opportunity are announced
on the ECS home page. In addition, researchers are welcome
to propose potential topics of interest and are encouraged
to discuss them with a program director. An example of an
integrated microsystem is a miniature implantable device
that combines sensors, actuators, and computational
algorithms and microcircuits for biomedical applications
that range from drug delivery to microsurgery. A second
example is a wireless network of hand-held or wearable
computing devices that incorporate microsystem transmitters,
receivers, antennas, and sensors and constitute a complex
distributed network with high bandwidth and high information-
transfer requirements. Such integrative systems offer new
challenges in basic research and promise for future
applications. Proposals for integrative systems research may
involve collaborative research among investigators in order
to capture a breadth of expertise.

4. Resources and Infrastructure - Provides in partnership
with other NSF directorates and Government agencies,
nationwide research and education resources, including the
National Nanofabrication Users Network, National Center for
Computational Electronics, Multiuser MEMS Processes, U.S.-
Japan Joint Optoelectronics Project, and MOS Implementation
Services. Additionally, NSF's Engineering Research Centers
and Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers affect
many of the research areas of the ECS community. Researchers
and educators are encouraged to build linkages with these
facilities and fully utilize the infrastructure. ECS also
seeks to enhance academic infrastructure through
supplemental and focused grant opportunities and through the
international collaborations described in the overview of
the Engineering Directorate.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND CENTERS


The Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC)
supports centers that collaborate with industry to integrate
research and education, and projects to promote innovations
in engineering education and engage a diverse body of
students in engineering research. These efforts integrate
new knowledge across disciplines, accelerate technology
development, and improve the capabilities and diversity of
engineering graduates entering the technical workforce.

EEC's centers promote partnerships among researchers in
different disciplines and between industry and universities.
They focus on integrated engineered systems and produce
technological innovations that strengthen the competitive
position of industry. Their graduates are well-rounded,
professionally oriented engineers with a global outlook,
experience in technological innovation, and the ability to
assume leadership roles in industry, academe, and
government.

The educational innovation projects of EEC vary in scope
from small-scale efforts integrating research into the
curriculum to larger-scale models for engineering curriculum
reform. These efforts have infused knowledge of emerging
technology into the curriculums across the country and have
provided models for systemic reform of the engineering
curriculum that have included freshman-year experience with
design and product development. All efforts promote the
diversity of the engineering workforce.

The EEC Division supports the following programs and
activities:

1. Engineering Research Centers
2. Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers
3. Engineering Education
4. Combined Research-Curriculum Development
5. Supplemental Funding for Support of Women, Minorities,
   and Physically Disabled Engineering Research Assistants

For More Information

Write to the Division of Engineering Education and Centers,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
585, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by
telephone, 703-292-8380; or by fax, 703-292-9051; or visit
the EEC home page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/eec/.


1. Engineering Research Centers (ERC's) - Provide an
integrated environment for academe and industry to focus on
next-generation advances in complex engineered systems, with
synergy among engineering, science, and industrial practice.
ERC's integrate research and education at both the graduate
and undergraduate levels, producing curriculum innovations
derived from the strategic focus of ERC's on engineering
systems research. ERC's build partnerships with industry,
develop shared infrastructure, and increase the capacity of
engineering and science graduates to contribute to U.S.
competitiveness. They are supported for up to 10 years to
allow the long-term perspective in engineering research and
education that is required to produce new technologies and
innovative products and services.

2. Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers
(I/UCRC's) - Develop long-term partnerships among industry,
academe, and government. The centers are university-based
but catalyzed by a small investment from NSF and primarily
supported by industry members. I/UCRC's are led by faculty
who have a strong desire to work with industry and who will
pursue fundamental research agendas recommended by
industrial advisory boards. Center research projects are
conducted primarily by graduate student engineers, thereby
developing students who know how to conduct industrially
relevant research as well as communicate their findings
effectively.

3. Engineering Education Programs - Stimulate innovation and
reform in engineering education to produce graduates who are
better able to serve the evolving needs of the new century.
A high priority is the increased recruitment and retention
of engineering students, especially women, underrepresented
minorities, and people with disabilities.

The Action Agenda for Engineering Curriculum Innovation
Program supports the implementation of new approaches to
educate engineers and encourage outstanding
students-particularly from underrepresented groups-to enter
the field. The Action Agenda Program builds on successful
innovations from the NSF Engineering Education Coalitions
and other new concepts for the reform and improvement of
engineering education and seeks to involve research-active
scholars more actively in education innovation.

EEC participates in NSF's 21st Century Workforce initiative,
building on successes and experiences in the systemic reform
of education in grades K-12. EEC also supports programs
through which new faculty can learn from successful scholars
and practitioners in such areas as learning theories, course
and curriculum design, test construction and evaluation,
multimedia technologies, student mentoring, diversity, and
leadership.

4. Combined Research-Curriculum Development Program -
Supports curriculum development projects integrating new and
state-of-the-art research advances in emerging technological
areas into upper-level undergraduate and introductory
graduate engineering and computer and information science
curricula.

5. Supplemental Funding for Support of Women, Minorities,
and Physically Disabled Engineering Research Assistants -
Provides supplemental funding to include women,
underrepresented minorities, and physically disabled
undergraduate or high school students as research assistants
on funded projects. Supplemental funding of up to $5,000,
including indirect costs, may be requested for each student
added to the project. Funds provided by this program are
limited to two students per grant. Up to 10 percent of this
amount may be used for supplies and services. The support
may be used for a summer, a quarter, or an academic year.

If necessary, additional funds in excess of $5,000 may be
requested, to provide special equipment or modify existing
equipment, or to provide other services specifically for the
purpose of enabling a physically disabled person (or
persons) to participate. The equipment must be directly
related to the research work, such as a prosthetic device to
manipulate a specific piece of equipment, and not for
general assistance, such as wheelchairs or ramps.


                 DIRECTORATE FOR GEOSCIENCES

GEO Directorate Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/home/geo/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



Research in the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) seeks to
advance the state of knowledge about the Earth, including
its atmosphere, continents, oceans, interior, and Sun, and
the processes that modify and link them together.

The Directorate for Geosciences supports programs and
activities through the following:

  -  Crosscutting Programs and Activities
  -  Education and Outreach Activities
  -  Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM)
  -  Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
  -  Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)

For More Information

Visit the GEO Directorate home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/.



____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES


In addition to the programs mentioned in this section, the
Directorate for Geosciences takes an active role in the
following crosscutting programs and activities:

  -  Environment and Global Change, including the Inter-
     American Institute for
     Global Change Research
  -  Information Technology Research
  -  Biocomplexity in the Environment
  -  Nanoscale Science and Engineering
  -  Twenty-first Century Workforce
  -  ADVANCE
  -  Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry (EGB)
  -  Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
     (EPSCoR)
  -  Earth System History (ESH)
  -  Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12)
  -  Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry
     (GOALI)
  -  Life in Extreme Environments (LExEN)
  -  Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)
  -  Partnerships for Innovation (PFI)
  -  Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative
     Partnerships

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Program's home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/start.htm.



____________________________________________________________


EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES


-  Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the
Environment - In addition to the discipline-specific
education and outreach activities supported by the
Directorate for Geosciences, the directorate participates in
the multiagency Global Learning and Observations to Benefit
the Environment (GLOBE) Program. GLOBE is a developing
international effort that links scientists and
schoolchildren through a global information network. It is
designed to promote general science literacy related to
environmental and global change issues.

For More Information

Visit the GLOBE Program Web site, http://www.globe.gov/. For
information about GLOBE activities within NSF, contact the
GLOBE Program Director in the Directorate for Geosciences by
telephone, 703-292-7858; or by e-mail, globe@nsf.gov; or
visit the GEO Directorate home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/; or the Education and Human
Resources (EHR) Directorate home page,
http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/. Additional information about
programs in the EHR Directorate can also be found in the EHR
section of this Guide.


-  Awards to Facilitate Geoscience Education - Awards to
Facilitate Geoscience Education (AFGE) is comprised of two
elements: (1) funding proposals for research in geoscience
education at all levels; and (2) a special emphasis area
titled Application of Digital Libraries to Undergraduate
Earth Systems Education. The educational digital library
special emphasis is comanaged and jointly funded by the GEO
Directorate and the Division of Undergraduate Education in
the Directorate for Education and Human Resources. It
represents an intersection of interests the two Directorates
have. Both seek to facilitate the involvement of leading
researchers in efforts to improve the quality of geoscience
education, thereby facilitating the effective integration of
research and education.

For More Information

Contact Dr. Michael Mayhew by e-mail, mmayhew@nsf.gov; or
visit the GEO Directorate home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov.


-  Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences
- The GEO Program for Diversity is part of the Directorate
for Geosciences' effort to broaden the participation of
groups traditionally underrepresented in the geosciences,
including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
The activity is expected to be implemented in fiscal year
2001, and a program announcement is expected to be released
shortly thereafter.

For More Information

Visit the GEO Directorate home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/geo/diversity/. Suggestions and
comments related to this new effort can be sent to o
geo_diversity@nsf.gov.


-  Other Programs and Activities - In addition to the
programs and activities mentioned here, the GEO Directorate
participates in the following NSF-wide education and
outreach activities:

   -Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER)
   -Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
    (IGERT)
   -Minority Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement
    Awards
    (MRPG/MCAA)
   -Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and
    Engineers (PECASE)
   -Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
   -Research in Undergraduate Institutions and Research
    Opportunity Awards
   (RUI/ROA)

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Program's home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/start.htm.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES


The Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) supports research
to increase understanding of the behavior of Earth's
atmosphere and its interactions with the Sun. Included are
studies of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of Earth's
upper and lower atmospheres and its space environment;
research on climate processes and variations; and studies to
understand the natural global cycles of gases and particles
in Earth's atmosphere. NSF also provides support for
participation by the U.S. scientific community in
international scientific research endeavors, such as the
World Climate Research Program.

The ATM Division supports the following programs and
activities:

  -  Lower Atmospheric Research
  -  Upper Atmospheric Research
  -  Centers and Facilities

Submission of Proposals to ATM

Proposals may be submitted at any time during the year for
all programs in the ATM Division except those involving the
allocation of observational and computing facilities.
Proposals should be submitted to the appropriate NSF program
and should follow the guidelines printed in the NSF Grant
Proposal Guide (NSF 01-2). For projects that propose the use
of lower atmospheric observing facilities and/or large
amounts of computing resources (200 General Accounting Units
or greater), a facility request also is required. A facility
request should be sent to the manager of each facility where
the proposed work would take place. Procedures for
requesting the use of a facility are established by the
institution managing the facility. It is important for
institutions submitting a request to seek advice from the
Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities manager at NSF. Those
submitting facility requests requiring in excess of $500,000
in deployment costs are required to submit a preproposal to
NSF 4 months before the actual deadline for submission of
proposals.

Any questions on the use of computing resources should be
directed to the Director, Scientific Computing Division,
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), P.O. Box
3000, Boulder, CO 80307; or visit the SCD Web site,
http://www.scd.ucar.edu/, located on the NCAR home page.

For More Information

Write to the Division of Atmospheric Sciences, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 775,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8520; or visit the ATM Division home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/atm/.



LOWER ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

The following programs comprise the Lower Atmospheric
Research Section. For complete information, visit the Lower
Atmospheric Research Section Web site at
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/atm/lower.htm.

  1. Atmospheric Chemistry
  2. Climate Dynamics
  3. Large-Scale Dynamic Meteorology
  4. Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology
  5. Physical Meteorology
  6. Paleoclimate


1. Atmospheric Chemistry - Supports research to measure and
model the concentration and distribution of gases and
aerosols in the lower and middle atmosphere. The program
also supports research on the chemical reactions among
atmospheric species; the sources and sinks of important
trace gases and aerosols; aqueous-phase atmospheric
chemistry; the transport of gases and aerosols throughout
the atmosphere; and improved methods for measuring the
concentrations of trace species and their fluxes into and
out of the atmosphere.

2. Climate Dynamics - Supports research on the processes
that govern climate and the causes of climate variability
and change; methods to predict climate variations and assess
their impact on human activities; the assembly and analysis
of modern climatic data; and the development and use of
climate models to diagnose and simulate climate and its
variations and changes.

3. Large-Scale Dynamic Meteorology - Supports basic research
to improve the understanding and prediction of atmospheric
motion, from synoptic to planetary scales. Research topics
include general circulation; synoptic-scale weather
phenomena; atmospheric predictability; and improved
parameterization of physical processes and numerical methods
for use in large-scale models.

4. Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology - Supports research on all
aspects of mesoscale meteorological phenomena, including
studies of the morphological, thermodynamic, and kinematic
structure of mesoscale systems; the development of mesoscale
systems and precipitation processes; and the energy transfer
between scales.

5. Paleoclimate - Supports the retrieval, analysis, and
interpretation of high-quality paleoclimate data sets; and
the development of numerical models of the Earth's
paleoclimate system. Research is designed to establish a
history of the Earth's climate and to understand the
processes that govern natural climate variability.

6. Physical Meteorology - Supports research on the physics
of the atmosphere, with a special emphasis on cloud physics;
atmospheric electricity; radiation; the boundary layer and
turbulence; and the initiation, growth, and propagation of
gravity waves. The program also sponsors the development of
new techniques and devices for atmospheric measurements.



UPPER ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

The following programs comprise the Upper Atmospheric
Research Section. For complete information, visit the Upper
Atmospheric Research Section Web site at
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/atm/upper.htm.

   1. Aeronomy
   2. Magnetospheric Physics
   3. Solar-Terrestrial


1. Aeronomy - Supports research on upper and middle
atmosphere phenomena of ionization, recombination, chemical
reaction, photoemission, and transport; the transport of
energy, momentum, and mass in the
mesosphere/thermosphere/ionosphere system, including the
processes involved and the coupling of this global system to
the stratosphere below and magnetosphere above; and the
plasma physics of phenomena manifested in the coupled
ionosphere/magnetosphere system, including the effects of
high-power radio wave modification.

2. Magnetospheric Physics - Supports research on the
magnetized plasma envelope of the outer atmosphere,
including energization by solar wind; the origin of
geomagnetic storms and substorms; the population by solar
and ionospheric sources; the origin of electric fields; the
coupling among the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and
atmosphere; and the waves and instabilities in the natural
plasma. Also supported are ground-based observational
programs at high latitudes. Theoretical research programs
may include numerical simulations using a variety of magneto
hydro dynamics, hybrid, and particle codes.The analysis of
data from all sources, whether ground-based or from
spacecraft, is also supported.

3. Solar-Terrestrial - Supports research on the processes by
which energy in diverse forms is generated by the Sun,
transported to the Earth, and ultimately deposited in the
terrestrial environment. Major topics include
helioseismology; the solar dynamo; the activity cycle; the
magnetic flux emergence; solar flares and activity; coronal
mass ejections; solar wind heating; interactions with cosmic
rays; and solar wind/magnetosphere boundary problems.
Studies on terrestrial influences include solar spectral
irradiance changes; solar "constant" changes and climatic
impacts; C14 and Sun/climate connections; and solar activity
and its effects on the terrestrial environment of various
time scales.



CENTERS AND FACILITIES

  1. Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities
  2. Upper Atmospheric Facilities
  3. National Center for Atmospheric Research
  4. UNIDATA


1. Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities - The Lower
Atmospheric Observing Facilities (LAOF) Program supports
multiuser national research facilities that offer
educational opportunities and serve the observational needs
of the atmospheric science research community. These
facilities include the following:

   -  Aircraft-Located at NCAR, a four-engine Lockheed Electra
   and a four-engine Lockheed EC-130Q Hercules; at the
   University of Wyoming, a Beech King Air; and at the South
   Dakota School of Mines and Technology, an armored T-28.
   These aircraft can be equipped with sensors to measure
   meteorological and chemical state parameters. A variety of
   instruments can be selected for a particular project, or
   users may supply specialized instrumentation.

   -  Radar-NCAR operates an airborne X-band-a dual-beam, rapid
  conical-scanning, multiple-frequency radar-and a
  transportable multiparameter S/X-band Doppler radar.
  Colorado State University operates a transportable CSU S-
  band radar that provides two complete transmit and receive
  channels.

  -  Other Facilities-NCAR operates surface observing systems
  that measure surface fluxes of trace chemical species, water
  vapor, sensible heat, and momentum. NCAR also operates a
  network of surface meteorology stations that measure wind,
  temperature, humidity, pressure, solar radiation, and
  precipitation.

NCAR also provides a number of systems that measure the
vertical profile of temperature, moisture, pressure, and
winds in the troposphere.

Eligibility Requirements for LAOF Proposals

The LAOF are available on a competitive basis to all
qualified scientists. Use of LAOF is based on the scientific
merit of the research proposed, the capabilities of the
facilities to carry out the proposed observations, and the
availability of the facility during the requested time.

For More Information

Write to the following or visit the corresponding home
pages:

-  Division Director, Atmospheric Technology Division, NCAR,
P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000;
http://www.atd.ucar.edu.

-  Facility Manager, Wyoming King Air, Department of
Atmospheric Science, P.O. Box 3038, University Station,
Laramie, WY 82071; http://www-das.uwyo.edu/atsc/facilities/.

-  Facility Manager, T-28, Institute of Atmospheric
Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid
City, SD 57701;
http://www.ias.sdsmt.edu/institute/t28/index.htm.

-  Facility Manager, CSU-CHILL Radar, Department of
Atmospheric Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, CO 80523; http://chill.colostate.edu/.


2. Upper Atmospheric Facilities - NSF supports four large
incoherent-scatter radar multiuser facilities located along
a longitudinal chain from Greenland to Peru. Each facility
is also equipped with powerful optical diagnostic
instruments. In response to a need for more understanding of
global-scale thermospheric and ionospheric problems, these
facilities have been upgraded and realigned into a chain
extending from the edge of the polar cap to the magnetic
equator.

The major goal of the Upper Atmospheric Facilities (UAF)
Program is to promote basic research on the structure and
dynamics of the Earth's upper atmosphere. Research is
supported through the following activities:

   -  Sondrestrom Radar Facility-Located in Sondre Stromfjord,
  Greenland, this facility is operated by SRI International
  under cooperative agreement with NSF. The facility allows
  observations on the edge of the polar cap, the cusp, and the
  northern part of the auroral oval.

  -  Millstone Hill Radar-Located near Boston, Massachusetts,
  and operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  under a cooperative agreement with NSF, this facility is
  south of the auroral oval in a region where significant mid-
  latitude phenomena are observed. The radar provides
  observations of high-altitude regions from almost directly
  above the radar in Sondre Stromfjord to almost directly
  above the next radar in the chain at Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

  -  Arecibo Observatory-Located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, this
  observatory is operated by Cornell University's National
  Astronomy and Ionosphere Center under cooperative agreement
  with NSF. At Arecibo's latitude, scientists have obtained
  evidence of particle precipitation in the atmosphere;
  composition changes in the atmosphere after magnetic storms;
  gravity waves propagating from the auroral region; and the
  penetration of magnetospheric electric fields. The UAF
  Program also supports the high-frequency heating facility
  near the observatory.

  -  Jicamarca Radio Observatory-Located at the magnetic
  equator in Jicamarca, Peru, this observatory is owned by the
  Instituto Geofisico de Peru. Through a cooperative agreement
  with Cornell University, NSF acts as the principal sponsor
  of the facility, which provides a subcontract to the
  Institute.

Eligibility Requirements for UAF Proposals

UAF facilities are available on a competitive basis to all
qualified scientists. Use is based on the scientific merit
of the proposed research, the capabilities of the radar to
carry out the proposed observations, and the availability of
the facility during the requested time.

For More Information

Write to the following addresses or visit the corresponding
home pages:

-  Director, Sondrestrom Radar Facility, Radio Physics
Laboratory, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025;
http://isr.sri.com/.

-  Director, Millstone Hill Radar, MIT, Haystack
Observatory, Westford, MA 01886;
http://hyperion.haystack.edu/.

-  Director, NAIC for Arecibo Observatory, Cornell
University, Ithaca, NY 14853; http://www.naic.edu/.

-  Jicamarca Radio Observatory Project, Department of
Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
14853;
http://www.ee.cornell.edu/~spp/radar/jro/jicamarca.html; or
http://jro.igp.gob.pe/jro.html.


3. National Center for Atmospheric Research - The National
Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, is a
focal point for research in the field of atmospheric and
related sciences.

NCAR is supported by NSF and managed under a cooperative
agreement between NSF and the University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research, a nonprofit consortium of North
American universities with graduate programs in atmospheric
sciences.

The facilities at NCAR serve the entire atmospheric sciences
research community and part of the ocean science community.
Facilities include a computing and data center that provides
supercomputer resources and services for the development and
production of large models and for archiving, manipulating,
and visualizing large data sets. For information on other
NCAR facilities, see "Lower Atmospheric Observing
Facilities," elsewhere in this section.

NCAR's scientific research programs focus on subjects such
as large-scale atmospheric and ocean dynamics; global and
regional atmospheric chemistry; the variable nature of the
Sun and the physics of the corona; the physics of clouds,
thunderstorms, and precipitation formation and their
interactions and effects on larger scale weather; and human
society's impact on and response to global environmental
change. NCAR also provides fellowships for visiting
scientists to conduct research and interact with NCAR
scientists.

Eligibility Requirements for NCAR Proposals

Support for facilities and visiting scientists is provided
on a competitive basis to qualified scientists according to
scientific merit, the availability of facility time, and the
level of resources.

For More Information

Write to the Director, National Center for Atmospheric
Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307; or visit the
NCAR home page, http://www.ncar.ucar.edu/.


4. UNIDATA - UNIDATA is a national program to help
universities access, analyze, and display a wide range of
atmospheric data on their own computers, often in real time.
The program is managed by UCAR, and is supported by NSF's
ATM Division. UNIDATA serves a broad community, including
teaching and research professionals in weather forecasting,
climate studies, atmospheric analysis and modeling, and
related disciplines. NSF provides equipment grants to
support UNIDATA activities at universities.

For More Information

Visit the UNIDATA home page, http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF EARTH SCIENCES


The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) supports research and
education in most areas of the solid-earth and surficial-
terrestrial sciences. Emphasis is on the support of basic
research aimed at improving our understanding of the Earth's
structure, composition, natural processes, evolution,
paleobiology, and interactions with the Earth's biosphere,
atmosphere, and hydrosphere. In addition, EAR provides
support for instrumental and observational infrastructure
and encourages innovative educational activities in the
Earth Sciences.

The research programs and activities in the EAR Division are
organizied within two areas:

  -  Core Research
  -  Special Emphasis

The Core Research section supports research in the following
areas: the solid Earth, with emphasis on our understanding
of the Earth's dynamic behavior and structure; surficial-
terrestrial research, which deals with processes related to
the Earth's environmental envelop and near-surface
phenomena; and Instrumentation and Facilities and Education,
which focuses on the development and acquisition of
instrumentation for the research community and educational
aspects of the earth sciences.

The Special Emphasis section includes research directed
toward special scientific opportunities or accommodates the
changing needs of the scientific community. These are often
interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary in character, or
focus on newly emerging areas of the earth sciences.

For More Information

Write to the Division of Earth Sciences, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 785, Arlington, VA
22230; or contact by telephone, 703-292-8550; or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.



CORE RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Division of Earth Sciences supports fundamental research
through programmatic discipline, as well as
interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary proposals that may
involve one or more disciplines. Especially welcome are
proposals for research in newly emerging areas of science
that may not fit easily into one of the program categories.

The following programs comprise the Core Research Support in
the EAR Division. The titles of these programs indicate in
general terms the subject matter covered by each, and should
be taken in the broadest sense and not necessarily
restricted to their specified discipline of science.

  1. Continental Dynamics
  2. Education and Human Resources
  3. Geology and Paleontology
  4. Geophysics
  5. Hydrologic Sciences
  6. Instrumentation and Facilities
  7. Petrology and Geochemistry
  8. Tectonics


1. Continental Dynamics - Supports multidisciplinary
research that will result in a better understanding of the
processes that govern the origin, structure, composition,
and dynamic evolution of the continents and continental
building blocks. This program is especially geared toward
projects whose scope and complexity require a cooperative or
multi-institutional approach and multiyear planning and
execution. The program is intended to fund only relatively
large projects that do not fit easily within other EAR
programs and that offer broad support for major sections of
the earth sciences community. The program also funds
research as part of the International Continental Scientific
Drilling Program.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8559; or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


2. Education and Human Resources - Coordinates the
division's efforts to improve earth science education for
U.S. citizens and provides a liaison between the earth
sciences research community and NSF's Directorate for
Education and Human Resources. The program supports EAR's
participation in NSF-wide programs such as Research
Experiences for Undergraduates Sites.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8557, or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


3. Geology and Paleontology - Supports studies directed
toward a better understanding of physical, chemical,
geological, and biological processes at or near the Earth's
surface and the landforms, sediments, fossils, low-
temperature fluids, and sedimentary rocks that they produce.
Areas of research may include paleontology, paleoecology,
stratigraphy, paleoclimatology, geomorphology, glacial
geology, sedimentology, soil genesis, sedimentary petrology,
diagenesis, and organic geochemistry and biogeochemical
cycles.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8551; or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/


4. Geophysics - Supports laboratory, field, theoretical, and
computational studies related to the composition, structure,
and processes of the Earth's interior. Topics include
studies in seismicity and seismic wave propagation; the
nature and occurrence of earthquakes; and the Earth's
magnetic, gravity, and electrical fields and its internal
temperature distribution. Support also is provided for
geophysical studies of active deformation, including global
positioning system-based geodesy, and fundamental laboratory
studies of properties and behavior of earth materials in
support of geophysical observation and theory.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8556, or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


5. Hydrologic Sciences - Supports basic research dealing
with the Earth's hydrologic cycle and the role of water on
and near the continental surfaces of the Earth. The program
views hydrologic sciences as a geoscience interactive on a
wide range of space and time scales with ocean, atmospheric,
and solid earth sciences as well as plant and animal
sciences. Supported projects may involve water in the form
of precipitation, lakes, streams, and groundwater, and
interactions with landforms, soils, the atmosphere, the
biosphere, and the Earth's crust. The program encourages
integrated studies of water balance and fluxes among the
various reservoirs.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8549, or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


6. Instrumentation and Facilities - Supports the acquisition
or upgrade of equipment required for research, the
development of new instrumentation and techniques that
extend current research capabilities in the earth sciences,
the operation of multiuser regional or national facilities
that provide access to complex and expensive instrument or
data base systems for a significant segment of the earth
sciences research community, and the funding of research
technicians.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8558, or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


7. Petrology and Geochemistry - Supports research on
igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes that occur
within the Earth and other planetary bodies and on the
minerals, rocks, fluids, and ore deposits resulting from
these processes. Included are studies in mineralogy,
crystallography, petrology, volcanology, geochemistry, and
economic geology. Supported research includes field,
laboratory, theoretical, and computational studies.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8554, or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


8. Tectonics - Involves studies in structural geology,
tectonics, geochronology, petrology, paleomagnetics, and
other fields related to understanding the tectonic history
of the lithosphere through time. Supported research includes
field, laboratory, and theoretical studies of the processes
and kinematics accompanying deformation at plate boundaries
and in plate interiors.

For More Information

Contact the program by telephone, 703-292-8552, or visit the
EAR Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.


SPECIAL EMPHASIS AREAS

Certain research areas within the Division of Earth Sciences
may be selected for emphasis on the basis of special
scientific opportunities. Frequently, these are related to
areas of national priority such as the environment, the U.S.
Global Change Research Program, and the National Earthquake
Hazard Reduction Program.

For More Information

The following is a list of Special Emphasis Areas in the EAR
Division. Further information on any of the programs listed
can be found in the corresponding program announcement
listed (if available) or on the EAR Division home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/.

  -  Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior (CSEDI)
     (NSF 95-155)
  -  Earth System History (NSF 00-11)
  -  Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry
  -  Fundamental Earthquake Studies of the National Earthquake
     Hazard Reduction
     Program (NEHRP) (NSF 92-93)
  -  Life in Extreme Environments (LExEn) (NSF 00-37)
  -  Water and Energy: Atmospheric, Vegetative, and Earth
     Interactions (WEAVE)



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF OCEAN SCIENCES


The Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) supports basic research
to further understanding of all aspects of the global oceans
and their interactions with the Earth and the atmosphere.
The division also offers opportunities to participate in
global change research programs and other focus programs.

OCE supports projects dealing with disciplinary studies of
biological, geological, physical, and chemical processes in
the ocean and ocean technology. The division also supports
the operation, acquisition, construction, and conversion of
major shared-use oceanographic facilities needed to carry
out oceanographic-related research programs.

  -  Ocean Sciences Research Section
  -  Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section
  -  Ocean Drilling Program


For More Information

For further information, including deadline and target
dates, extended program descriptions, and publications,
write to the Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 725, Arlington, VA
22230; or contact the division by telephone, 703-292-8580;
or visit the OCE Division home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/.


OCEAN SCIENCES RESEARCH SECTION

The Ocean Sciences Research Section is composed of the
following programs:

  1. Biological Oceanography
  2. Chemical Oceanography
  3. Marine Geology and Geophysics
  4. Physical Oceanography
  5. Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination

For More Information

Write to the Ocean Sciences Research Section, Division of
Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 725, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the
division by telephone, 703-292-8582; or visit the OCE
Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/.


1. Biological Oceanography - Supports research on ocean
productivity; the distribution, abundance, physiology, and
life history of pelagic, coastal, and deep-sea marine
organisms and their interactions with environments;
structures of pelagic and benthic food chains; primary and
secondary production; interactions between deep-sea
biological processes and the ocean ecosystem; the
specialization of deep-sea organisms; the ecology of the
Great Lakes and factors regulating productivity; and marine
biotechnology.

2. Chemical Oceanography - Supports research on physical and
chemical properties of seawater, including kinetic and
thermodynamic equilibria of chemical species and compounds
in seawater; fluxes between seafloor sediments, their
interstitial waters, and overlying seawater; fates of
materials deposited on the seafloor; alterations and
interactions of material moving through the ocean;
interactions and interdependencies between chemical
processes and marine organisms; air-sea exchanges of manmade
and naturally mobilized chemicals; and chemical properties
of the ocean surface.

3. Marine Geology and Geophysics - Supports research on the
structure of continental margins, oceanic rise systems, and
deep-sea sedimentary basins; the evolution of ocean basins;
processes controlling exchanges of heat and chemical
elements between seawater and oceanic rocks; tectonic and
volcanic activity at midocean ridges; chemical and
mineralogic variations in marine sediments; the deposition,
erosion, and distribution of marine sediments; geologic and
oceanographic processes controlling sedimentary systems;
past oceanic circulation patterns and climates; the
evolution of microfossil groups; paleoenvironmental controls
on fossil groups and sediment types; and interactions of
continental and oceanic geologic processes.

4. Physical Oceanography - Supports research on the
description, analysis, and modeling of oceanic circulation
and transport; the effects of circulation on energy and
momentum transport; physical circulation processes, eddy
generation, and turbulent mixing on continental shelves;
mixing processes and circulation in estuaries; wind-
generated tides and surface and internal waves; small-scale
transport processes such as diffusion, conduction,
convection, and three-dimensional turbulence; and physical
properties of seawater and circulation and mixing processes
in lakes.

5. Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination -
Supports a wide range of multidisciplinary activities that
broadly seek to develop, transfer, or apply instrumentation
and technologies that will benefit research programs
supported by NSF and enhance the conduct of basic ocean
sciences research. Instrumentation and technology projects
supported by this program must be broadly usable and be of
benefit to more than a particular research project. The
scope of projects varies from short-term feasibility studies
to development, construction, and at-sea testing of a
prototype to demonstrate that useful and applicable data are
obtained. If ocean research is to be undertaken, joint
consideration with the relevant research program may be
conducted for the instrument development phase of the
project. In addition, the Interdisciplinary Coordination
program area supports a limited number of research
approaches that cross the four basic ocean science
subdisciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, and geology and
geophysics).


OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTERS AND FACILITIES

NSF supports the construction, conversion, acquisition, and
operation of major shared-use oceanographic facilities. The
University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS)
schedules these facilities and expeditionary programs.

This program supports expensive facilities that are
necessary for NSF-funded research and training of
oceanographers. Examples of these facilities are ships,
submersibles, large shipboard equipment, and shared-use
instruments to collect and analyze data.

NSF encourages local contributions from non-Federal funds;
however, there is no fixed requirement for institutional
contributions.


Eligibility Requirements for Oceanographic Centers and
Facilities Proposals

Support for major oceanographic facilities is concentrated
at institutions that have substantial research programs in
oceanography and also support the research projects of other
institutions. Before submitting a proposal for support under
this program, institutions should seek advice from the
Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section. Specific
instructions on how to submit proposals for ship operations,
technicians, shipboard equipment, and oceanographic
instrumentation can be found in the publication Division of
Ocean Sciences (OCE): Proposal Submission Deadlines for
Research Ship Operations, Instrumentation and Equipment, and
Technical Services Support (NSF 00-39).

For More Information

Write to the Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section,
Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science Foundation,
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 725, Arlington, VA 22230; or
contact the section by telephone, 703-292-8576; or visit the
OCE Division home page, http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/.


OCEAN DRILLING PROGRAM

The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) explores, on a global
scale, the Earth's crust beneath the ocean in order to learn
more about the composition, structure, and history of the
submerged portion of the Earth's surface. The drilling
process involves collecting and logging geologic samples
from the floor of deep ocean basins through rotary coring
and hydraulic piston coring. The logs and samples of the
cores are available to qualified scientists throughout the
world for research projects.

  -  ODP Operations-The drilling program has taken samples at
  various sites, including the North Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian
  Sea, Mediterranean Sea, southern and equatorial Atlantic
  Ocean, Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America,
  Weddell Sea off Antarctica, Indian Ocean, and western and
  equatorial Pacific Ocean.

  The general contractor for the overall management and
  operation of the ODP is Joint Oceanographic Institutions,
  Inc. (JOI), a consortium of major U.S. oceanographic
  institutions. The drilling operations are managed by Texas
  A&M University; logging is managed by the Lamont-Doherty
  Earth Observatory at Columbia University.

  -  U.S. Science Support-NSF provides funding for the
  participation and drilling-related research performed by
  U.S. scientists. Activities include investigations of
  potential drilling regions, especially by means of regional
  geophysical field studies; the feasibility and initial
  development of downhole instruments and techniques; and
  downhole geophysical and geochemical experiments.

In addition, NSF will consider proposals for studies that
lead to a long-range definition of future drilling
objectives. To be considered for support, proposed projects
should be clearly relevant to the drilling plans of the
international drilling community and focus on predrilling or
drilling-concurrent activities. Postcruise studies should
generally be submitted through other appropriate NSF
programs in the areas of ocean and earth sciences and polar
programs.

Additional support for U.S. scientists may be obtained
through the JOI U.S. Science Advisory Committee. This NSF-
sponsored program consists of planning activities, such as
workshops, to define concepts and develop problem-related
drilling programs, including U.S. participation in Joint
Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES);
support for U.S. scientists participating on the drill ship;
and supports for necessary follow-up studies related to
initial publication of drilling results.

In addition, requests for proposals may be issued for other
surveys, regional and topical syntheses of existing data,
and the development of downhole tools and instrumentation as
these tasks are identified.

For More Information

Write to the Ocean Drilling Program, Oceanographic Centers
and Facilities Section, Division of Ocean Sciences, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 725,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the program by telephone,
703-292-8576; or visit the OCE Division home page,
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/.


Other Pertinent Information Regarding ODP

Proposals for drilling specific sites should be submitted to
the JOIDES Planning Committee Chairman, c/o Joint
Oceanographic Institutions, Inc., 1755 Massachusetts Avenue,
NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036; or contact by
telephone, 202-232-3900.

Applications for scientific participation aboard a ship
should be submitted to the Manager of Science Operations,
Ocean Drilling Program, Texas A&M University, College
Station, TX 77843-3469. Appropriate support may be provided
by JOI-USSAC.

Submit requests for data and samples of core material to the
Curator, Ocean Drilling Program, Texas A&M University,
College Station, TX 77843-3469; or visit the ODP home page,
http://www-odp.tamu.edu/curation/.

For information on logs and the logging program, write to
the Borehole Research Group, Lamont-Doherty Earth
Observatory, Palisades, NY 10964; or visit the group's home
page, http://www.oceandrilling.org.

Proposals for planning activities and workshops may be
submitted to the JOI-USSAC Chairman, c/o Joint Oceanographic
Institutions, Inc., 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite
800, Washington, DC 20036.



     DIRECTORATE FOR MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

MPS Directorate Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/home/mps/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The programs in the Directorate for Mathematical and
Physical Sciences (MPS) are designed to increase the
knowledge base in mathematical and physical sciences,
improve the quality of education in mathematical and
physical sciences in graduate and undergraduate
activities, increase the rate at which advances in
mathematical and physical sciences are translated into
advances in science and technology on a broad spectrum and
into societal benefits, and increase the diversity of
people and approaches in mathematical and physical
sciences.

To help the programs in MPS meet these goals, the
Directorate encourages collaboration with other NSF
directorates and with other agencies and industrial
organizations. MPS also encourages communication among the
divisions and across directorate boundaries to ensure
effective support of research and education projects in
emerging fields that cut across those lines.

MPS is an active participant in a number of interagency and
intra-agency programs that focus on interdisciplinary areas
of importance to the national interest. These programs
include advanced materials and processing; biotechnology;
environment and global change; high-performance computing
and communications; advanced manufacturing technologies;
civil infrastructure systems; and science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education. Researchers and
educators interested in exploring opportunities in these
areas should contact the program most closely related to
their own interests to learn more about submitting
proposals.

The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
supports programs and activities through the following:

  -  Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA)
  -  Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
  -  Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS)
  -  Division of Physics (PHY)
  -  Division of Chemistry (CHE)
  -  Division of Materials Research (DMR)

For More Information

Visit the MPS Directorate home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/mps/.

____________________________________________________________


OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY ACTIVITIES


In 1995, the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA)
was established in the Directorate for Mathematical and
Physical Sciences and charged with facilitating and
supporting opportunities that cross traditional disciplinary
boundaries. OMA works in partnership with the five MPS
Divisions-Astronomical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials
Research, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics-to respond more
effectively to the excellence and creativity of the MPS
communities, particularly to proposals that, because of
their subject, scope, or multi-investigator or
multidisciplinary nature, did not readily fit the existing
MPS program structure.

OMA provides a focal point in the Directorate for
partnerships (e.g., with other agencies, industry, national
laboratories, State and local governments, international
organizations), seeds crosscutting research in areas of
particular promise, and supports innovative experiments in
education that could lead to new paradigms in graduate and
undergraduate education in the mathematical and physical
sciences, particularly in multidisciplinary settings.

OMA is open to creative ideas from all segments of the MPS
community, ranging from individual investigators to centers.
It especially encourages initiatives by multi-investigator,
multidisciplinary teams pursuing problems on a scale that
exceeds the capacity of individual investigators. OMA is
particularly receptive to projects incorporating education
and research training experiences that contribute to a
diverse, high-quality workforce with technical and
professional skills, career path flexibility, and appetite
for lifelong learning appropriate to the dynamic, global
science, and technology enterprise of the 21st century.

In addition to encouraging creative proposals from the
community, OMA works with MPS Divisions to identify areas of
research and education that are seen as particularly timely
and promising. Three areas of emphasis for fiscal year 2001
are the development of next-generation instrumentation to
enable fundamental advances within disciplines and across
disciplinary boundaries; innovations in education,
particularly at the graduate and undergraduate levels, that
broaden the backgrounds and strengthen the technical,
professional, and personal skills of graduates; and research
at the interface between MPS disciplines and the biological
sciences where there are extraordinary opportunities for
mathematical and physical scientists to use their expertise
in addressing significant research and instrumentation
challenges in the bio- and biomedical-related sciences.

For More Information

Write to the Head, Office of Multidisciplinary Activities,
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 4201
Wilson Boulevard, Room 1005, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact
the office by telephone, 703-292-8803; or visit the OMA home
page, http://www.nsf.gov/mps/oma/start.htm.


____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES


The overall objective of the Division of Astronomical
Sciences (AST) is to increase our knowledge of the universe.
Support is given for research aimed at determining the
origin, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, and
galaxies, including our Sun and the Milky Way, and for
development of advanced technology and instrumentation. AST
also supports the development and operation of four National
Astronomy Centers, and provides the U.S. share of the
funding for the operation of the Gemini Observatories, an
international partnership.

The AST Division supports activities in the following areas:

  1. Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation
  2. Education, Human Resources, and Special Programs
  3. Electromagnetic Spectrum Management
  4. Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology
  5. Galactic Astronomy
  6. Planetary Astronomy
  7. Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics
  8. Facilities

For More Information

Write to the Division of Astronomical Sciences, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1045,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8820; or visit the AST home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/start.htm.


1. Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation - Supports the
development and construction of state-of-the-art detectors
and instruments for the visible, infrared, and radio regions
of the spectrum; interferometric imaging instrumentation;
adaptive optics; and the application of new hardware and
software technology and innovative techniques in
astronomical research.

2. Education, Human Resources, and Special Programs -
Coordinates research support in special areas that are
related to astronomy. Programs include Research Experiences
for Undergraduates Sites and Supplements, Presidential Early
Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, Faculty Early
Career Development, Research at Undergraduate Institutions,
and programs for underrepresented minorities. For a complete
description of these programs, visit the NSF Crosscutting
Programs home page, http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm.

3. Electromagnetic Spectrum Management - Is responsible for
ensuring the access of the scientific community to portions
of the radio spectrum that are needed for research purposes.
With other Government agencies, it coordinates the uses of
the radio spectrum for research purposes and obtains
spectrum support for NSF radio communication systems when
required.

4. Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology - Supports
theoretical and observational studies of extragalactic
objects, ranging from nearby galaxies to the most distant
quasars, and their relevance to galaxy evolution and
cosmology.

5. Galactic Astronomy - Supports theoretical and
observational studies of the structure and evolution of the
Milky Way galaxy; the distribution, position, and motion of
stars in the galaxy; the characteristics of star clusters in
the galaxy; the interstellar medium; and the properties of
atoms and molecular constituents of the interstellar medium.

6. Planetary Astronomy - Supports theoretical and
observational studies of the detailed structure and
composition of planetary surfaces, interiors, atmospheres,
and satellites; the nature of small bodies such as asteroids
and comets; and the origin and development of the solar
system.

7. Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics - Supports theoretical
and observational studies of the structure and activity of
the Sun and other stars; the physical properties of all
types of stars; all aspects of star formation and stellar
evolution; the effects of mass loss, rotation, and magnetic
fields; and the properties of atoms and molecules that are
relevant to stellar astronomy.

8. Facilities - Supports astronomical facilities and
instrumentation that are available on a competitive basis to
qualified scientists from all over the world. Telescope time
is assigned after judgment of research proposals on the
basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments
to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during
the requested time. The Astronomical Sciences Division
supports the following facilities:

   -  National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center
   -  Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes
   -  National Optical Astronomy Observatory
   -  National Radio Astronomy Observatory
   -  National Solar Observatory


   -  National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC) - A a
   visitor-oriented national research center, supported by NSF
   and focusing on radio and radar astronomy and atmospheric
   sciences. NAIC's headquarters in Ithaca, New York are
   operated and managed for NSF by Cornell University. Its
   principal observing facilities are 19 kilometers south of
   the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. NAIC provides telescope
   users with a wide range of instrumentation. The center has a
   permanent staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians
   who are available to help visiting investigators with their
   observation programs.

   NAIC's principal astronomical research instrument is a
   305-meter fixed spherical radio/radar telescope, the
   world's largest single radio wavelength reflector. Its
   frequency capabilities range from 25 megahertz to 10
   gigahertz. Transmitters include an S-band (2,380-
   megahertz) radar system for planetary studies and a 430-
   megahertz radar system for aeronomy studies.

   For More Information

   Visit the NAIC Web site,
   http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/naic.htm. Information can also
   be obtained by writing to the Director, National
   Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, Cornell University,
   Ithaca, NY 14853; or visiting the NAIC home page,
   http://aosun.naic.edu/


   -  Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes - An international partnership
   project involving the United States, the United Kingdom,
   Canada, Australia, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. The project
   involves the construction of two 8-meter telescopes: one in
   the Northern Hemisphere on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, and one in the
   Southern Hemisphere on Cerro Pachon, Chile. The Mauna Kea
   telescope is infrared-optimized and has superb image
   quality; the Chilean telescope will be its near twin. The
   start of scientific operations is expected in June 2000 for
   Gemini North and early in 2001 for Gemini South.

   When operational, these telescopes will provide
   astronomers from the partnership countries with world-
   class observing facilities. Observing time will be
   assigned on the basis of scientific merit.

   NSF acts as the executive agency for the partnership, and
   the Association of Universities for Research in
   Astronomy, Inc.-a consortium of 20 major universities-is
   managing the construction of the telescopes.

   For More Information

   Visit the AST Division's Gemini Web site,
   http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/gemini.htm; or the Gemini
   Telescopes home page, http://www.gemini.edu/.


   -  National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) - A
  national center for research in ground-based optical and
  infrared astronomy, supported by NSF. Large optical
  telescopes, observing instrumentation, and data analysis
  equipment, as well as the NOAO staff of astronomers,
  engineers, and various support personnel, are available to
  assist qualified visiting scientists in their use of the
  facilities.

  NOAO, whose headquarters are in Tucson, Arizona, is
  operated and managed by the Association of Universities
  for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA). NOAO is composed
  of the following observatories:

  Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO)-The observing
  facilities of KPNO are on Kitt Peak, a 2,089-meter
  mountain 90 kilometers southwest of Tucson, Arizona. KPNO
  includes the 3.5-meter WIYN telescope, the 4-meter Mayall
  telescope, and a 2.1-meter general-purpose reflector.
  Numerous other telescopes operated by universities or
  private consortia are also tenants on Kitt Peak. A full
  complement of state-of-the-art spectroscopic and imaging
  instrumentation is available for use on these telescopes.
  
  Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO)-Qualified
  scientists are provided with telescopes and related
  facilities for astronomical research in the Southern
  Hemisphere. CTIO has offices, laboratories, and living
  quarters in the coastal city of La Serena, Chile, 482
  kilometers north of Santiago. The observing facilities
  are on Cerro Tololo, a 2,194-meter mountain on the
  western slopes of the Andes, 64 kilometers inland from La
  Serena.
  
  CTIO operates the 4-meter Blanco telescope, which is a
  near twin to the 4-meter Mayall at Kitt Peak, and a
  general-purpose 1.5-meter reflector. These telescopes are
  equipped with instruments similar to those at KPNO.
  Several other telescopes operated by U.S. universities
  are also located on Cerro Tololo. A new technology 4-
  meter telescope (Southern Observatory for Astrophysical
  Research-SOAR) is under construction on nearby Cerro
  Pachon. The NOAO staff also support visiting scientists
  in their use of the U.S. share of the International
  Gemini 8-meter Telescopes in Hawaii and Chile.

  For More Information

  Visit the AST Division's NOAO Web site,
  http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/noao2.htm; or write to the
  Director, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, P.O.
  Box 26732, Tucson, AZ 85726; or visit the NOAO home page,
  http://www.noao.edu/noao.html.


  -  National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)-Offers the
  use of radio astronomy facilities to qualified scientists.
  The staff at NRAO help visiting scientists use the large
  radio antennas, receivers, and other equipment needed to
  detect, measure, and identify radio waves from astronomical
  objects.

  NRAO headquarters are in Charlottesville, Virginia.
  Observing sites are in Green Bank, West Virginia; a site
  80 kilometers west of Socorro, New Mexico; and 10 other
  sites in the continental United States and on the islands
  of Hawaii and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The St.
  Croix site includes individual antennas of the Very-Long-
  Baseline Array (VLBA). NRAO is supported under the terms
  of a cooperative agreement between NSF and Associated
  Universities, Inc. (AUI), the organization responsible for
  the operation and management of the observatory.

  The new 100-meter Green Bank Telescope is under
  construction and is expected to be operational by the end
  of 2000. The Very Large Array (VLA) telescope, located
  west of Socorro, New Mexico, consists of 27 antennas and
  carries out aperture synthesis observations of faint radio
  sources. The VLBA is a transcontinental network of 10 25-
  meter antennas that operate at frequencies ranging from
  330 MHz to 43 GHz. It carries out ultra-high-resolution
  studies of extragalactic and galactic sources and allows
  users to observe both continuum and spectral line
  emission.

  A 12-meter millimeter-wavelength telescope located on Kitt
  Peak is capable of both continuum and spectral-line
  studies at wavelengths from 1 centimeter to as short as 1
  millimeter.

  The Very Large Array (VLA) telescope located west of
  Socorro, New Mexico, consists of 27 antennas and carries
  out aperture synthesis observations of faint radio
  sources.

  For More Information

  Visit the AST Division's NRAO Web site,
  http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/nrao.htm; or write to the
  Director, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Edgemont
  Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903; or visit the NRAO home
  page, http://www.nrao.edu.


  -  National Solar Observatory (NSO) - Makes available to
  qualified scientists the world's largest collection of
  optical and infrared solar telescopes and auxiliary
  instrumentation for observation of the solar photosphere,
  chromosphere, and corona.

  NSO has observing facilities atop Kitt Peak, Arizona and
  Sacramento Peak, New Mexico (NSO/SP). Kitt Peak telescopes
  consist of the 1.5-meter McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope,
  the world's largest solar research instrument and a solar
  vacuum telescope/magnetograph. The McMath complex is
  designed primarily for solar observations but is also used
  for planetary and stellar observations and for laboratory
  high-resolution spectroscopy. The principal instrument of
  NSO/SP is the 0.76-meter Solar Vacuum Tower Telescope, the
  world's largest vacuum telescope, equipped with adaptive
  optics to produce the best spatial resolution available
  for solar studies. Also available are spectrographs and
  the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter. The Evans Solar Facility
  is a 40-centimeter aperture coronagraph with spectrographs
  and a coronal photometer. The NSO also operates the Global
  Oscillation Network Group (GONG), a worldwide network of
  instruments for helioseismology, and the GONG Data Center
  in Tucson, Arizona.

  For More Information

  Visit the NSO home page,
  http://www.nso.noao.edu/welcome.html; or write to the
  Director, National Solar Observatory, Box 62, Sunspot, NM
  88349.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES


The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) supports a wide
range of projects aimed at developing and exploring the
properties and applications of mathematical structures. Most
of these projects are those awarded to single investigators
or small groups of investigators working with graduate
students and postdoctoral researchers. Programs such as
Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure handle activities that
fall outside this mode.

DMS programs and activities are organized within the
following:

  -  Disciplinary Programs
  -  Other Programs of Interest


Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia,
Special Years, and Related Activities in DMS

Proposals submitted to DMS for general conferences,
workshops, symposia, special years, and related activities
should be submitted to the appropriate disciplinary program.
Proposals should be submitted one year before the start of
the activity. Contact the division for information on
proposal requirements or see program solicitation NSF 00-
109.


Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS

In addition to the usual types of research grants awarded to
principal investigators and institutions, DMS supports the
following:

-  University/Industry Cooperative Research-DMS feels it is
important to provide more opportunities to conduct research
and training in an industrial environment and for industrial
scientists to return periodically to academia. To facilitate
both research and training, the division provides
Mathematical Sciences University/Industry Postdoctoral
Research Fellowships, Senior Research Fellowships, and
Industry-Based Graduate Research Assistantships and
Cooperative Fellowships in the Mathematical Sciences.

-  Interdisciplinary Grants-These grants enable faculty
members to expand their skills and knowledge into areas
beyond their disciplinary expertise, to subsequently apply
that knowledge to their research, and to enrich the
educational experiences and career options for students.
These grants support interdisciplinary experiences at the
principal investigator's (PI's) institution (outside the
PI's department), or at academic, financial, or industrial
institutions, in a nonmathematical science environment.

For More Information

Write to the Division of Mathematical Sciences, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1025,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8870; or visit the DMS home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/mps/dms/start.htm.


DISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

The Division of Mathematical Sciences supports the following
disciplinary programs:

  1. Algebra, Number Theory, and Combinatorics
  2. Analysis
  3. Applied Mathematics
  4. Computational Mathematics
  5. Geometric Analysis
  6. Statistics and Probability
  7. Topology and Foundations

For More Information

Write to the Division of Mathematical Sciences, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1025,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by telephone,
703-292-8870; or visit the DMS home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/mps/dms/start.htm.


1. Algebra, Number Theory, and Combinatorics - Supports
research in algebra, including algebraic structures; general
algebra and linear algebra; number theory, including
algebraic and analytic number theory; algebraic geometry;
quadratic forms and automorphic forms; and combinatorics and
graph theory.

2. Analysis - Supports research on properties and behavior
of solutions of differential equations; variational methods;
approximations and special functions; analysis in several
complex variables and singular integrals; harmonic analysis
and wavelet theory; Kleinian groups and theory of functions
of one complex variable; real analysis; Banach spaces,
Banach algebras, and function algebras; Lie groups and their
representations; harmonic analysis; ergodic theory and
dynamical systems; some aspects of mathematical physics such
as Schroedinger operators and quantum field theory; and
operators and algebras of operators on Hilbert space.

3. Applied Mathematics - Supports research in any area of
mathematics except probability or statistics. Research is
expected to be motivated by or have an effect on problems
arising in science and engineering, although intrinsic
mathematical merit is the most important factor. Areas of
interest include partial differential equations that model
natural phenomena or that arise from problems in science and
engineering, continuum mechanics, reaction-diffusion and
wave propagation, dynamical systems, asymptotic methods,
numerical analysis, variation methods, control theory,
optimization theory, inverse problems, mathematics of
biological or geological sciences, and mathematical physics.

4. Computational Mathematics - Supports research in
computation, which is increasingly important in all
sciences. Mathematics plays a unique role in providing the
development of basic algorithms and techniques that are
necessary to carry out computations. Proposals from
interdisciplinary teams of mathematical, computer, and
general scientists are encouraged in an effort to develop
critical computational techniques from algorithm development
through implementation. Proposals for innovative
computational methods within the mathematical sciences also
are encouraged.

5. Geometric Analysis - Supports research on differential
geometry and its relation to partial differential equations
and variational principles; aspects of global analysis,
including the differential geometry of complex manifolds and
geometric Lie group theory; geometric methods in modern
mathematical physics; and geometry of convex sets, integral
geometry, and related geometric topics.

6. Statistics and Probability - Supports research on
statistical theory and methods, which are used to plan
scientific experiments and to understand and analyze data.
Major subfields include parametric and nonparametric
inference, sequential analysis, multivariate analysis,
Bayesian analysis, experimental design, time series
analysis, resampling methods, and robust statistics. Almost
all of these subfields are computationally intensive.
Probability theory is the study of mathematical structures
that provide tractable models to statistics and many diverse
areas, such as physics, chemistry, biology, biosciences,
geosciences, and engineering. Major subfields include
stochastic processes, limit theory, infinite particle
systems, stochastic analysis in Banach spaces, martingales,
and Markov processes.

7. Topology and Foundations - Supports research on algebraic
topology, including homotopy theory, ordinary and
extraordinary homology and cohomology, cobordism theory, and
K-theory; topological manifolds and cell complexes,
fiberings, knots, and links; differential topology and
actions of groups of transformations; general topology and
continua theory; and mathematical logic, including proof
theory, recursion theory and model theory, foundations of
set theory, and infinitary combinatorics.



OTHER PROGRAMS OF INTEREST

In addition to support in the disciplinary programs, the
Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) offers activities
that differ from the usual type of research projects. A few
examples of these programs are included here. For additional
programs and further information, visit the DMS home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/mps/dms/start.htm.

  1. Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes
  2. Focused Research Groups
  3. Grants for Vertical Integration of Research and Education
  4. Cross-Disciplinary Interaction


1. Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes - DMS currently
funds three Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes. These
institutes stimulate research in the mathematical sciences
through thematic programs and workshops and advance the
training of junior researchers in specialties related to
those activities through postdoctoral fellowships of 1 to 2
year's duration. The existing sites meet only part of the
Nation's need for support of communication and for
collaborative work on mathematical and statistical problems.
In fiscal year 2001, a competition is to be held for new
institutes that will advance research in the mathematical
sciences and/or the interface of the mathematical sciences
and other disciplines; address the diverse challenges and
opportunities facing the Nation to which the mathematical
sciences can contribute; and promote the integration of
research and education.

  -  Regional Conferences-Operated by the Conference Board of
  the Mathematical Sciences, these conferences feature a
  principal speaker who gives 10 one-hour talks on a
  particular subject during a week-long session.

  -  Scientific Computing Research Environments in the
  Mathematical Sciences-Offers moderate grants for computing
  equipment that will benefit groups of outstanding
  researchers who are highly productive but whose work has
  been seriously impeded by the lack of computing facilities.

  -  Undergraduate Activities-Awards are made in conjunction
  with NSF-wide undergraduate efforts, including Research
  Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), cooperative activities
  with the Directorate for Education and Human Resources
  (EHR), and other related activities. For more information on
  REU, visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
  http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm. Further information about
  EHR programs and activities can be found in the EHR section
  in this Guide.

  -  Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research
  Fellowships-Fellowships will be awarded to between 25 and 30
  new fellows in fiscal year 2001. Tenure provides a research
  instructorship option. The eligibility requirements for the
  Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
  program require that each applicant be required to submit a
  research plan for the tenure period requested. The
  fellowships are not intended to support the preparation of
  prior research results for publication or the writing of
  textbooks. To be eligible for one of these fellowships, an
  individual must (1) be a citizen, national, or lawfully
  admitted permanent resident alien of the United States as of
  January 1, 2001; (2) have earned by the beginning of his or
  her fellowship tenure a doctoral degree in one of the
  mathematical sciences listed above, or had research training
  and experience equivalent to that represented by a Ph.D. in
  one of those fields; and (3) have held the doctorate for no
  more than 2 years as of January 1, 2001.


2. Focused Research Groups - The mathematical sciences
thrive on sharing of ideas from various fields and
disciplines, and certain research needs can only be met
appropriately by teams of investigators. The Division of
Mathematical Sciences supports such teams through the
Focused Research Groups (FRG) activity. The FRG Program
allows groups of researchers to respond to scientific needs
of pressing importance; to take advantage of current
scientific opportunities; or to prepare the ground for
anticipated developments in the mathematical sciences. In
addition to mathematical scientists, groups may include
researchers from other scientific and engineering
disciplines. FRG projects are highly focused scientifically,
timely, limited to 3 year's duration, and substantial in
both scope and impact. Projects supported through FRG are
essentially collaborative in nature, their success dependent
on interaction of a group of researchers.


3. Grants for Vertical Integration of Research and Education
- The Division of Mathematical Sciences seeks to assist
universities in preparing undergraduate students, graduate
students, and postdoctoral fellows for a broad range of
opportunities in the mathematical sciences, and to encourage
departments in the mathematical sciences to consider a
spectrum of educational activities and their integration
with research. Through the Grants for Vertical Integration
of Research and Education (VIGRE) Program, DMS supports
efforts by institutions with Ph.D.-granting departments in
the mathematical sciences to carry out innovative
educational programs, at all levels, that are integrated
with the department's research activities. Proposals should
have a core, coherent plan for integration of an
undergraduate research experience; a graduate traineeship
program; a postdoctoral fellowship program; and
undergraduate and graduate curriculum reviews.


4. Cross-Disciplinary Interaction - A number of areas in
science and engineering have problems of great mathematical
and statistical complexity or obscurity that are creating a
demand for mathematical and statistical cooperation. The
depth of the problems being raised often exceeds that of the
training of the scientists and engineers currently in
mathematical and statistical theory. To progress in solving
these problems, mathematical scientists must be sought to
work in tandem with other scientists. At the same time, the
problems posed often stimulate interesting, new, and deep
mathematical and statistical questions that deserve
attention. DMS hopes to foster interactions that require the
participants to go well beyond their respective areas of
expertise, to nurture young talent in the interdisciplinary
mode of research, and to involve underrepresented groups
whenever possible.

The following are some of these exciting research
opportunities:

  -  In the area of biosciences and biocomplexity, striking
  advances in biology, computer science, and the mathematical
  sciences are creating opportunities to collaborate on
  research work with fields such as molecular biology,
  neuroscience, and ecosystems, and offer challenging
  computational and analytical problems. Biological sciences
  interaction may extend significantly into the core areas of
  mathematics, such as topology, operator algebra,
  probability, and nonlinear dynamical systems, as well as the
  more traditional areas of applied mathematics and
  statistics.

  -  Other opportunities include research in the areas of high-
  performance computing and communications; research in
  information technology; mathematical and statistical aspects
  of materials behavior and theoretical continuum mechanics;
  geosciences; advanced manufacturing technologies;
  mathematical sciences related to biotechnology; and
  mathematical, statistical, and computational aspects of
  global change research. Research in the area of materials
  includes interaction of thermal and mechanical effects;
  phase transition and formation of microstructures and
  crystals; foundations of nonlinear elasticity and
  electromagnetic materials; composite materials; and related
  mathematical questions such as control, optimization, and
  studies of differential equations arising in these contexts.
  Research opportunities in advanced manufacturing
  particularly emphasize simulation, modeling, and analysis of
  manufacturing processes and devices; applications for
  manufacturing of deterministic and stochastic quality
  control; and optimization. Mathematical science research
  related to bioprocessing and bioconversion, bioelectronics
  and bionetworks, agricultural applications, and marine
  biotechnology is especially encouraged.

  Environmental research supports the critical development
  of modeling, analysis, simulation, and prediction in the
  context of the total Earth system. A particular emphasis
  is placed on analytical and computational methods for
  stochastic and deterministic partial differential
  equations and statistical techniques that encompass the
  full range of temporal and spatial scales. There also are
  opportunities in environmental technology, including
  pollution prevention, monitoring, and remediation.
  Researchers should be aware of the implications of their
  efforts toward such activities.


____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF PHYSICS


The Division of Physics (PHY) supports a wide range of
activities in the various fields of physics. The primary
mode of funding is to individual investigators or small
groups, although the division does fund the operation of
three large-scale accelerator facilities-the Cornell
Electron Storage Ring, the Indiana University Cyclotron
Facility, and the Michigan State University National
Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory-and smaller centers in
atomic, molecular, and optical physics; and in theoretical
physics; and a new program of Physics Frontiers Centers. The
division also is responsible for the construction and
operation of the Laser Interferometer Gravity Wave
Observatory.

The research activities in the Physics Division are
inextricably linked to education and support about 800
graduate students who are fully engaged in research
programs. Some of these programs involve substantial numbers
of undergraduate students as well, especially the summer
activities that are centered around the Research Experiences
for Undergraduates Program (REU). The division now supports
54 REU sites. Research activities at 4-year colleges are
supported through the Research at Undergraduate Institutions
(RUI) Program. The division also supports Research
Experiences for Teachers through grants to provide grade
K-12 science teachers with research training opportunities.
In addition, the division offers significant training
opportunities for young people through its support of about
500 postdoctoral positions. The division also supports
outreach activities coupled to research that are intended to
convey the excitement of physics to students in grades K-12
and to help educate the public at large in forefront
science.

PHY supports the following programs and activities:

  1. Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Plasma Physics
  2. Elementary Particle Physics
  3. Gravitational Physics
  4. Nuclear Physics
  5. Particle and Nuclear Astrophysics
  6. Theoretical Physics
  7. Education and Interdisciplinary Research
  8. Physics Frontiers Center


For More Information

Write to the Division of Physics, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1015, Arlington, VA
22230; or contact the division by telephone, 703-292-8890;
or visit the PHY home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/mps/phy/start.htm.


1. Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Plasma Physics - In the
field of Atomic and Molecular Physics, supports research in
areas such as quantum control, cooling and trapping of atoms
and ions, low-temperature collision dynamics, the collective
behavior of atoms in weakly interacting gases (Bose-Einstein
Condensates), precision measurements of fundamental
constants, and the effects of electron correlation on
structure and dynamics. In Optical Physics, support is
provided in areas such as nonlinear response of isolated
atoms to intense, ultrashort electromagnetic fields; the
atom/cavity interaction at high fields; and quantum
properties of the electromagnetic field. In basic Plasma
Physics, support focuses on the study of the behavior of
plasmas in confined magnetic structures and in laser plasma
interactions.

Two centers and facilities are supported. The Joint
Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) at the
University of Colorado is supported jointly with the
National Institute of Standards and Technology. JILA
conducts leading-edge research in many aspects of atomic,
molecular, and optical physics. The Center for Ultrafast
Optical Science at the University of Michigan develops new
ultrafast laser tools and applies them in the study of
coherent control, high-field laser/matter interactions, and
biological and medical problems.

2. Elementary Particle Physics - Supports research on the
properties and interactions of elementary particles, the
most fundamental building blocks of matter, at the frontiers
of energy and sensitivity. Research includes the exploration
of quarks and leptons and the interactions among these
elementary constituents. The program supports university
groups working at major accelerator laboratories, including
those operated by the Department of Energy, and university
groups involved in the construction of detectors for the
Large Hadron Collider at the European Organization for
Nuclear Research (CERN).

The program supports the Cornell Electron Storage Ring
(CESR), which produces electron and positron colliding beams
that allow detailed studies by university groups of b-meson
physics and upsilon physics, and facilitates an aggressive
program of synchrotron radiation research at the Cornell
High-Energy Synchrotron Source, which is operated by the
Division of Materials Research. The CESR facility is in the
final stages of being upgraded to produce higher luminosity.
Upon completion, CESR will be among the highest luminosity
electron-positron colliders in the world in this energy
range. CESR also maintains a vigorous program of accelerator
research and development.

3. Gravitational Physics - Emphasizes the theory of strong
gravitational fields and their application to astrophysics
and cosmology, computer simulations of strong and
gravitational fields, and gravitational radiation; and
construction of a quantum theory of gravity. The program
oversees the management of the construction, commissioning,
and operation of the Laser Interferometer Gravity Wave
Observatory (LIGO), and provides support for LIGO users and
other experimental investigations in gravitational physics
and related areas.

4. Nuclear Physics - Supports research on properties and
behavior of nuclei and nuclear matter under extreme
conditions; the quark-gluon basis for the structure and
dynamics of nuclear matter (which is now given in terms of
mesons and nucleons); phase transitions of nuclear matter
from normal nuclear density and temperature to the predicted
high-temperature quark-gluon plasma; and basic interactions
and fundamental symmetries. This research involves many
probes, including intermediate-energy to multi-GeV electrons
and photons; intermediate-energy light ions; low-energy to
relativistic


heavy ions, including radioactive beams; and non-accelerator-
based studies. Other important components of the program
include accelerator physics, interdisciplinary efforts, and
applications to other fields.

The program supports university user groups executing
experiments at a large number of laboratories in the United
States and abroad, and two national user facilities. These
are the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, a light-ion
cyclotron and booster/storage ring facility; and the
National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, a
superconducting, heavy-ion cyclotron facility at Michigan
State University. The program also supports smaller
accelerator facilities, such as those at Florida State
University, the University of Notre Dame, and the State
University of New York at Stony Brook.

5. Particle and Nuclear Astrophysics - Supports university
groups conducting research in particle and nuclear
astrophysics. Current supported activities are high-energy
cosmic ray studies, solar and high-energy neutrino
astrophysics, the study of gamma ray bursts, and searches
for dark matter. Under construction are the Auger, HiRes,
STACEE, and Milagro cosmic ray/gamma ray detectors, the
Borexino solar neutrino detector, the Amanda II high-energy
neutrino detector, and the CDMS II and DRIFT dark matter
detectors. Support also is provided for accelerator-based
nuclear astrophysics studies of stellar process,
nucleosynthesis, and processes related to cosmology and the
early universe.

6. Theoretical Physics - Supports the development of
qualitative and quantitative understanding of fundamental
physical systems, ranging from the most elementary
constituents of matter through nuclei and atoms to
astrophysical objects. This includes formulating new
approaches for theoretical, computational, and experimental
research that explore the fundamental laws of physics and
the behavior of physical systems; formulating quantitative
hypotheses; exploring and analyzing the implications of such
hypotheses computationally; and, in some cases, interpreting
the results of experiments. Support is given for research in
the following areas: elementary particle physics; nuclear
physics; atomic, molecular, optical, and plasma physics;
astrophysics and cosmology; and a broad spectrum of topics
in mathematical physics, computational physics, nonlinear
dynamics, chaos, and statistical physics. The effort also
includes a considerable number of interdisciplinary grants.

In addition, the program supports activities at facilities
such as the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the
University of California at Santa Barbara, the Harvard-
Smithsonian Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and
Optical Physics, and the Aspen Center for Physics. These
activities include both short- and long-term visitor
programs, workshops, and research involving the
participation of external scientists from universities,
national laboratories, and industry, as well as graduate
students and postdoctoral fellows.

7. Education and Interdisciplinary Research - Supports
activities in conjunction with NSF-wide programs such as
Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER), Research
Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), and programs aimed at
women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Further
information about all of these programs and activities is
available in the Crosscutting Investment Strategies section
in this Guide.

The program also supports activities that seek to improve
the education and training of physics students (both
undergraduate and graduate), such as curriculum development
for upper-level physics courses, and activities that are not
included in specific programs elsewhere within NSF. The
program supports research at the interface between physics
and other disciplines, including biology, medicine, and
computation, and extending to emerging areas. Broadening
activities related to research at the interface with other
fields, possibly not normally associated with physics, also
may be considered.

8. Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC's) - Supports university-
based centers and large groups in cases where this mode of
research is required to make transformational advances in
the most promising research areas. Proposals will be
considered in areas within the purview of the Division of
Physics, broadly interpreted-for example, atomic, molecular,
optical, plasma, elementary particle, nuclear, astro-,
gravitational, interdisciplinary, and emerging areas of
physics. Interdisciplinary physics is taken here to mean
research at the interface between physics and other
disciplines-for example, biophysics, quantum information
science, and mathematical physics. The purpose of the PFC
program is to enable major advances at the intellectual
frontiers of physics by providing needed resources not
usually available to individual investigators or small
groups. PFC's make it possible to address major challenges
that require combinations of talents, skills, and/or
disciplines; specialized infrastructure; large
collaborations; or centers/institutes that catalyze rapid
advances on the most promising research topics. For more
information, see program solicitation NSF 00-108.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY


The Division of Chemistry (CHE) supports research and the
development of research infrastructure in the principal
subdisciplines of chemistry. The field of chemistry is very
diverse, and NSF support for chemistry research goes beyond
the CHE Division. Other NSF divisions supporting chemistry
research include Astronomical Sciences, Atmospheric
Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Chemical and
Transport Systems, Earth Sciences, Advanced Computational
Research, Physics, and Materials Research. Similarly,
support for the development of infrastructure in chemistry
also is provided by appropriate divisions in the
Directorates for Education and Human Resources (EHR) and
Biosciences (BIO) through the Division of Biological
Infrastructure.

Molecular science plays a central role in many areas of
science and engineering. Because of this, much of the
research supported by the CHE Division will also further
the advancement of research in other disciplines, such as
biology and chemical engineering, and in various
multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary areas, such as
environmental science and materials science.

CHE supports the following programs and activities:

  1. Analytical and Surface Chemistry
  2. Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry
  3. Organic Chemical Dynamics
  4. Organic Synthesis
  5. Experimental Physical Chemistry
  6. Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
  7. Chemistry of Materials
  8. Office of Special Projects
  9. Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities


For More Information

Write to the Division of Chemistry, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1055, Arlington, VA
22230; or contact the division by telephone, 703-292-8840;
or visit the CHE home page, http://www.nsf.gov/chem/.


1. Analytical and Surface Chemistry - Supports fundamental
chemical research directed toward the characterization and
analysis of all forms of matter. Studies of elemental and
molecular composition and of the microstructure of both bulk
and surface domains are included. The program supports
projects that develop the fundamentals of measurement
science, new sensors and new instruments, and innovative
approaches to data processing and interpretation.

Investigations designed to probe the chemical structure and
reactivity of the interface between different forms of
matter also are supported. The program is linked to several
other chemistry research programs within NSF, including
Solid State Chemistry (Materials Research Division, MPS
Directorate); Biochemistry and Biophysics (Molecular and
Cellular Biosciences Division, BIO Directorate); and
Chemical Reaction Processes and Interfacial, Transport, and
Separation Processes (Chemical and Transport Systems
Division, ENG Directorate).

2. Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry -
Supports research on the synthesis, properties, and reaction
mechanisms of molecules composed of metals, metalloids, and
nonmetals with elements covering the entire Periodic Table.
Included are fundamental studies that underscore (1)
bioinorganic reactions, (2) homogeneous catalysis and
organometallic reactions, (3) photochemical and charge
transfer processes, and (4) studies aimed at the rational
synthesis of new inorganic molecular substances, self-
assemblies, and nano-size materials with predictable
chemical, physical, and biological properties. Objectives
are to provide the basis for understanding (1) the function
of metal ions in biological systems, (2) the behavior of new
inorganic materials and new industrial catalysts, and (3)
the systematic chemistry and behavior of most of the
elements and compounds in the environment. The program has
links to other programs within NSF that support chemistry
research, including Solid State Chemistry and Polymers
(Materials Research Division, MPS Directorate); Chemical
Reaction Processes (Chemical and Transport Systems Division,
ENG Directorate); Biochemistry and Biophysics (Molecular and
Cellular Biosciences Division, BIO Directorate); and
Geochemistry (Earth Sciences Division, GEO Directorate).

3. Organic Chemical Dynamics - Supports research that will
advance the knowledge of carbon-based molecules, metallo-
organic systems, and organized molecular assemblies.
Experimental, computational, and theoretical projects that
illuminate chemical structures, reactivity, and properties
and that provide organic mechanistic, structural, and
kinetic foundations for the understanding of biological
processes are all considered. The program has links to other
programs within NSF that support chemistry research,
including Solid State Chemistry and Polymers (Materials
Research Division, MPS Directorate); Chemical Reaction
Processes (Chemical and Transport Systems Division, ENG
Directorate); Biochemistry and Biophysics (Molecular and
Cellular Biosciences Division, BIO Directorate); and
Atmospheric Chemistry (Atmospheric Sciences Division, GEO
Directorate).

4. Organic Synthesis - Supports research on the synthesis of
carbon-based molecules, organometallic systems, and
organized molecular assemblies. Research includes the
development of new reagents and methods for organic
synthesis and characterization, and the investigation of
natural products and new organic materials. Such research
provides the basis for designed syntheses of new materials
and natural products important to the chemical and
pharmaceutical industries. The research has links to other
programs within NSF that support chemistry research,
including Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Division, BIO Directorate) and Polymers (Materials Research
Division, MPS Directorate).

5. Experimental Physical Chemistry - Supports experimental
research directed at understanding the physical properties
of chemical systems at a molecular level. Chemical systems
include solids, liquids, interfaces, clusters, and isolated
molecules or ions in gas or condensed phases. Chemical
properties of interest include solute/solvent interactions
in liquids and in clusters; chemical dynamics of bimolecular
and unimolecular chemical processes; time-resolved internal
energy redistribution; and molecular structure and the shape
of the ground and excited electronic-state potential energy
surfaces. Experimental methodologies include frequency
domain and time domain spectroscopic techniques covering the
entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum; time-resolved
dynamical studies, including state-selected and mass-
selected systems; reactive scattering; and single molecule
studies.

The program has links to other programs within NSF that
support chemistry research, including Atomic, Molecular, and
Optical Physics (Physics Division, MPS Directorate);
Biophysics (Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division, BIO
Directorate); Atmospheric Chemistry (Atmospheric Sciences
Division, GEO Directorate); Galactic Astronomy (Astronomical
Sciences Division, MPS Directorate); Chemical and Transport
Systems (ENG Directorate); and various programs in the
Materials Research Division (MPS Directorate).

6. Theoretical and Computational Chemistry - Supports
theoretical and computational research in areas of
electronic structure, statistical mechanics, computer
simulations, and chemical dynamics. The program also
supports some areas of experimental thermodynamics and
condensed phase dynamics of chemical systems that rely
heavily on theoretical interpretation of experimental data.
Areas of application span the full range of chemical
systems, from small molecules to macromolecules; and degrees
of aggregation, from clusters to macroscopic systems. The
goal of projects supported in this program is to provide a
molecular-level interpretation for chemical properties and
reactivity. The program has links to other programs within
NSF that support chemistry research, including Atomic,
Molecular, and Optical Physics (Physics Division, MPS
Directorate); Materials Theory (Materials Research Division,
MPS Directorate); Biophysics (Molecular and Cellular
Biosciences Division, BIO Directorate); and Advanced
Computational Research (Advanced Computational
Infrastructure and Research Division, CISE Directorate).

7. Chemistry of Materials - Supports chemistry aspects of
research problems related to the design, synthesis, and
characterization of advanced materials. Emphasis is on
projects that take a chemistry-based molecular or
supramolecular approach to materials synthesis and
performance from an experimental, theoretical, and
computational perspective. Current research areas include
the synthesis of new molecular organic, inorganic, and
organometallic precursors to polymeric, ceramic, electronic,
photonic, magnetic, and biomolecular materials; chemical
reactivity of polymeric, microporous, and other solid
substrates; chemistry of thin films and interfaces as
applied to materials performance; synthesis of new molecular
nanoscopic materials with novel or improved properties;
research on catalysts and reactive molecular intermediates
for materials synthesis; the molecular basis of materials
properties and performance, such as nonlinear optical
activity, conductivity, magnetism, and liquid crystalline
behavior; molecular switching and electronics; and
supramolecular self-assembly. The activity is strongly
linked to several programs in the Materials Research
Division (MPS Directorate) and in the ENG and BIO
Directorates.

8. Office of Special Projects - Supports or coordinates the
support for most of the infrastructure programs and
activities in which the CHE Division is involved. Examples
include the Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Faculty
Early Career Development, and Research Sites for Educators
in Chemistry, as well as various special-purpose grants in
education, outreach, diversity, and graduate training. The
office also coordinates the Division's involvement in large-
scale projects, such as the Environmental Molecular Science
Institutes and the Science and Technology Centers.

9. Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities -
Supports the purchase or upgrade of departmental multiuser
instrumentation, instrumentation development, and chemistry
research facilities. The first of these topics focuses on
departmental development and is intended to facilitate
research by grantees and potential grantees that are being
supported by the CHE Division. Instrumentation development
is intended to implement, test, and introduce new concepts
for chemical measurement to be used on a wider scale.
Chemistry research facilities provide unique, state-of-the-
art instrumentation and expertise to users from the chemical
sciences community. Only a few facilities are supported at
any time. Individuals interested in submitting a facilities
proposal must first contact the appropriate staff person in
the CHE Division. CRIF interfaces with the following cross-
directorate programs and activities: Major Research
Instrumentation; Small Business Innovation Research; Small
Business Technology Transfer; and instrumentation programs
in the Materials Research Division (MPS Directorate), the
Division of Undergraduate Education (EHR Directorate), the
Office of Cross-Disciplinary Activities (CISE Directorate),
and the Division of Biological Infrastructure (BIO
Directorate).


____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF MATERIALS RESEARCH


The Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports a wide
range of programs that address fundamental phenomena in
materials, materials synthesis and processing, structure and
composition, properties and performance, and materials
education. DMR supports individual investigators, groups,
centers, national facilities, and instrumentation.
Individual investigator and group proposals do not have to
be confined or targeted to a specific program; division
staff work to facilitate the coreview and cofunding of
highly meritorious proposals across program, division, or
directorate boundaries is supported as appropriate.

DMR supports the following programs and activities:

  1. Metals
  2. Ceramics
  3. Electronic Materials
  4. Materials Theory
  5. Condensed Matter Physics
  6. Solid-State Chemistry
  7. Polymers
  8. Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers
  9. Instrumentation for Materials Research
 10.   National Facilities

For More Information

For lists of awards and their abstracts and for target and
deadlines for proposal submission, visit the DMR home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/mps/dmr/start.htm; or contact DMR by
telephone, 703-292-8810; or write to the Division of
Materials Research, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 1065, Arlington, VA 22230.


1. Metals - Supports research to increase understanding and
predictive capabilities for relating synthesis, processing,
alloy chemistry, and microstructure of metals to their
physical and structural properties and performance in
various applications and environments.

Metals research encompasses the broad areas of physical and
mechanical metallurgy. Topics supported include phase
transformations and equilibria; morphology; solidification;
surface modification, structure, and properties; interfaces
and grain boundary structure; nanostructures; corrosion and
oxidation; defects; deformation and fracture; and welding
and joining.

2. Ceramics - Supports research investigating the
characteristics of ceramic materials as they relate to the
complex interplay among processing, development, and
manipulation of microstructure, and properties and their
ultimate performance in various applications and
environments. The materials studied include oxides,
carbides, nitrides, and other ceramics, including diamond
and carbon-based materials. The microstructures investigated
range from crystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous to
composite and nanostructured. Potential uses include, but
are not limited to, electronic and electrical,
electrochemical, structural, optical/photonic, and
biological/medical applications.

3. Electronic Materials - Supports research that
investigates the fundamental phenomena associated with the
synthesis and processing of electronic and photonic
materials. The objective is to increase fundamental
understanding and develop predictive capabilities for
relating synthesis, processing, and microstructure of these
materials to their properties and performance in various
applications and environments. Topics supported include
basic processes and mechanisms associated with nucleation
and growth of thin films; nanostructure definition and
etching processes; bulk crystal growth; and the
interrelationship among experimental conditions, phenomena,
and properties.

4. Materials Theory - Supports theoretical research in the
topical areas represented in other DMR programs, including
condensed matter physics, polymers, solid-state chemistry,
metals, electronic materials, and ceramics. Materials Theory
is the primary source of funding at NSF for condensed matter
theory. The program supports research that advances
analytical and computational techniques for materials
research. A broad spectrum of research is supported using
electronic structure calculations, many-body theory,
statistical mechanics, and Monte Carlo and molecular
dynamics simulations, along with other techniques, including
advanced scientific computing. The emphasis is on an
atomistic approach to understanding materials properties and
processes, from the atomic to the microstructural scale.
Areas of recent interest include strongly correlated
electron systems; low-dimensional systems; non-equilibrium
phenomena, including pattern formation, microstructural
evolution, and fracture; high-temperature superconductivity;
nanostructured materials and mesoscale phenomena; and soft
condensed matter, including systems of biological interest.

5. Condensed Matter Physics - Supports fundamental
experimental research on the physical properties of
amorphous, ordered, and nanostructured solids; classical,
quantum, and partially ordered fluids; and the interfaces of
such condensed phases. Materials being investigated include
metals, insulators, semiconductors, amorphous solids, liquid
crystals, and biomolecular materials. Phenomena of interest
include phase transitions; localization; electronic,
magnetic, and lattice structure of solids;
superconductivity; elementary excitations, including
electronic, magnetic, plasma, and lattice; transport and
optical properties; and nonlinear dynamics. Development of
new experimental techniques is an important part of this
activity. Synthesis, characterization, and analysis of new
materials by novel methods are also of interest. In
addition, research is supported on condensed matter under
extreme conditions, such as low temperatures, high
pressures, and high magnetic fields.

6. Solid-State Chemistry - Supports basic research that
includes understanding the atomic and molecular basis for
synthesis, structure-composition-property relationships, and
the processing of materials. The program is largely
multidisciplinary with strong components of chemistry,
physics, biology, and materials science. Special attention
is given to the creation of new classes of materials
exhibiting new phenomena, and discovering specific materials
with superior properties.


Current research areas include innovative synthetic routes
to new materials; characterization of materials displaying
new phenomena or superior behavior; the relationships among
structure, composition, and properties such as
chemisorption, cooperative-assembly, transport, and
reactivity; and materials preparation, processing, and
optimization by chemical means. The current materials
emphasis is on hybrid materials, complex materials, bio-
inspired and environmental materials, and advanced materials
optimization and processing.

7. Polymers - Supports basic research and education on the
materials aspects of polymeric science that is largely
experimental and multidisciplinary, with strong components
of chemistry, physics, and materials science. The program
addresses synthesis, structure, morphology, processing,
characterization, and structure-property relationships of
polymers at the molecular level, with particular focus on
new materials or materials with superior properties. The
polymers studied are principally synthetic, but there is
also an interest in biopolymers.

8. Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers
(MRSEC's) - Support interdisciplinary materials research and
education while addressing fundamental problems in science
and engineering that are important to society. MRSEC's
require outstanding research quality and intellectual
breadth, they provide support for research infrastructure
and flexibility in responding to new opportunities, and they
strongly emphasize the integration of research and
education. These centers foster active collaboration between
universities and other sectors, including industry, and they
constitute a national network of university-based centers in
materials research. MRSEC's address problems of a scope or
complexity requiring the advantages of scale and
interdisciplinary interaction provided by a campus-based
research center.

For More Information

MRSEC information including the research and education
activities of each center, is available on the program's
home page, http://www.mrsec.org.


9. Instrumentation for Materials Research - Supports the
development and acquisition of state-of-the-art tools to
carry out advanced materials research. The program supports
major shared instruments essential to investigators
conducting research that spans two or more disciplinary
areas within DMR, or more than one NSF division; and
instrumentation required by one or more investigators
conducting research in a single disciplinary area within DMR
that has a total cost of approximately $100,000 or more. The
program strongly encourages submission of proposals for the
development of new instruments that have the potential to
solve important materials problems, proposals that will
significantly advance measurement capabilities, and
proposals that could lead to new discoveries. For further
information, see program guidelines NSF 99-170.

10.   National Facilities - Supports the operation of
National User Facilities, which are research facilities with
specialized instrumentation available to the scientific
research community in general and the materials research
community in particular. These facilities provide unique
research capabilities that can be located at only a few
highly specialized laboratories in the Nation. They include
facilities and resources for research using high magnetic
fields, ultraviolet and x ray synchrotron radiation, small-
angle neutron scattering, and nanofabrication.

For More Information

Contact the facilities directly at the addresses listed
below.

Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Reactor Radiation Division
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Telephone: 301-975-6242
Web address: http://rrdjazz.nist.gov/

Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source
Wilson Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Telephone: 607-255-7163
Web address: http://www.chess.cornell.edu/

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (operated by Florida
State University, the University of Florida, and Los Alamos
National Laboratory)
Florida State University
1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4005
Telephone: 850-644-0311 or 850-644-0850
Web address: http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/

Synchrotron Radiation Center
University of Wisconsin at Madison
3731 Schneider Drive
Stoughton, WI 53589-2200
Telephone: 608-877-2000
Web address: http://www.src.wisc.edu/

National Nanofabrication Users Network
Web address: http://www.nnun.org



                  OFFICE OF POLAR PROGRAMS

OPP Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/home/polar/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The Earth's Polar Regions offer compelling scientific
opportunities, but their isolation and their extreme
climates challenge the pursuit of these opportunities.

NSF's Office of Polar Programs (OPP) supports research in
the Arctic and the Antarctic both to improve understanding
of the regions and their relationship with global processes
and to seize opportunities presented by the regions as
research platforms. These programs support investigations in
a range of scientific disciplines.

NSF can deploy and provide operational support to modern
field and laboratory science throughout the Antarctic.
Selected areas of capability are in place in the Arctic, and
improved logistics are under development there as well.

The Office of Polar Programs consists of the following:

  -  Crosscutting Programs and Activities
  -  Antarctic Sciences
  -  Arctic Sciences

For More Information

For further information, visit the OPP home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/.



____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES


In addition to the programs mentioned in this section, the
Office of Polar Programs (OPP) takes an active role in the
following crosscutting programs and activities:

  -  Biocomplexity in the Environment
  -  Information Technology Research
  -  21st Century Workforce

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/.


____________________________________________________________


ANTARCTIC SCIENCES


United States Antarctic Program

The United States Antarctic Program (USAP) is the name for
U.S. Government-sponsored activities in the region roughly
south of 60 south latitude, which includes all of Antarctica
and much of the Southern Ocean. NSF funds and manages the
program and the operational support provided by contractors
and the military in support of the range of U.S. Antarctic
interests and the Nation's adherence to the Antarctic
Treaty.

USAP-supported research has three thrusts:

-  to understand the Earth and its systems, with emphasis on
  Antarctica's influence on and response to these systems;

-  to utilize Antarctica as an ideal research platform by
  supporting studies made possible by the unique conditions on
  the continent and in the surrounding oceans; and

-  to explore the Antarctic geographical frontier.

USAP supports research that can be done best in the
Antarctic or that can be done only in the Antarctic.

Research support is available in the United States Antarctic
Program through the following:

  1. Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics
  2. Antarctic Biology and Medicine
  3. Antarctic Geology and Geophysics
  4. Antarctic Glaciology
  5. Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems
  6. Antarctic Operational Support
  7. Non-U.S. Facilities-International Cooperation


Eligibility Requirements for USAP

U.S. academic institutions and academically related
nonprofit organizations may submit a proposal for research
support. Industry and State and local agencies may also be
eligible. Other Federal agencies are eligible to coordinate
their research needs within the framework of NSF-supported
Antarctic logistics. NSF encourages proposals from women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities and proposals for
research that include undergraduates under guidelines
established by NSF programs such as Research Experiences for
Undergraduates. All persons proposing to work in the
Antarctic must pass a physical examination whose standards
are specified by USAP.


Deadlines and Target Dates for USAP

The annual deadline for receipt of proposals to USAP is June
1; cross-directorate proposals may have a separate deadline.
To confirm a deadline date, refer to the NSF E-Bulletin
(http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/); the OPP home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/; or the appropriate program
office.


Literature

The following literature and related items about Antarctica
are available from OPP. For more information or to request a
copy, please contact the source indicated.

-  The Antarctic Journal of the United States (established
in 1966) reports on U.S. activities in Antarctica, related
activities elsewhere, and trends in the U.S. Antarctic
Program. OPP annually publishes and distributes
electronically two review issues that include papers by
members of the Antarctic science and logistics communities.
OPP distributes printed copies of these issues to members of
the U.S. and international Antarctic science communities,
representatives of private organizations in the United
States, and other Federal agencies with an interest in
Antarctic research, policy, and logistics, and the managers
of their national Antarctic programs.

The Antarctic Journal is available by subscription or by
single copy through the U.S. Government Printing Office
(GPO). To request prices or order individual issues, contact
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. To place
an order by telephone, call 202-512-1800; or visit the GPO
home page, http://www.access.gpo.gov/.

For back issues of the journal, contact David Friscic by e-
mail, dfriscic@nsf.gov; or write David Friscic, Information
Assistant, Office of Polar Programs, National Science
Foundation, Room 755, Arlington, VA 22230.

-  Publications containing research recommendations are
available from the Polar Research Board of the National
Academy of Sciences (NAS). For more information, write to
the Polar Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, 2101
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037; or contact
NAS by telephone, 202-334-3479; or visit the NAS home page,
http://www.nas.edu/.

-  Between 1962 and 1998, the Library of Congress (LOC)
published the Antarctic Bibliography with support from NSF.
This Antarctic database can be searched on-line at LOC's
Cold Regions Bibliography Web site,
http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/scitech/coldregions/access.html.

The bibliography also is available commercially on CD-ROM
from the National Information Services Corporation, 3100 St.
Paul Street, Suite 6, Baltimore, MD 21218; or by telephone,
410-243-0797. The CD-ROM is a subscription service that is
updated every 6 months.

-  The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has Antarctic
reconnaissance and geologic maps of portions of Antarctica
at various scales. For a copy of Antarctic maps, price list,
and order form, write to Information Services, U.S.
Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Center, Building 41,
Denver, CO 80225; or contact USGS by telephone, 1-800-USA-
MAPS; or visit the USGS home page, http://www.usgs.gov/.

-  Ice cores, ocean-bottom sedimentary cores, terrestrial
sedimentary cores, dredged rocks, biological specimens,
meteorites, and ocean-bottom photographs are available for
study. For more information, refer to Antarctic Research
Program Announcement (NSF 00-72).

-  NSF's Antarctic Artists and Writers Program supports
documentation of America's Antarctic heritage by providing
Antarctic access (but not funds) to painters, poets,
photographers, authors, educational specialists, and
representatives of related genres. For details, visit the
OPP home page, http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp, and click on
"Opportunities for Participation."

For More Information

For further information, including the areas of research
supported by USAP, material to help proposers evaluate the
potential environmental impact of their projects, and
descriptions of operational needs in Antarctica, refer to
the Antarctic Research Program Announcement (NSF 00-72).

For questions regarding field operations and logistics to
Antarctica, contact the Polar Research Support Section at
703-292-8032; or visit the Raytheon Polar Services Company
Web site, http://rpsc.raytheon.com.

Specialists are available in the areas of logistics, field
camps, research ships, laboratory support, waste management,
environmental protection, safety, and Antarctic Conservation
Act permits.

Research and education proposals that do not require
fieldwork or that will use samples already in U.S.
depositories are also welcome.

For further information, contact the Office of Polar
Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 755, Arlington, VA 22230; or visit the OPP
home page, http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/.

Further information is also available by contacting the
following:

-  Main telephone number for Office of Polar Programs is 703-
   292-8030
-  Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics, 703-292-8033
-  Antarctic Biology and Medicine, 703-292-8033
-  Antarctic Geology and Geophysics, 703-292-8033
-  Antarctic Glaciology, 703-292-8033
-  Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems, 703-292-8033
-  Polar Research Support, 703-292-8032

1. Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics - The Antarctic
Section's Aeronomy and Astrophysics Program supports
research projects in the following areas:

  -  Astrophysics-Because of its location at the Earth's spin
  axis on the 2.8-kilometer-thick East Antarctic Ice Sheet,
  South Pole Station is well situated for long, continuous
  astronomical and astrophysical observations. The high
  elevation of the station (2,835 meters), dry atmosphere,
  extremely low effective sky temperature, isolation from
  noise, and long periods of clear weather provide superior
  observing conditions.

  -  Long-Duration Ballooning-In cooperation with the National
  Aeronautics and Space Administration, NSF has developed the
  capability to launch balloon science payloads from McMurdo
  Station. These payloads weigh more than a ton and can reach
  altitudes of approximately 40 kilometers. The balloons then
  drift once or twice over the South Pole during a 10- to 30-
  day period. This capability can be used by several
  disciplines and in some cases can serve as a low-cost
  substitute for space flight.

  -  Upper Atmosphere Physics-Supports unique studies of the
  Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere and of Sun/Earth
  relationships. Year-round station-based research is possible
  in Antarctica because of its physically stable location at
  high geomagnetic latitudes, which range from 53 south at
  Palmer Station to 79 south at McMurdo Station. Automatic
  Geophysical Observatories provide year-round support for low-
  powered autonomous instruments at several remote sites on
  the ice sheet. Research objectives include improving the
  understanding of Earth's upper atmosphere and near-space
  environment; investigating coupling among the neutral
  atmosphere, the ionosphere, and the magnetosphere; and
  investigating solar terrestrial effects.


2. Antarctic Biology and Medicine - The Antarctic Biology
and Medicine Program supports research projects in the
following areas:

  -  Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography-Supports research
  on the oceans around Antarctica, which make up one of the
  world's most productive regions. Research objectives are to
  understand the structure and function of the Antarctic
  marine ecosystems and to determine the major features and
  adaptations of organisms and acquire more knowledge of their
  distribution, abundance, and dynamics. The major focus is on
  ship- and shore-based studies that stress trophodynamics,
  including detailed investigations at all trophic levels.
  Topics of particular interest include krill, ice-edge
  ecosystems, and low-temperature adaptations.

  -  Medical Research-Biomedical studies are directed toward
  epidemiology of viral infections and physiological and
  psychological attributes of people in small, isolated
  groups.

  -  Terrestrial and Freshwater Biology-Biota of terrestrial
  and freshwater Antarctica, particularly their adaptation to
  the extreme environment, are of particular interest. The
  simplicity of these ecosystems provides opportunities for
  analysis that is more difficult and sometimes impossible in
  the complex systems of the lower latitudes. The primary
  research objective is to understand the features and
  adaptations of organisms and to gain further knowledge of
  their distribution, abundance, and dynamics.


3. Antarctic Geology and Geophysics - The Antarctic Geology
and Geophysics Program supports research projects in the
following areas:

  -  Marine Geology and Geophysics-The seafloor around
  Antarctica is complex and presents fundamental problems in
  marine geology and geophysics. Its sediments provide
  detailed records of changes over time in the size of the
  Antarctic ice sheet, as well as clues to other geological
  and tectonic processes that have affected the continent.
  Research objectives are to interpret geological and glacial
  history and to understand geological processes from studies
  of the continental margins and the adjacent oceanic crust.

  -  Terrestrial Geology and Geophysics-Antarctica represents
  about 9 percent of the Earth's continental crust and has
  been in a near-polar position for more than 100 million
  years. Reconnaissance studies have led to increased
  understanding of many general aspects of the geology of the
  continent, and major evidence has developed in support of
  plate tectonics models and of the Gondwana supercontinent.
  Antarctic geology has entered an era in which focused
  projects can contribute to solving regionally and globally
  significant geologic problems. Geophysical investigations of
  the sub-ice bedrock are a relatively new element of the
  program. An aerogeophysical facility has been developed with
  the capability of acquiring ice-elevation, ice-thickness,
  and magnetic and gravity data over the continent. Satellite
  imagery also is contributing to research in these areas.
  Over-snow seismic capabilities are anticipated for the
  future. Overall objectives of the program are to explain the
  geology and geological evolution of Antarctica, to
  understand the relationship of Antarctica to global
  geodynamic systems, and to exploit unique aspects of
  Antarctica to address fundamental problems in geology and
  geophysics.


4. Antarctic Glaciology - The Antarctic Glaciology Program
supports studies on the world's largest ice sheet. The ice
sheet, which covers 97 percent of the Antarctic continent
and is up to 4.8 kilometers thick, comprises 90 percent of
the world's ice and is a storehouse of information about
climate and atmospheric constituents and their variation
over time. The program's objectives are to determine the
dynamics of the ice sheet, understand the climatic record
stored in the layers of firn and ice, determine the history
of glacial advance and retreat through the study of
glacial/geologic deposits, and determine the present dynamic
status of the ice sheet and its relationship to glacial and
climatic history.


5. Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems - The Ocean and
Climate Systems Program supports research projects in the
following areas:

  -  Atmospheric Sciences-Antarctica has an active
  relationship with regional weather and climate patterns, and
  perhaps with global ones as well. Far removed from pollution
  sources, it is an important monitoring and research area for
  world background levels of natural and anthropogenic
  atmospheric constituents. Conditions in Antarctica have
  proven to be reflections of global atmospheric changes on
  many scales. The primary research objectives are to improve
  present understanding of the physical processes of the
  atmosphere, determine the relationship between events and
  conditions in the Antarctic atmosphere and global events,
  and determine the region's role in past and present global
  climate.

  -  Physical and Chemical Oceanography-Supports research on
  the Southern Ocean, which has a central role in world ocean
  circulation. Large-scale heat exchange and ice formation at
  the ocean surface overturn the water column and mix trace
  constituents, making the Southern Ocean the site of global-
  scale ventilation and a major source of the world's
  intermediate and deep-water masses. Huge changes in the
  extent of sea ice, which varies annually between 4 and 20
  million square kilometers, also influence energy transfer.
  The Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the world's largest ocean
  current, has a major effect on general oceanic circulation.
  Research objectives are to determine the dynamics of
  formation and distribution of water masses, currents, and
  sea ice; investigate the relationship between oceanic and
  atmospheric circulation systems and the physical basis for
  biotic productivity; and investigate the relationship
  between the Southern Ocean and climate.


6. Antarctic Operational Support - In addition to funding
research, USAP provides operational and laboratory support
in Antarctica. Operational support includes the following: a
year-round inland research station at the South Pole
(90S.); two year-round coastal research stations with
extensive laboratory and computing capabilities-one at
McMurdo Station (78S.) on Ross Island, and one at Palmer
Station (64S.) on Anvers Island in the Antarctic Peninsula
region; summer field camps for research, as required; the
ice-strengthened research ship Laurence M. Gould, 70.1
meters in length; the icebreaking research ship Nathaniel B.
Palmer, 94 meters in length; ski-equipped LC-130 airplanes
(for heavy-lift transport); Twin Otter airplanes;
helicopters; a Coast Guard icebreaker for channel breaking
at McMurdo as well as research support; over-snow vehicles;
and automated, unmanned weather and geophysical
observatories. Occasionally, vessels from the U.S. academic
fleet and from the Ocean Drilling Program will support
Antarctic research.

Air transport between New Zealand and McMurdo Station is
provided several times per week in the austral summer, which
runs from early October to the end of February. From
McMurdo, a logistics hub, research groups can access other
sites, including the station at the South Pole. Several
flights are made in August between New Zealand and McMurdo
that provide an opportunity for late winter access. The
summer camps are closed between February and October, and
winter research is limited to the immediate environs of the
stations, where residents are isolated for as long as 8
months.

Palmer Station, on Anvers Island in the Antarctic Peninsula
region, relies mainly on the ship Laurence M. Gould for
transport of people and materials to and from Punta Arenas,
Chile, at the southern tip of South America. The ship makes
several trips a year and supports onboard research. The
Gould supports onboard research in marine biology,
oceanography, and geophysics in the Antarctic Peninsula
region and can support science in other areas of the
Southern Ocean.

U.S. Antarctic stations and ships and some field camps
provide voice and data communications, including Internet
access, to locations outside Antarctica.


7. Non-U.S. Facilities-International Cooperation - NSF
strongly encourages scientists from the United States to
participate in cooperative research programs and activities
sponsored by (and involving) other Antarctic Treaty nations.

Scientists interested in submitting a proposal for such a
program are encouraged to contact an OPP program manager
first, to allow NSF time to coordinate the operational
support needs with the other participating country or
countries.



____________________________________________________________


ARCTIC SCIENCES


Arctic Research Program

NSF's Arctic Research Program seeks to gain a better
understanding of the Earth's biological, geological,
chemical, and sociocultural processes and the interactions
of ocean, land, atmosphere, life, and human systems.
Arctic research is supported at NSF by the Office of Polar
Programs (OPP) and by other disciplinary programs within
the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program is
structured in such a way as to provide coordination across
NSF disciplines and to enable joint review and funding of
Arctic proposals and mutual support of projects with high
logistics costs.
  
The United States Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984
defines the Arctic as all areas north of the Arctic Circle
and all U.S. territory north and west of the boundary formed
by the Porcupine, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers; all
contiguous seas including the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort,
Bering, and Chukchi Seas; and the Aleutian chain. Field
projects falling outside these boundaries but directly
related to Arctic science and engineering conditions or
issues, such as laboratory and theoretical studies, are
appropriate.

NSF is one of 12 Federal agencies that sponsor or conduct
Arctic science, engineering, and related activities. As
mandated by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984,
planning for Federal interagency research is coordinated
through the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee,
chaired by NSF.

Under an agreement with the U.S. Navy, access to a nuclear
submarine may be available annually for research in the
Arctic Ocean. Researchers are encouraged to pursue this
possibility with OPP or with the Office of Naval Research.
Further information on other agency programs is presented in
the U.S. Arctic Research Plan and its biennial revisions.

Because the Arctic is the homeland of native peoples,
attention must be given to all aspects of research and
education that may potentially affect their lives. An
interagency statement, "Principles for the Conduct of
Research in the Arctic," has been developed. All Arctic
research grantees are expected to abide by these guidelines,
which are presented in the publication Arctic Research
Program Opportunities (NSF 00-96).

The Arctic Research Program is comprised of the following
principal programs:

  1. Arctic Natural Sciences
  2. Arctic Social Sciences
  3. Arctic System Science
  4. Other Arctic Support


Target Dates for Arctic Research

The target dates for the Arctic Natural Sciences, Arctic
Social Sciences, and Arctic System Science Programs are
February 15 and August 8. Proposals for workshops, Small
Grants for Exploratory Research, or dissertation improvement
grants can be submitted at any time. Further information
about these types of grants is available in the NSF Grant
Proposal Guide
(NSF 01-2).


Submission of Proposals for Arctic Research

Proposals for field programs requiring research support in
the categories listed on the Logistics Coordination Form
(NSF Form 1370) must be submitted with sufficient lead time
to ensure scheduling and availability. Logistics proposals
must be submitted no later than the February 15 target date
of the calendar year preceding the year in which the
research will be conducted. Proposals requiring an oceanic
research vessel must be submitted either to the Division of
Ocean Sciences by February 15 of the year preceding the
proposed cruise dates or to OPP's Arctic Program by the
February 15 target date, to allow 9 months' precruise
notification. A minimum of 9 months' advance notice is
required for research vessels needing clearance for Russian
waters. Proposals for fieldwork not requiring research
support capabilities listed on the Logistics Coordination
Form must be submitted no later than the August 8 target
date of the preceding year.


For More Information

Arctic research projects are supported by OPP and by other
disciplinary divisions and programs at NSF. Further
information about any of the Arctic programs and activities
mentioned in this section is available in the publication,
Arctic Research Program Opportunities (NSF 00-96).
Additional information can also be obtained by contacting
the Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation,
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 755, Arlington, VA 22230; or by
visiting the OPP home page, http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/.


1. Arctic Natural Sciences - The Arctic Natural Sciences
Program supports research in glaciology and in atmospheric,
biological, earth, and ocean sciences, and contaminants
research. The program provides core support for disciplinary
research in the Arctic and coordinates its support of Arctic
research with the Directorates for Geosciences and
Biological Sciences. Areas of special interest include
marine and terrestrial ecosystems, atmospheric chemistry,
exploration of the Arctic Ocean, and Arctic geological and
glaciological processes. The program supports research in
the following areas:

  -  Atmospheric Sciences-Focuses on stratospheric and
  tropospheric processes; Arctic climate and meteorology;
  research on past climates and atmospheric gases, as
  preserved in snow and ice cores; and research on
  atmosphere/sea and atmosphere/ice interactions. In the area
  of upper atmospheric and space physics, research interests
  include auroral studies, atmospheric dynamics and chemistry,
  and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. Conjugate studies are
  considered jointly with the Antarctic Aeronomy and
  Astrophysics Program.

  -  Biological Sciences-Supports projects that emphasize
  understanding the adaptation of organisms to the Arctic
  environment. Biological studies in the Arctic include
  research on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial biology;
  organismal adaptation to the Arctic environment; ecology;
  ecosystem structure and processes; and the biological
  consequences of ultraviolet radiation. OPP also participates
  in the Life in Extreme Environments Initiative (see program
  announcement NSF 00-37).

  -  Earth Sciences-Supports research in all subdisciplines of
  terrestrial and marine geology and geophysics, with special
  emphasis on understanding geological processes important to
  the Arctic regions and geologic history dominated by those
  processes.

  -  Glaciology-Supports glaciological research, which is
  concerned with the history and dynamics of all naturally
  occurring forms of snow and ice, including seasonal snow,
  glaciers, and the Greenland ice sheet. The Arctic Natural
  Sciences Program also includes ice dynamics, modeling,
  glacial geology, and remote-sensing studies of ice sheets.
  OPP is the focal point for glaciological research within
  NSF.

  -  Ocean Sciences-Seeks to develop knowledge of the
  structure of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas, their
  physical and biological interactions with the global
  hydrosphere, and the formation and persistence of the Arctic
  sea/ice cover. Special interest areas include the
  distribution of life in high-latitude oceans; low-
  temperature life processes; the formation, movement, and
  mixing of Arctic water masses; the growth and decay of sea
  ice; the exchange of salt and heat with the Atlantic Ocean
  and the Bering Sea; geographical anomalies; sedimentary
  history; and the role of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas
  in global climate. Proposals concerned with the
  interdependencies of chemical and physical processes and
  marine organisms and productivity are encouraged.

  -  Contaminants-Supports research on the physical, chemical,
  and biological processes that sequester and disperse
  contaminants in Arctic natural systems and on the
  socioeconomic impacts and human responses to such
  contaminants. Quantification of these processes for a
  variety of contaminants, including heavy metals,
  radionuclides, persistent organic pollutants (e.g.,
  pesticides, industrial chemicals), hydrocarbons, ozone (and
  precursors), and aerosols derived from various parts of the
  Arctic and other U.S., European, and former Soviet Union
  sites is fundamental to appreciating and mitigating their
  impact on human physical and socioeconomic systems.


2. Arctic Social Sciences - The Arctic Social Sciences
Program encompasses all social sciences supported by NSF,
including anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography,
linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology, and
related subjects. Unsolicited proposals in any of these
social sciences are welcome. Areas of particular interest
include rapid social change, including the processes and
consequences of social, economic, and cultural change;
community viability, including issues related to community
and cultural vitality and survival; and human/environment
interactions, including issues related to subsistence and
sustainable development.

The Arctic Social Sciences Program encourages projects
that include indigenous peoples; are circumpolar or
comparative; integrate social and natural sciences;
involve collaborations between researchers and those
living in the Arctic; include traditional knowledge; or
form connections among disciplines, regions, researchers,
communities, and students, including those in grades K-12
and undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Arctic Social Sciences Program considers joint review
and funding with other programs within OPP and within other
NSF directorates when appropriate. Special funding
opportunities may also be available through NSF's
Environment and Global Change activities (for more
information, see the Crosscutting Investment Strategies
section of this Guide) or the Arctic System Science Program
(see program description elsewhere in this section).

Projects Involving Human Subjects

Projects involving research with human subjects must ensure
that subjects are protected from research risks in
conformance with the Common Rule (Federal Policy for the
Protection of Human Subjects, 45 CFR 690). All projects
involving human subjects must either: (1) have approval from
the organization's Institutional Review Board (IRB) before
issuance of an NSF award; or (2) identify the applicable
subsection exempting the proposal from IRB review, as
established in section 101(b) of the Common Rule. The box
for "Human Subjects" should be checked on the NSF Form 1207
with the IRB approval date (if available) or exemption
subsection from the Common Rule identified in the space
provided.


3. Arctic System Science - The overall goals of the Arctic
System Science (ARCSS) Program are to understand the
physical, geological, chemical, biological, and
sociocultural processes of the Arctic system that interact
with the total Earth system and thus contribute to or are
influenced by global change; to advance the scientific basis
for predicting environmental change on a seasonal-to-
centuries time scale; and to formulate policy options in
response to the anticipated impacts of global change on
humans and societal support systems. To achieve these goals,
ARCSS places strong emphasis on four scientific thrusts: (1)
to understand global and regional impacts of the Arctic
climate system and its variability; (2) to determine the
role of the Arctic in global biogeochemical cycling; (3) to
identify global change impacts on the structure and
stability of Arctic ecosystems; and (4) to establish links
between environmental change and human activity.

Most of the available support in ARCSS is directed toward
large integrated research projects that are proposed and
implemented in response to scientific plans developed by the
science community through Science Steering Committees for
each component of ARCSS. However, global change proposals
from individual investigators or small groups of
investigators are also welcome.

ARCSS has three linked components for which proposals are
encouraged:

  -  Ocean/Atmosphere/Ice Interactions (OAII) (see the OAII
  home page, http://arcss.colorado.edu/Projects/oaii.html);

  -  Land/Atmosphere/Ice Interactions (LAII) (see the LAII
  home page, http://arcss.colorado.edu/Projects/laii.html);
  and

  -  Paleoenvironmental Studies, which has had two projects:
  Paleoclimates from Arctic Lakes and Estuaries (PALE) (see
  the PALE home page,
  http://arcss.colorado.edu/Projects/pale.html) and Greenland
  Ice Sheet Program Two (GISP2) (see the GISP2 home page,
  http://arcss.colorado.edu/Projects/gisp2.html).
  Paleoenvironmental proposals are now considered within the
  Earth System History Initiative of the U.S. Global Change
  Research Program (see program announcement NSF 00-11).

  -  ARCSS further develops a fourth component, Human
  Dimensions of the Arctic System (HARC) (see program
  announcement NSF 99-61). The science plan for HARC is
  available on the Arctic Research Consortium of the United
  States (ARCUS) home page, http://www.arcus.org/ and on the
  OPP home page, http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/. These sites
  should be consulted for new developments. In all these
  components, proposals for new and different research topics
  are encouraged.

  -  ARCSS also supports the integration of research results
  across components within the program and with any other
  Arctic research program through a Synthesis, Integration,
  and Modeling Studies (SIMS) effort. Science plans approved
  by each Science Steering Committee, as well as examples of
  projects supported within each component and SIMS, are
  accessible on either the Web site maintained by the ARCSS
  Data Coordination Center at the University of Colorado
  National Snow and Ice Data Center,
  http://arcss.colorado.edu/, or the ARCUS home page.

  -  The Arctic system consists of physical, biological, and
  cultural factors that may respond to global change. Some
  models that predict the climatic response to global change
  show greater change in the Arctic than in any other region.
  The predicted climatology, however, may not consider the
  largely unknown interannual variability in the Arctic. The
  presence of cultural institutions in a region subject to
  possibly large perturbations makes it important that
  scientists better understand interactions of the global and
  Arctic systems. Therefore, the research supported in ARCSS
  extends beyond purely observational studies to studies that
  predict and analyze the consequences of global change that
  are important to wise stewardship of renewable resources and
  development of policy options for resource managers and
  residents.

  -  In order to focus on the Arctic system at a scale that
  incorporates the multiple environmental feedback mechanisms
  involved, large interdisciplinary projects that integrate
  major elements of the system will be supported. For more
  information on how a research proposal might best fit the
  programs and themes of ARCSS, contact a program manager.


4. Other Arctic Support - The following additional NSF
programs and activities also offer research support in the
Arctic Research Program.

   -  Arctic Research Support and Logistics - The Arctic
   Research Support and Logistics (RSL) Program has been
   established in OPP to address all field program
   requirements. The primary means of accessing this support is
   through the regular proposal process. Investigators should
   be able to justify the need for field support in the context
   of their proposal and should consider the following in
   particular: increased mobility to and within the Arctic;
   increased safety potential of satellite-based global
   personnel phone networks; use of field staff trained and
   experienced in field (and boat) safety and first aid; and
   use of equipment improved for use during fieldwork in Arctic
   conditions.

   Support from the RSL Program includes food and shelter
   during the course of the fieldwork; user- and day-rate
   fees; salaries of staff hired specifically for fieldwork;
   and the steps necessary to coordinate projects with
   permitting agencies and native peoples. A brief section
   within the proposal and/or budget explanation should
   outline the field plan and associated costs.

   The program manager from the program supporting the
   fieldwork, in consultation with the manager of the RSL
   Program, will determine the level of support that can be
   provided by RSL. In some cases, OPP may determine that
   several unrelated proposals can derive significant cost
   benefits from a centrally managed resource. If so, NSF's
   Arctic Support Contractor (VECO Polar Resources) or any
   other entity will be responsible for coordinating the
   support with the principal investigators, consistent with
   the agreements between the investigators and their
   program managers. In other cases, the work can be
   proposed as a large coordinated activity, supported at
   some level by the support contractor. The contractor
   manages other resources too, including use of military
   airlift; support to and within Greenland; and support at
   Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse Alaska, the Alaskan North Slope,
   and Seaward Peninsula, excluding Barrow, which is
   supported by the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium.

  Investigators are encouraged to discuss their projects
  with the Arctic contractor, VECO Polar Resources (visit
  its Web site at http://www.veco.com/vpr), to get
  information on support options before they prepare their
  proposal. All work should be described in the proposal.
  If it appears likely they will not be provided by a
  support entity, costs should be included as well. If in
  doubt, include the costs.

  -  Work in Greenland - There are special requirements for
  fieldwork in Greenland. Investigators considering work in
  Greenland should obtain the Danish Polar Center application
  form. A copy of the form should be included with the
  proposal submitted to OPP.

  To obtain a copy of this form electronically, visit the
  Arctic Logistics Information Access Service at
  http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/logistic/start.htm.

  -  Arctic Research and Policy - OPP supports the management
  of Arctic data and information, and it is responsible,
  through the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee,
  for the development of the Arctic Data Directory. The
  objective is to make these data and information resources
  more readily available to researchers. Proposals to
  integrate data and information management are encouraged.
  For more information, visit http://agdc.usgs.gov.


  DIRECTORATE FOR SOCIAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ECONOMIC SCIENCE

SBE Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/home/sbe/
E-Bulletin: http://www.nsf.gov/home/ebulletin/
For general information, call NSF at 703-292-5111



The goals of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and
Economic Sciences (SBE) are to develop basic scientific
knowledge of human social behavior, interaction, and
decision making and of social and economic systems,
organizations, and institutions; to collect, analyze, and
publish data on the status of the Nation's science and
engineering human, institutional, and financial resources;
and to advance the U.S. science and engineering enterprise
by promoting international partnerships and by enhancing the
work of U.S. researchers through cooperative activities with
foreign scientists and engineers and their facilities and
institutions.

The Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Sciences supports programs and activities through the
following:

  -  Crosscutting Programs and Activities
  -  Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
  -  Division of Social and Economic Sciences (SES)
  -  Division of Science Resources Studies (SRS)
  -  Division of International Programs (INT)

For More Information

Visit the SBE Directorate home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/.



____________________________________________________________


CROSSCUTTING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES


In addition to supporting the programs and activities within
the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Sciences (SBE), SBE also takes an active role in the
following crosscutting programs and activities:

Thematic Areas

  -  Information Technology Research
  -  Biocomplexity in the Environment
  -  21st Century Workforce


National Science and Technology Council Crosscuts

  -  High Performance Computing and Communications and
     Information Technology
  -  U.S. Global Change Research
  -  Integrated Science for Ecosystems Challenges

For More Information

Visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES


Research support is available in the Division of Behavioral
and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) through the following clusters
of programs:

  -  Anthropological and Geographic Sciences Cluster
  -  Cognitive, Psychological, and Language Sciences Cluster


Submission of Proposals to the BCS Division

All programs in the BCS Division consider proposals for
research projects, conferences, and workshops. Some programs
also consider proposals for doctoral dissertation
improvement, the acquisition of specialized research and
computing equipment, and large-scale data collection.

BCS conducts special initiatives and competitions on a
number of topics such as human dimensions of global change,
integrative graduate education and research training, and
Cognitive Neuroscience.


For More Information

Write to the responsible program director, Division of
Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 995, Arlington, VA
22230; or contact by telephone, 703-292-8740; or visit the
BCS home page, http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/bcs/start.htm.


ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is within the Division of
Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) and is composed of
the following:

  1. Archaeology and Archaeometry
  2. Cultural Anthropology
  3. Geography and Regional Science
  4. Physical Anthropology

For More Information

Visit the BCS Division home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/bcs/start.htm.


1. Archaeology and Archaeometry - Supports archaeological
research that contributes to an anthropological
understanding of the past. Both fieldwork and nonfieldwork
are eligible for support. Through a special archaeometry
competition, the program provides support for projects that
conduct archaeometric work of anthropological significance
and that develop archaeometric techniques.

2. Cultural Anthropology - Supports basic research on the
causes and consequences of cross-cultural and intracultural
variation as such research broadens or refines
anthropological theory. In an effort to enhance the quality
of students' field research in graduate programs, the
program offers Ethnographic Research Training Awards.
Scholars' Awards in Methodological Training for Cultural
Anthropologists are offered for senior researchers who wish
to upgrade their research skills by learning a particular
analytical technique.

3. Geography and Regional Science - Supports basic research
on the causes and consequences of geographical differences
in economic, social, cultural, and physical phenomena,
including interactions among places and regions and
interrelations between human activities and the natural
environment. Projects on a variety of domestic and overseas
topics that will enhance geographical theory, geographical
methods, and its applications qualify for support.

4. Physical Anthropology - Supports basic research in areas
that relate to human evolution and contemporary human
variation. Research areas supported by the program include
human genetic variation, human adaptation, human osteology,
human paleontology, primate functional anatomy, and primate
behavior.


COGNITIVE, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND LANGUAGE SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is within the Division of
Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) and is composed of
the following:

  1. Child Learning and Development
  2. Human Cognition and Perception
  3. Linguistics
  4. Social Psychology

For More Information

Visit the BCS Division home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/bcs/start.htm.


1. Child Learning and Development - Supports research on
cognitive, social, and biological processes related to
children's and adolescents' learning in formal and informal
settings. Priorities are to support research on learning and
development that incorporates multidisciplinary,
multimethod, microgenetic, and longitudinal approaches;
develops new methods and theories; examines transfer of
knowledge from one domain to another; assesses peer
relations, family interactions, social identities, and
motivation; examines the impact of family, school, and
community resources; assesses adolescents' preparation for
entry into the workforce; and investigates the role of
demographic and cultural characteristics in children's
learning and development.

2. Human Cognition and Perception - Supports research on
human perceptual and cognitive processes, including the
development of these processes. Emphasis is on research
strongly grounded in theory. Research topics include vision,
audition, haptic perception, attention, object recognition,
language processing, spatial representation, motor control,
memory, reasoning, and concept formation. The program
encompasses a wide range of theoretical perspectives such as
experimental computation, connectionism, and ecological
perception, and a variety of methodologies such as
experimental studies and computational modeling. Research
involving acquired or developmental deficits is appropriate
if the results speak to basic issues in the study of normal
perception or cognition.

3. Linguistics - Supports theoretically informed scientific
research that focuses on human language as an object of
investigation. The program encompasses a wide range of
theoretical perspectives and a variety of methodologies,
including experimental studies and computational modeling.
Research topics include the properties of individual
languages and of language in general; language acquisition;
the psychological processes involved in the use of language;
social and cultural factors in language use, variation, and
change; the acoustics of speech and speech production and
perception; and the biological bases of language in the
central nervous system. Program awards have also supported
the development of lexicons, corpora, databases, and other
resources for linguistics and the language sciences. In
addition to regular research proposals, the program accepts
proposals for doctoral dissertation research; conferences,
workshops, and symposia; group travel to international
conferences; and Small Grants for Exploratory Research (for
more information, see the Crossscutting Investment
Strategies section of this Guide).

4. Social Psychology - Supports research on human and social
behavior, including cultural influences and development over
the lifespan. Research topics include aggression; altruism;
attitude formation and change; attitudes and behavior;
attributional processes; emotion; environmental psychology;
group decision making, performance, and process; intergroup
relations; interpersonal attraction and relations; nonverbal
communication; person perception; personality processes;
prejudice; the self; social comparison; social cognition;
social influence; and stereotyping.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SCIENCES


Research support is available in the Division of Social and
Economic Sciences (SES) through the following clusters of
programs:

  -  Economic, Decision, and Management Sciences Cluster
  -  Methods, Cross-Directorate, and Science and Society
     Cluster
  -  Social and Political Sciences Cluster


Submission of Proposals to the SES Division

All programs in the SES Division consider proposals for
research projects, conferences, and workshops. Some programs
also consider proposals for doctoral dissertation
improvement, the acquisition of specialized research and
computing equipment, and large-scale data collection.

SES conducts special initiatives and competitions on a
number of topics such as human dimensions of global change,
learning and intelligent systems, integrative graduate
education and research training, and human capital.


For More Information

Write to the responsible program director, Division of
Social and Economic Sciences, National Science Foundation,
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 995, Arlington, VA 22230; or
contact by telephone, 703-292-8760; or visit the SES home
page, http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/start.htm.



ECONOMIC, DECISION, AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is within the Division of Social
and Economic Sciences (SES) and consists of the following:

  1. Decision, Risk, and Management Science
  2. Economics
  3. Innovation and Organizational Change

For More Information

Visit the SES Division home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/start.htm.


1. Decision, Risk, and Management Science - Supports
research that explores fundamental issues in management
science, risk analysis, societal and public policy decision
making, behavioral decision making and judgment, and
organizational design. Research funded by the program is
directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness
of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations,
and society. Funded research must have implications in an
operational or applied context, be grounded in theory, be
based on empirical observation or subject to empirical
validation, and be generalizable. The program conducts a
special joint NSF/private sector initiative through which
NSF funding is matched by contributions from private firms
to conduct basic research that is firmly grounded in real
and practical contexts.

2. Economics - Supports basic scientific research designed
to improve the understanding of the processes and
institutions of the U.S. economy and of the world system of
which it is a part. The program supports empirical and
theoretical research as well as conferences in almost every
subfield of economics, including econometrics, mathematical
economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, industrial
organization, international economics, public finance, and
economic history. The program also supports
interdisciplinary research and conferences that strengthen
the connection between economics and other disciplines,
including the other social sciences, statistics,
mathematics, the behavioral sciences, and engineering.

3. Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC) - Seeks to
improve the performance of industrial, educational, service,
health care, government, and other organizations and
institutions. Proposers work in partnership with
organizations in these areas to perform research on
theories, concepts, and methodologies of innovation and
organizational change. The program supports research using
theory combined with empirical validation to understand
effective approaches to organizational learning and
redesign, strategic change, and cultural change; quality and
process improvement; innovation; new product and service
development; and the development and integration of new
technologies.

Three NSF directorates jointly support the program: Social
and Economic Sciences; Engineering; and Education and Human
Resources. The IOC Program supersedes and extends the scope
of two previous NSF programs: Management of Technological
Innovation (MOTI) and Transformations to Quality
Organizations (TQO).


METHODS, CROSS-DIRECTORATE, AND SCIENCE AND SOCIETY CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is within the Division of Social
and Economic Sciences (SES) and is composed of the
following:

  1. Cross-Directorate Activities
  2. Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics
  3. Science and Technology Studies
  4. Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and
     Technology: Ethics and Values Studies, Research on Science
     and Technology

For More Information

Visit the SES Division home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/start.htm.


1. Cross-Directorate Activities - Provides information about
various cross-directorate programs in which the Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate participates.
For activities related to the social and behavioral
sciences, the program administers the Research Experiences
for Undergraduates Sites and Minority Postdoctoral Research
Fellowships Programs, and coordinates the Faculty Early
Career Development, Presidential Early Career Awards for
Scientists and Engineers, and Small Business for Innovative
Research Programs. Also in the areas of social and
behavioral sciences, the program officers for Cross-
Directorate Activities can provide information about special
opportunities NSF offers for minority and women
investigators and for education initiatives. For a complete
description of these programs, see the Crosscutting
Investment Strategies section in this Guide.

For More Information

For further information, visit the NSF Crosscutting Programs
home page, http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/start.htm.


2. Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics - Supports
fundamental research on the development, application, and
extension of formal models and methodologies for social and
behavioral research, including methods for improving
measurement, and research on statistical methodology or
statistical modeling that has direct implications for one or
more of the social and behavioral sciences. Also supported
are research on methodological aspects of new or existing
procedures for data collection; research to evaluate or
compare existing data bases and data collection procedures;
the collection of unique data bases with cross-disciplinary
implications, especially when paired with developments in
measurement or methodology; and the methodological
infrastructure of social and behavioral research.

3. Science and Technology Studies - Supports historical,
philosophical, cognitive, and social research regarding the
character and development of science and technology; the
nature of theory and evidence in different fields; and the
social and intellectual construction of science and
technology. Support is also given to research that examines
the relationship among science, government, and other social
institutions and groups, and processes of scientific
innovation and change.

4. Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and
Technology: Ethics and Values Studies, Research on Science
and Technology - Includes Ethics and Values Studies (EVS)
and Research on Science and Technology (RST). The EVS
component focuses on improving knowledge about ethical and
value dimensions in science, engineering, and technology.
The RST component focuses on improving approaches and
information for decision making about investment in science,
engineering, and technology.


SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster of programs is within the Division of Social
and Economic Sciences (SES) and consists of the following:

  1. Law and Social Science
  2. Political Science
  3. Sociology

For More Information

Visit the SES Division home page,
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/start.htm.


1. Law and Social Science - Supports social science studies
of law and law-like systems of rule; institutions;
processes; and behavior. These may include research designed
to enhance the scientific understanding of the impact of
law; human behavior and interaction as they relate to law;
the dynamics of legal decision making; and the nature,
source, and consequence of variation and change in legal
institutions. The primary consideration is that the research
shows promise of advancing the scientific understanding of
law and legal process. Within this framework, the program
has an "open window" for diverse theoretical perspectives,
methods, and contexts for study.

2. Political Science - Supports scientific research that
advances knowledge and understanding of citizenship,
government, and politics. Research proposals are expected to
be theoretically motivated, conceptually clear,
methodologically rigorous, and empirically oriented.
Substantive areas for research proposals include American
government and politics, comparative government and
politics, international relations, political behavior,
political economy, and political institutions. In recent
years, program awards have supported research projects on
bargaining processes; campaigns and elections, electoral
choice, and electoral systems; citizen support in emerging
and established democracies; democratization, political
change, and regime transitions; domestic and international
conflict; international political economy; party activism;
political psychology and political tolerance. On occasion,
program awards also have supported research experiences for
undergraduate students, methodological advances in political
science, and infrastructural improvements through conference
activities.

3. Sociology - Supports scientific research on all forms of
human social organization-societies, institutions, groups,
and demography. The program encourages theoretically focused
empirical investigations of social processes and social
structures. It welcomes research that will build connections
with other disciplines. Recent awards supported by the
program include research on assimilation; crime and
delinquency; democratization; education; family; gender;
group processes; migration and immigration; organizations
and organizational behavior; race and ethnic relations;
religion; science and technology; social networks; social
movements; stratification and mobility; voluntary
organizations; and work and labor markets. The program also
promotes doctoral research through Dissertation Improvement
Grants (for more information on these grants, refer to the
NSF Grant Proposal Guide [NSF 01-2]).



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF SCIENCE RESOURCES STUDIES


The Division of Science Resources Studies (SRS) provides
statistical data on the science and engineering
enterprise--education; workforce; research and
development funding; and research facilities. The data
enables policy-makers, researchers, and the public to
better understand our nation's science, engineering, and
technology enterprise. SRS contracts for most of the data
collection activities and some of the analyses that it
handles.

The SRS Division encourages proposals for research,
workshops, and studies that will lead to the development of
new and improved science and technology (S&T) indicators;
and to an improved understanding of the S&T enterprise in
the United States and globally. SRS also invites new
approaches to the presentation of indicators that will both
increase the understanding of S&T issues and permit more
sophisticated techniques of statistical analysis and
electronic display.


Proposal Submission

The SRS Division welcomes the submission of proposals to its
programs in the topic areas mentioned in this Guide. For
specific information and instructions on proposal
submission, see the program announcement Grants for the
Analysis of Science and Technology Resources (NSF 00-111).
Proposals are due in mid-September. Awards are made in March
of the following year.


SRS Documents

Using data from its surveys, the SRS Division produces
numerous reports on important topics in science,
engineering, and technology. The following are examples of
widely referenced SRS publication series:

   -  Science and Engineering Indicators
   -  Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in
      Science and Engineering
   -  National Patterns of R&D Resources
   -  Science and Engineering Research Facilities
   -  Science and Engineering Doctorate Awards

Also available are special reports and data and issue briefs
on topics related to the science, engineering, and
technology enterprise. Data products such as microdata files
are made available to the research community. To help
acquaint customers with SRS products and databases, the
division has an extensive Web site presenting its full
collection of reports, public use microfiles, and online
data systems.

For More Information

Visit the SRS home page, http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/; or
contact the division by telephone, 703-292-8774.



____________________________________________________________


DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS


Research and education in science and engineering benefit
immensely from international cooperation. The Division of
International Programs (INT) enables and encourages U.S.
scientists, engineers, and their institutions to avail
themselves of opportunities to enhance their research and
education programs through international cooperation. NSF
also provides opportunities for future generations of U.S.
scientists and engineers to gain the experience and outlook
they will need to function productively in an international
research and education environment.


Submission of Proposals to the INT Division

The INT Division works closely with the disciplinary
research divisions of NSF. Depending on the circumstance, a
proposal may be submitted to INT or to the appropriate
disciplinary division, or supplements to existing grants may
be requested. Principal investigators who are considering
applying for an INT supplement should discuss the scope and
timeframe of their proposed activity with both the cognizant
program manager in the disciplinary research division and
the appropriate (normally, geographically based) program
manager in INT.

The INT Division typically supports the travel and
incremental international living costs of the U.S.
participants in the activity. Further information such as
special considerations and funding provisions for certain
geographical regions or countries can be found on the INT
Division home page, http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/int/start.htm,
and in the program announcement International Opportunities
for Scientists and Engineers (NSF 00-138).


Eligibility Requirements for the INT Division

Proposals from U.S. scientists and engineers for
international activities are eligible for consideration in
all fields of science and engineering supported by NSF.
Normally a proposal must be submitted by a U.S. institution,
with the exception of International Research Fellow awards
and the Japan and Korea Summer Programs, which accept
applications from individuals who are U.S. citizens or
permanent residents. Proposals submitted to the INT Division
normally compete in one of five regional groupings.
Proposals for International Research Fellow awards are in a
separate competition.

For More Information

Contact the relevant program office listed below or write to
the Division of International Programs, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 935, Arlington, VA
22230; or contact the division by telephone, 800-437-7408;
or by e-mail, intpubs@nsf.gov. Information is also available
on the INT home page, http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/int/start.htm.


International Research Fellow Awards (worldwide)   	703-292-8711
Africa, Near East, and South Asia               	703-292-8707
The Americas                              		703-292-8706
Central and Eastern Europe                   		703-292-8703
East Asia and the Pacific                    		703-292-8704
Western Europe                            		703-292-8702