Title:  Guide to Programs




BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) promotes and advances
scientific progress in biology largely through grants to colleges,
universities, and other institutions. In addition, support is provided
for the following: early development of academic faculty as both
educators and researchers through programs such as Faculty Early Career
Development (CAREER); research workshops, symposia, and conferences; the
purchase of scientific equipment for research purposes; maintenance and
improvement of research collections; active research participation
grants for undergraduates, integrative graduate education and research
training, and postdoctoral research fellowships; and, in selected areas,
doctoral dissertation improvement grants.

The BIO Directorate comprises the following Divisions and special areas
of research:

* Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI)
* Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
* Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBN)
* Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
* Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants
* Continuing Activities
* Supplemental Funding Opportunities
* Crosscutting Activities

In addition to the information in this chapter, more is available on the
BIO Directorate Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/bio/).

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.

Group Proposals in the BIO Directorate

Increasingly, many important research problems in science can be
addressed best by groups of investigators. A group approach not only may
result in a more comprehensive treatment of many scientific problems,
but also may provide innovative opportunities for the training of
students. NSF has long recognized the importance of this mode of
research by encouraging submission of group proposals. (For further
information on submission format, see the Grant Proposal Guide (NSF
99-2)).

The need for increased attention to small group research and training in
biology has been identified by several recent workshops such as the
NSF/BIO workshop 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, for collaborative
studies focused on a single problem. In addition to proposals from
individual investigators, BIO programs will evaluate group proposals as
part of the programs' portfolio of activities within existing budgets.
As is the case for proposals from individual investigators, group
proposals may provide for the training of students, and industrial
collaborations may be involved if appropriate. Investigators interested
in submitting a group proposal may contact the appropriate BIO program
for further advice and guidance.

Submission of Proposals to the BIO Directorate

Incoming proposals are assigned to program officers within the BIO
Directorate's divisions for merit review and recommendation. Support is
normally 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
and animals. Animal models of such conditions and the development and
testing of drugs and other procedures for their treatment are also 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, and in cases where a
proposer and the Federal program managers have previously agreed to a
joint review and possible 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 (see link at this site), an electronic publication;
or 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 would be approximately
six months after the target or deadline date. Unless there is a program
announcement stating otherwise, proposals must conform to all format
requirements in the Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 99-2), 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.


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE (DBI)

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

DBI supports research through the following groups of programs:

* Instrument-Related Activities
* Research Resources
* Training

For More Information on DBI Programs and Activities

For further information on DBI activities, 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) 306-1470; or visit the DBI Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/dbi-pd.htm).


LEVEL 3

INSTRUMENT-RELATED ACTIVITIES

This group of programs is within the Division of Biological
Infrastructure (DBI) and comprises the following:

* Multi-User Equipment and Instrumentation Resources for Biological
Sciences
* Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Proposals to Multi-User
Equipment and Instrumentation Resources for Biological Sciences
* Joint NSF/NIH Multi-User Instrumentation Activity
* Instrument Development for Biological Research
* Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment at
Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML)


LEVEL 4

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. Cost sharing of the capital cost by the institution is
required. For more information, see the program announcement Multi-User
Equipment and Instrumentation Resources for Biological Sciences (NSF
98-137).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Proposals to 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 Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Program (see
program announcement NSF 94-79). The Multi-User Equipment Program
requires that one of the principal investigators must actively be
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.

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Joint NSF/NIH Multi-User Instrumentation Activity

This program 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
the program announcement Multi-User Equipment and Instrumentation
Resources for Biological Sciences (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.

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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 the program announcement Instrument Development for
Biological Research (NSF 98-119).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment at Biological
Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML)

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 databases and communication
systems. Significant cost sharing is required. For more information, see
the publication Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and
Equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (NSF
98-17).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

RESEARCH RESOURCES

This group of programs is within the Division of Biological
Infrastructure (DBI) and comprises the following:

* Computational Biology Activities (CBA) in the Biological Sciences
* Database Activities in the Biological Sciences
* Plant Genome Research
* Support of Living Stock Collections
* Biological Research Collections


LEVEL 4

Computational Biology Activities (CBA) in the Biological Sciences

This program promotes, supports, and facilitates the development and use
of computational tools, algorithms, community software, and related
research that will enhance biological sciences research and
infrastructure. To achieve these goals, CBA encourages collaboration
among biological scientists, mathematicians, and computer scientists and
engineers on research, workshops, and training at all levels. Research
activities supported by this program are expected to have a large impact
on the biological science community by providing tools to help solve
problems in the biological sciences; or by developing novel
computational or mathematical approaches to these problems, particularly
approaches that involve high performance computing environments and
techniques. For more information, see the program announcement
Computational Biology Activities in the Biological Sciences (NSF 98-7).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Database Activities in the Biological Sciences

This program provides support for cross-disciplinary efforts to design,
develop, implement, and use information resources. Research
collaboration among biologists, computer scientists, and information
retrieval specialists from both academic and commercial organizations is
strongly encouraged. To facilitate access to current information
technology, support is provided for planning, designing, prototyping,
implementing, and distributing biological databases, algorithms, and
software relevant to analysis of biological information, and for new
methods and software supporting construction, operation, and access to
biological databases. Other focus areas include research on the
development of new data structures and data management systems for
biology; development of data dictionaries and common nomenclature for
biology; activities that will facilitate the exchange of ideas among
those engaged in database work; and activities that promote the
development and use of biological information resources. For more
information, see the program announcement Database Activities in
Biological Sciences (NSF 96-6).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Plant Genome Research

This program provides support for basic plant genomics research. In
fiscal year 1998, two activities were included: the plant genome
research program (see program announcement NSF 98-30) and the
Arabidopsis genome sequencing project (see program announcement NSF
98-52). In addition, DBI provides both national and international
coordination of the multinational Arabidopsis genome research project.
See the most recent annual progress report, Arabidopsis thaliana Genome
Research Project Progress Report: Year Six (NSF 97-131). Past issues are
also available from the division.

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Support of Living Stock Collections

This program supports repositories of research organisms, genetic
stocks, cell lines, seeds, and clones that are essential resources 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 the program announcement Guidelines
for Proposals for Support of Living Stock Collections (NSF 97-80).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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
the program announcement Biological Research Collections (NSF 98-126).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

TRAINING

This group of programs is within the Division of Biological
Infrastructure (DBI) and supports training-related activities through
the following:

* Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)-Sites
* Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions
* Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT)
* Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
* Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
* Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological Informatics


LEVEL 4

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 the program announcement Research
Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF 96-102).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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 1999. For more information, see the program announcement
Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions (NSF 96-116).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT)

In an effort to meet the need for a cadre of broadly prepared Ph.D.s
with the technical, professional, and personal skills essential to
addressing the varied career demands of the future, NSF has developed an
agency-wide initiative that will sponsor the development of innovative
research-based graduate education and training programs in
Ph.D.-granting institutions. The IGERT Program will support projects
that are based on multidisciplinary research themes and that are
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 educational
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 on IGERT

Further information on IGERT, including the IGERT program announcement
(NSF 98-96), 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, is available
on the IGERT Program Web site on the Crosscutting Programs Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

These fellowships are offered in selected areas to U.S. citizens, U.S.
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, total $80,000 for two
years, and require a change from the Ph.D. institution. Specific
activities for submission of applications are described below.

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

These fellowships are designed to prepare minority scientists who are
within four 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. These 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 degree are eligible for travel awards to visit
prospective sponsors prior to preparing a fellowship application. For
more information, see the program announcement Minority Postdoctoral
Research Fellowships and Supporting Activities (NSF 94-133).

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological Informatics

A program announcement is in clearance at this time. Watch the BIO
Directorate Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/bio/) for further information.

Contact Information (DBI)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (DEB)

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
evolution, mesoscale ecology, computational biology (including
modeling), conservation biology, global change, and restoration
ecology.
DEB also supports a network of long-term ecological research
sites, doctoral dissertation research, research conferences and
workshops, and a variety of NSF-wide activities.

DEB supports research through the following clusters of programs:

* Systematic and Population Biology
* Ecological Studies

For More Information on DEB Programs and Activities

For further information on DEB activities, 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) 306-1480; or visit the DEB Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/bio/deb/deb-pd.htm).


LEVEL 3

SYSTEMATIC AND POPULATION BIOLOGY CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) 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
range in subject from microbes to multicellular plants, animals, and
fungi.

Research areas are arranged in the following groups:

* Population Biology
* Systematic Biology
* Biotic Surveys and Inventories


LEVEL 4

Population Biology

Focus areas of this program include (1) molecular population studies,
including analyses of the causes and consequences of variation and
change in biochemical characteristics; RNA and DNA sequences; the
population genetics of mobile elements; the evolution of genic and
genomic organization and functioning; and the evolution of organismal
development; (2) population and quantitative genetics directed at
understanding the genotypic and phenotypic variation of populations
during microevolution; geographical differentiation; organismal
adaptation to changing environments; natural hybridization; and
speciation; and (3) studies from an ecological and evolutionary
perspective of the life history and life cycle phenomena of terrestrial,
freshwater, and wetland organisms; animal and plant demography of age-
and stage-structured populations; and population dynamics, including
linear, nonlinear, and stochastic approaches.

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Systematic Biology

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 (PEET) (see program announcement NSF 97-21), the deadline dates
for which are announced in the program announcement/guidelines); (3)
understanding of processes that underlie the origin and maintenance of
taxonomic diversity; and (4) theoretical and empirical studies of
biogeographical, coevolutionary, 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.

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Biotic Surveys and Inventories

This program focuses on 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. See the
program announcement Biotic Surveys and Inventories (NSF 98-158).

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

ECOLOGICAL STUDIES CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) 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.

Research areas are arranged in the following groups:

* Ecosystems Studies
* Ecology
* Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER)
* Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB)


LEVEL 4

Ecosystems Studies

This program supports 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.

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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.

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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 nonecological investigators. The deadline date for
submission of proposals is announced only via special solicitations;
unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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.

Contact Information (DEB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE (IBN)

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, and cellular 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 impacted 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, and symposia, and a variety of NSF-wide
activities.

IBN supports research through the following clusters of programs:

* Developmental Mechanisms
* Neuroscience
* Physiology and Ethology

For More Information on IBN Programs and Activities

For further information on IBN activities, 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) 306-1420; or visit the IBN Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/bio/ibn/ibn-pd.htm).


LEVEL 3

DEVELOPMENTAL MECHANISMS CLUSTER

This cluster is located in the Division of Integrative Biology and
Neuroscience (IBN) and supports research on the nature, control, and
evolution of those processes that comprise the life cycle of organisms.
Approaches range from molecular genetic 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 three general areas of research are Plant and Microbial
Developmental Mechanisms, Animal Developmental Mechanisms, and Evolution
of Developmental Mechanisms.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

NEUROSCIENCE CLUSTER

This cluster is located in the Division of Integrative Biology and
Neuroscience (IBN) 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.

Research areas in this cluster are arranged in the following groups:

* Behavioral Neuroscience
* Computational Neuroscience
* Developmental Neuroscience
* Neuroendocrinology
* Neuronal and Glial Mechanisms
* Sensory Systems


LEVEL 4

Behavioral Neuroscience

This program focuses on the neural regulation of behavioral events
ranging from simple movements to complex adaptive and interactive
responses. Major activities are sensorimotor integration; biological
rhythms; and cognitive functions such as attention, spatial
representation, and learning and memory. Approaches that use novel
techniques to study behavior within an evolutionary and ecological
context are encouraged.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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 also welcomes theoretical
approaches for developing innovative, testable concepts that will
clarify and extend current experimental observations in all areas of
neuroscience.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Developmental Neuroscience

This program focuses on the development, regeneration, and aging of the
nervous system. Use of model systems to elucidate basic mechanisms and
principles that typically apply to many neuronal systems is encouraged.
Current studies include aspects of axonal navigation and cell migration,
cell lineage and determination, neuronal morphogenesis and neuron/glia
interactions, synaptic specificity and plasticity, cell death, and the
relationship of neural developmental mechanisms with learning. These
studies may employ a wide range of approaches, from the use of cellular
and molecular techniques to the study of development at the system or
behavioral level.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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. Research ranges from the basic mechanisms underlying
neuroendocrine development and regulation to the use of molecular
biological tools to examine the interaction between physiologically and
behaviorally related events and gene expression.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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,
systems, and behavioral levels and psychophysical correlates of sensory
neural processes. Topics include sensory transudation; neural coding and
integrative mechanisms; and comparative aspects of sensory capabilities,
including vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, equilibrium,
electrosensation, magnetic sensation, and other senses.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

PHYSIOLOGY AND ETHOLOGY CLUSTER

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

Research areas in this cluster are arranged in the following groups:

* Animal Behavior
* Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology
* Integrative Animal Biology
* Integrative Plant Biology


LEVEL 4

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 to the study of behavior are
particularly encouraged.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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 (link) Neuroscience Cluster.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Integrative Plant Biology

This program supports research on plants as functional units and
combines molecular, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to the
understanding of plant form and function. Examples include whole-plant,
tissue, and organ physiology; sensory mechanisms; and hormonal and
environmental regulation of plant function. Examples also include 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
accommodate changing environmental conditions.

Contact Information (IBN)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOSCIENCES (MCB)

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. MCB supports fundamental research that will lead to
technological innovation and multidisciplinary and small group research.
Other focus areas include biodiversity and biotechnology, microbial
biology, plant biology, theoretical or computational aspects of
molecular and cellular studies, molecular evolution, and biomolecular
materials. Also considered are proposals for the support of special
meetings and workshops-both domestic and international-and a variety of
NSF-wide activities.

The MCB Division supports research through the following clusters of
programs:

* Biomolecular Structure and Function
* Biomolecular Processes
* Cell Biology
* Genetics

For More Information on MCB Programs and Activities

For further information on MCB activities, 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) 306-1440; or visit the MCB Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/bio/mcb/mcb-pd.htm).


LEVEL 3

BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION CLUSTER

This cluster is located in the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
Division 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 supports research in the following areas:

* Molecular Biochemistry
* Molecular Biophysics


LEVEL 4

Molecular Biochemistry

This program emphasizes the correlation of function with the known
structure of biological macromolecules and supramolecular structures
such as multienzyme complexes, membranes, and viruses. Additional areas
include ribosomal function, the mechanism and regulation of enzyme and
RNA catalysis, biochemical reactions involved in bioenergetic processes
and photosynthesis, key biochemical processes involved in protein
synthesis and folding, and the synthesis of bimolecular materials. To
address these topics, approaches typically include combinations of
biochemical, molecular biological, chemical, physical, and genetic
techniques that are applied in an integrative manner.

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Molecular Biophysics

This program supports research on the structure, dynamics, and
interactions of biological macromolecules. This includes the
determination and study of three-dimensional structure of
macromolecules; assembly and architecture of supramolecular structures
such as 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 methodologies include theory and computation, x-ray
diffraction, magnetic resonance, optical spectroscopy, specialized
microscopy such as atomic force, and mass spectrometry.

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

BIOMOLECULAR PROCESSES CLUSTER

This cluster is located in the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
Division 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.

The cluster supports research in the following areas:

* Biochemistry of Gene Expression
* Metabolic Biochemistry


LEVEL 4

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.
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.

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

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 to conduct metabolic studies.

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 3

CELL BIOLOGY CLUSTER

This cluster is located in the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
Division and supports research on the structure, function, and
regulation of plant, animal, and microbial cells.

The cluster supports research in the following areas:

* Cellular Organization
* Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation


LEVEL 4

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.

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation

This program supports the study of intracellular and transmembrane
signal transduction mechanisms and functions. These include signal
reception, second messenger and signaling cascades, cellular mechanisms
of recognition and defense, and the regulation of cell cycle
progression.


LEVEL 3

GENETICS CLUSTER

This cluster is located in the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
Division 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, but are not limited to, mechanisms of gene
regulation, chromosome structure and replication, epigenetic phenomena,
DNA repair and recombination, sex determination, genetic interactions
between genomes, and molecular evolution. The methodology to be 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 co-reviewed in a manner that will ensure effective
and fair evaluation of each proposal.

The cluster supports research in the following areas:

* Eukaryotic Genetics
* Microbial Genetics


LEVEL 4

Eukaryotic Genetics

This program supports genetic studies of eukaryotic organisms, with the
exception of fungi, as experimental organisms. Other research topics
include organelle and nuclear genomes, viruses of eukaryotic organisms,
and any parasitic or symbiotic interaction at the genetic level.
Epigenetic phenomena and molecular evolution are also areas of interest.

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Microbial Genetics

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

Contact Information (MCB)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

DOCTORAL DISSERTATION IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants provide partial support for
dissertation research with an ecological, evolutionary, or behavioral
focus. Grants are typically awarded for 24 months and range from $3,000
to $10,000. The guidelines for dissertation proposals are substantially
different from those for conventional proposals. For more information on
these special guidelines, see the program announcement Doctoral
Dissertation Improvement Grants in the Directorate for Biological
Sciences (NSF 98-151).

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

CONTINUING ACTIVITIES

Investigators seeking funds for any of the following continuing
activities should submit proposals directly to the appropriate
coordinating program by the target date announced for each.

These activities include the following:

* Basic Research in Conservation and Restoration Biology
* Biosystems Analysis and Control
* Biotechnology
* Collaborative Research in Neuroscience, Computer and Mathematical
Sciences, and Engineering (CRI)
* Environmental Endocrinology/Endocrine Disrupters
* Microbial Biology
* Modeling of Biological Systems-The Interface of Biology, Mathematics,
and the Physical Sciences

For More Information

For further information on any of the programs in this section, visit
the BIO Directorate Home Page at (http://www.nsf.gov/bio/).

LEVEL 3

Basic Research in Conservation and Restoration Biology

This program invites proposals for fundamental research aimed at
elucidating the underlying principles of the conservation and
restoration of biological diversity. Biological diversity is broadly
defined as the variety of life and its processes. There is particular
interest in proposals that focus on scientific principles of and
approaches to the restoration of biological diversity.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Biosystems Analysis and Control

This program supports cross-disciplinary research to develop innovative
techniques and approaches for the analysis and control of complex
natural and artificial dynamic systems. Such studies will extend our
understanding of how biological systems interpret sensory signals,
control physiological processes, and adaptively monitor and control
motor functions. The expected outcomes of these activities include the
development of software and hardware models of neural circuits involved
in information processing, the design of mathematical tools for
understanding nervous systems, and the development of engineering
control system architectures based on biological prototypes.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Biotechnology

NSF is one of 12 Federal agencies participating in a government-wide
effort under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to
coordinate and maximize the impact of the Federal investment in research
in biotechnology. Analysis of the biotechnology research programs and
budgets of these 12 Federal agencies shows that the pattern of Federal
support for biotechnology research has left important gaps in the
knowledge base underlying future applications in several critical areas,
including biotechnology related to the environment,
manufacturing/bioprocessing, agriculture, research on the social impact
of biotechnology, and the infrastructure and training specific to
biotechnology research in these areas.NSF internal working groups and
outside advisors have identified six areas of interdisciplinary
biotechnology research in which NSF can make major contributions.

* Environmental Biotechnology-Researches mechanisms that maintain
ecosystem integrity and function; use of individual organisms, groups of
interacting organisms, and their products for environmental
rehabilitation; whole ecosystem bioremediation; exploration of
organismal diversity from different habitats; and development of bases
of information on properties of different microbes.

* Plant (Agricultural) Biotechnology-Uses techniques of molecular
biology to enhance the understanding of basic plant biology, such as
flower initiation; regulation of gene expression in plants; elucidation
of the metabolic pathways leading to production of useful plant
chemicals; mechanisms by which plants respond to environmental signals
and stress; and how plants interact with pests, pathogens, and
symbionts.

* Bioprocessing and Bioconversion-Researches the efficient production of
commercially valuable molecules such as specialty chemicals and
biopolymers; conversion of low-cost raw materials into useful products
such as biomass or low-grade ores; studies of the physiology,
biochemistry, and genetics of suitable organisms; biosensor development;
and design and scaleup of bioreactor systems and of separation and
purification systems.

* Bioelectronics and Bionetworks-Develops techniques, materials, and
devices based on computational and molecular transduction mechanisms
that work in living systems, and develops stable biosensors and
voltage-sensing devices, methodology for interfacing neurons and
electronic circuitry, and instrumentation based on principles of
biological systems.

* Marine Biotechnology-Fundamental studies to elucidate the molecular
genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of marine organisms, and their
products and processes; applications of molecular biology techniques to
an understanding of the role of marine organisms in the global carbon
and elemental cycles; studies on molecular adaptations of organisms from
extreme environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and polar
environments; use of marine viruses in genetic engineering;
biodegradation of toxic substances; and studies of the nutrition,
physiology, reproduction, defense mechanisms, and genetics of
economically important fish and shellfish.

* Social and Economic Dimensions of Biotechnology-Studies of the
processes of innovation, management, and dissemination of biotechnology;
mutual influences of biotechnology innovation and social, economic, and
legal structures and processes; effects of biotechnology innovation on
labor force composition, educational needs, national productivity,
international competitiveness, and international relations;
identification and management of risks and benefits of biotechnology;
and examinations of public opinion, acceptance, and ethical
considerations in biotechnology research, development, and application.

Research infrastructure and human resources for biotechnology in these
areas are important components of the biotechnology effort. NSF's
approach to this crosscutting area is interdisciplinary, with an
emphasis on fundamental and "proof-of-concept" research, training,
instrumentation, research resources, and university/industry
cooperation. The BIO, Engineering (ENG), Geosciences (GEO), Mathematical
and Physical Sciences (MPS), and Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Sciences (SBE) Directorates and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP)
contribute to the biotechnology area. A variety of funding modes are
utilized, including individual investigator awards, interdisciplinary
groups, and centers. In supporting biotechnology research, NSF continues
to rely on the scientific and engineering communities to develop
specific projects within the six identified areas.

For More Information

For further information, contact the following:

* In the BIO Directorate, contact Dr. Maryanna Henkart, Director,
Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, at (703) 306-1440.

* In the ENG Directorate, contact Dr. Fred Heineken, Program Director,
Biotechnology Program, at (703) 306-1319.

* In the MPS Directorate, contact Dr. George Rubottom, Program Director,
Division of Chemistry, at (703) 306-1851.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Collaborative Research in Neuroscience, Computer and Mathematical
Sciences, and Engineering (CRI)

This program supports the planning and initiation of novel research by
neuroscientists in collaboration with investigators in mathematical,
computer and information sciences, and engineering to address problems
of the design, development, and implementation of electronic and
information technology resources for functional studies of the nervous
system. One of the most exciting and challenging scientific research
opportunities addresses the mapping of function onto structure of the
brain. This cross-disciplinary research is expected to lead to the
development of novel solutions to problems of neuroscience information
modeling, storage, visualization, integration, and communication.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Environmental Endocrinology/Endocrine Disrupters

NSF supports fundamental research in the area of environmental
endocrinology, including endocrine disrupters. This area includes
research on the multilevel analysis of molecular, cellular, and genetic
processes (both receptor and non-receptor mediated) of hormone activity
associated with behavioral, physiological, developmental, and ecological
systems in a variety of environments. This area includes studies of
molecular mechanisms, evolutionary significance, functional and
molecular analysis, and the degree of conservation of hormones and
hormone systems across invertebrates and vertebrates (particularly
nonmammalian) and in equivalent regulatory systems in plants and
interactions between plants and animals.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Microbial Biology

This program encourages proposals focused on a single project from
individual investigators or small groups of investigators directed
toward research on micro-organisms, especially prokaryotes and
filamentous fungi, that occupy diverse habitats. BIO is particularly
interested in receiving proposals for basic research studies on
previously neglected or presently unknown microbes. The scope of
research encouraged includes, but is not limited to, studies of
microbial, metabolic, and structural features that allow growth and
survival in unusual natural environments; studies on the mechanistic
basis of interactions among microbes and of microbes with other
cohabiting species; studies of genes and environmental factors that
influence the frequency of genetic exchange between micro-organisms in
natural environments; studies of the diversity of microbial processes
for anaerobic and aerobic flows of energy and cycling of nutrients in
water/water and air/water interfaces of streams, the
rhizosphere/phylosphere of plants, and the sediments of lakes and
wetlands; and the development of instrumentation and chemical,
biological, and computational methods that enhance the study of
micro-organisms in their natural environment and of methods for the
management and analysis of data related to micro-organisms.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Modeling of Biological Systems--The Interface of Biology, Mathematics,
and the Physical Sciences-

Characterization of biological systems has reached an unparalleled level
of detail. To organize this detail and arrive at a better fundamental
understanding of life processes, it is imperative that powerful
conceptual tools from mathematics and the physical sciences be applied
to frontier problems in biology.

Modeling of biological systems is an important partner of experimental
work. All facets of biology-environmental, organismal, cellular, and
molecular-are accessible to chemical, physical, and mathematical
approaches. NSF encourages increased collaboration among physical
scientists, mathematicians, and biologists in addressing biological
problems.

Most NSF resources for biosciences have been directed toward
experimental investigation. An enhanced cooperative effort to emphasize
theoretical approaches will provide new conceptual frameworks for
experimentalists and attract scientists with diverse skills and training
to foster multidisciplinary cooperation in the study of biological
problems.

All divisions in the BIO Directorate and the Divisions of Physics,
Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Materials Research in the MPS
Directorate are coordinating efforts to respond appropriately to
multidisciplinary modeling proposals.

For More Information

For further information, contact any of the following, based on your
area of interest:

* In the Division of Biological Infrastructure, contact Dr. Paul Gilna at
(703) 306-1469.
* In the Division of Environmental Biology, contact Dr. Mark Courtney at
(703) 306-1481.
* In the Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience, contact Dr.
Roy White at (703) 306-1416.
* In the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, contact Dr.
Kamal Shukla at (703) 306-1444.

Contact Information (CA)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The following programs allow NSF grantees to apply for supplemental
funding to support research experiences for faculty at two- and
four-year colleges, undergraduate students, and high school students:

* Research Opportunity Awards (ROA)
* Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Supplements
* Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students (RAMHSS)

For More Information

For further information on the activities in this section, contact the
cognizant program director, refer to the program announcement listed for
each activity, or visit the BIO Directorate Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/bio/).


LEVEL 3

Research Opportunity Awards (ROA)

These supplemental awards are designed for faculty at two- or four-year
colleges who want to participate in NSF-supported research projects. A
request letter should briefly outline the nature of the planned research
and include an expression of interest from the host scientist and the
curriculum vitae of the guest scientist. These supplements may include
(if applicable) summer or partial sabbatical salary and a modest amount
for supplies and travel for the participant. For more information, see
the latest Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 99-2).

Contact Information (SFO)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Supplements

These supplemental awards allow undergraduate students to participate in
NSF-supported research projects by providing support for stipends,
supplies, and other reasonable costs. To be eligible for support, a
student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must be an
undergraduate who will not have received a baccalaureate degree prior to
the receipt of the stipend. An REU request letter should be specific
with regard to the student's qualifications and role in the research
project. We particularly encourage requests that include students from
groups traditionally underrepresented in science. For more information,
see the program announcement Research Experiences for Undergraduates
(NSF 96-102). For more information, see "Training" in the Division of
Biological Infrastructure. REU also offers special training programs
through the REU Sites Program.

Contact Information (SFO)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)

Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students (RAMHSS)

The purpose of these supplemental awards is to encourage high school
students from groups traditionally underrepresented in U.S. science to
participate in NSF-supported research projects. Please be specific in
your letter about the student's minority status, qualifications, and
nature of participation in the research. For more information, see the
program announcement Research Assistantships for Minority High School
Students (NSF 89-39, currently in revision).

Contact Information (SFO)

Eligibility (BIO)
Group Proposals (BIO)
Proposal Submission (BIO)
Deadlines and Target Dates (BIO)


LEVEL 2

CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES

The BIO Directorate, in conjunction with several other NSF directorates,
has an active role in the Advanced Materials and Processing Program
(AMPP).


COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

The 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 is
organized in five divisions; three focus primarily on research, and two
combine both infrastructure and research functions.

The CISE Directorate comprises the following Divisions:

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

CISE is inherently multidisciplinary and 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, CISE provides the general scientific
community with access to advanced computing and networking capabilities.
Programs like 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, CISE supports distributed research resources
and systems for research and education, and educational development
through various activities such as educational infrastructure and
educational supplements.

For further information beyond what appears in this Guide, visit the
CISE Directorate Home Page (http://www.cise.nsf.gov/).

ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESEARCH

The Division of Advanced Computational Infrastructure and Research
(ACIR) supports research through the following programs and activities:

* Advanced Computational Research
* Postdoctoral Research in Computational Science
* Partnerships in Advanced Computational Infrastructure (PACI)

For More Information on ACIR Programs and Activities

For further information on ACIR activities, 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) 306-1970; or visit the ACIR
Division Home Page (http://www.cise.nsf.gov/acir/index.html).

Advanced Computational Research

This program supports the range of technologies necessary to advance
high performance computing. The program uses advanced computing and
simulation capabilities to solve fundamental problems throughout science
and engineering. In particular, the program supports research in
parallel programming environments and tools, advanced algorithms and
applications, and scientific visualization and graphics.

Contact Information (ACIR)

Postdoctoral Research in Computational Science

This program provides support for new Ph.D.s in computational science to
conduct research on high performance computing at academic research
institutions. These awards provide opportunities for recent Ph.D.s to
broaden their knowledge and experience, and to prepare for significant
research careers on the frontiers of contemporary computational science
and engineering.

Contact Information (ACIR)

Partnerships for Advanced Computational Infrastructure (PACI)

This program builds on and replaces the NSF Supercomputer Centers
Program and focuses on taking advantage of newly emerging opportunities
in high performance computing and communications. PACI provides the
flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving circumstances and meets the
need for the high-end computation necessary to enable continued world
leadership in computational science and engineering. In addition, PACI
serves the needs of the academic research community by providing
researchers with access to high performance computing systems and to
highly trained staff who are necessary in developing and optimizing the
systems' use. The development of scalable parallel systems, high
performance networking and high bandwidth, and large-capacity mass
storage systems creates a national infrastructure consisting of a number
of geographically distributed sites strongly coupled to high-end
computational resources and to each other via high-speed communication
networks.

PACI consists of two partnerships with leading-edge sites joined
together with cooperative partners. The leading-edge sites maintain
high-end hardware systems that are one to two orders of magnitude more
capable than those typically available at a major research university.
The partners collectively complete the overall infrastructure by
facilitating research and experimentation with new hardware and
software, providing scalable resources for applications and applications
development that can be best used on mid-level systems, providing access
to unique experimental systems and facilities, and promoting education
and training.

Contact Information (ACIR)

ADVANCED NETWORKING INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESEARCH

Research support is available in the Division of Advanced Networking
Infrastructure and Research (ANIR) through the following programs and
activities:

* Advanced Networking Infrastructure
* Networking Research
* Special Projects in Networking

For More Information on ANIR Programs and Activities

For further information on ANIR activities, 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) 306-1950; or visit the ANIR
Division Home Page (http://www.cise.nsf.gov/anir/index.html).

Advanced Netowrking Infrastructure (ANI)

This program supports research, development, implementation, and testing
of advanced high-performance network testbeds and related technologies
in support of the distributed information technology goals of the U.S.
research and education community. This applied research program seeks to
enable the use of novel and/or advanced research applications across all
disciplines of science and engineering; coordinates interactions with
international research partners; and promotes the analysis, improvement,
and evolution of the Internet. This program provides nationwide
high-performance infrastructure for the U.S. science and education
community.

Contact Information (ANIR)

Networking Research

This program focuses on the fundamental science and technology needed to
facilitate the efficient, high-speed transfer of information through
networks and distributed systems. Projects funded span the entire
spectrum 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.

Contact Information (ANIR)

Special Projects in Networking

This program differs from Networking Research 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, databases, 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.

Contact Information (ANIR)

COMPUTER-COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH

The Division of Computer-Communications Research (C-CR) supports
research through the following programs and activities:

* Communications
* Computer Systems Architecture
* Design Automation
* Numeric, Symbolic, and Geometric Computation
* Operating Systems and Compilers
* Signal Processing Systems
* Software Engineering and Languages
* Theory of Computing

For More Information on C-CR Programs and Activities

For further information on C-CR activities, 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) 306-1910; or visit the C-CR Division Home
Page (http://www.cise.nsf.gov/ccr/index.html).


Communications (COM)

This program supports research in algorithms and in those areas of
science and technology 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 in the related fields of magnetic and optical data
storage. The research supported by COM is distinguished from that
supported by the networking research programs in the Advanced Networking
Infrastructure and Research (ANIR) Division by its focus on
point-to-point issues and methodologies associated with the lower OSI
layers (e.g., the physical layer and the data link layer). Programs in
ANIR, on the other hand, address higher-layer issues confronted in
multi-user networks. Areas supported by COM include 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
achievable and what is not achievable in the various communications
functions.

Contact Information (CCR)

Computer Systems Architecture (CSA)

This program supports foundational research on new computing systems,
with particular focus on new architecture ideas and the concepts that
lay the basis for solving computing problems likely to arise in the
future. Design, implementation, and evaluation of novel computing
structures and technologies are included. Theoretical and small-scale
experimental studies and assessments of fault tolerance and performance
are supported, as is research on system software, when intimately
connected to the architecture or hardware. Currently, special attention
is given to research in metrics (benchmarks, new applications,
nonperformance metrics); systems of systems (latency, bandwidth,
processor-in-memory, new device support); small-scale (roughly 2 to 100
nodes) MPs (compiler/architecture interaction); memory (bandwidth,
latency questions, hierarchy management); interconnect (fault tolerance,
dynamics of recovery, reliability, quality of service);
processor-in-memory (PIM) (single and multiple PIMs, new architectures);
input/output (availability, scalability, performance, latency
tolerance); multiple-thread computing (multiscalar, dynamic sharing,
communication); and protection (nontrusted applications coming from the
net, security, privacy).

Contact Information (CCR)

Design Automation (DA)

This program supports basic research in electronic design automation
(EDA) and those areas in which VLSI design technology is applicable,
such as systems-on-a-chip, embedded systems, and multitechnology
(optical, micro-, and electromechanical, etc.) design methods. Broad
areas include scientific methodologies, intellectual processes,
abstractions, search paradigms, and information models used in VLSI
design. Research covers all phases of the complete EDA design cycle for
integrated circuits and systems, from conception through manufacturing
test. Topical areas of VLSI design technology include theoretical
foundations, models, algorithms, tools, analysis, synthesis, simulation,
validation, and verification; system design methodologies
(system-on-a-chip, multichip, and multitechnology systems);
manufacturing (fault models and algorithms for diagnosis and test in
digital, analog, and mixed signal designs); and design and system
prototyping methods, tools, and environments, especially the information
infrastructure aspects.

Contact Information (CCR)

Numeric, Symbolic, and Geometric Computation (NSGC)

This program supports fundamental research in both computational
computing and graphics. The former includes numerical computation and
modeling of physical processes; computational geometry; mathematical
optimization; computer algebra; deductive methods for reasoning in
computational logic; and automated deduction, including computer
graphics and imaging. Both areas combine advanced algorithms with
mathematical methods of analysis. The program also supports the
integration of research results in these areas into problem-solving
environments to support computational science and engineering.
Innovative applications of advanced computational and graphic techniques
in scientific and engineering systems such as manufacturing and design,
proof support systems, and prototyping and design verification are
welcomed. Research supported addresses generic as well as scientific and
engineering discipline-specific computation.

Contact Information (CCR)

Operating Systems and Compilers (OSC)

This program 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 APIs for uniform access and management of resources in
LANs and WANs, middleware infrastructure for building scalable services,
resource management for new applications and quality of service
requirements, and security and electronic commerce. In the area of
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 World Wide Web.

Contact Information (CCR)

Signal Processing Systems (SPS)

This program 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.
Special attention is currently given to antenna array processing with
application to wireless communications systems, especially cellular
telephony, personal communications systems, and wireless LANs; 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, such as nondestructive tests
and evaluations, computed tomography, and SAR.

Contact Information (CCR)

Software Engineering and Languages (SEL)

This program supports fundamental research underlying the development
and evolution of quality software-based systems. Projects may research
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 adjuct to
conceptually motivated research. Projects contributing to an
experimental research infrastructure by providing access to testbeds,
software development data, repositories of software project artifacts
will be considered.

Contact Information (CCR)

Theory of Computing (ToC)

This program supports fundamental research in three areas. Core Theory
covers computational complexity, cryptography, interactive computation,
computational learning, parallel and distributed computation,
computation on random data, online computation, and reasoning about
knowledge. Fundamental algorithms include developing combinitorial,
approximation, parallel, online, numerical, geometric, and graph
algorithms that transcend application domains. Application-specific
theory supports developing models and techniques for solving prblems
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.

Contact Information (CCR)

EXPERIMENTAL AND INTEGRATIVE ACTIVITIES

The Division of Experimental and Integrative Activities (EIA) supports
research through the following programs and activities:

* CISE Advanced Distributed Resources for Experiments
* Experimental Partnerships
* Challenges in CISE
* CISE Research Infrastructure
* Instrumentation Grants for Research in Computer and Information
Science and Engineering
* CISE Minority Institutions Infrastructure
* CISE Educational Innovation Program
* NSF-CONACyT Collaborative Research Opportunities
* CISE: NSF-CNPq Collaborative Research Opportunities
* Digital Government
* Special Projects
* Major Research Instrumentation
* Combined Research-Curriculum Development
* Research Experiences for Undergraduates
* Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies
* Postdoctoral Research Associates in Experimental Computer Science
* Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education
* Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training

For More Information on EIA Programs and Activities

For further information on EIA activities, 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) 306-1980; or visit the EIA Division Home
Page (http://www.cise.nsf.gov/eia/index.html).

CISE Advanced Distributed Resources for Experiments (CADRE)

This program complements research and education activities by supporting
the establishment and maintenance of CISE advanced distributed resources
for experiments (CADRE). These are unique resources that, once
established, can be accessed remotely by researchers around the country.
Resources can be diverse and can include, for example, 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.

Contact Information (EIA)

Experimental Partnerships

This program provides opportunities in support of multidisciplinary,
group-oriented research on topics that are within the domain of CISE
programs. Experimental partnerships focus on a single problem, the
solution of which requires scientific advances both in experimental
computer science and engineering and in one or more partner disciplines
within CISE.

Contact Information (EIA)

Challenges in CISE

This program provides opportunities in support of multidisciplinary
research (group-oriented as well as single investigator) in CISE areas.
Focus is on research on technological advances in computer science and
engineering, driven and validated by end-user applications.

Under this program, a new thrust-Next Generation Software (NGS)-will
foster multidisciplinary software research aimed at developing
Technology for Performance Engineered Systems (TPES) and Complex
Application Design and Support Systems (CADSS). TPES will support
research to develop methods and tools for modeling, measurement,
analysis, evaluation, and prediction of performance of complex computing
and communications systems, and the applications executed on such
systems. CADSS will support research on the development and run-time
support of complex applications executed on complex computing platforms.
The overall thrust of NGS will be research and development for software
technologies integrated across the systems' architectural layers, and
supported by the design and the operation cycle of applications,
computing, and communications systems. Developed technologies should be
validated with demonstrations on important national interest
applications.

Contact Information (EIA)

CISE Research Infrastructure

This program provides support for the establishment, enhancement, and
operation of major experimental facilities in all CISE research areas.
It may also assist activities for integration of research and education.
The program recognizes the emergence of research groups requiring
strengthening of experimental facilities in a variety of
environments-those solely within a single academic environment, those
drawing from several departments in a single institution, and those
spanning several different institutions. Projects supported usually
involve several individual projects with synergy among their research
activities. Outreach to underrepresented groups is an additional program
goal. Awards are usually for five years. Significant cost-sharing of 33
percent is required.

Eligibility Requirements for CISE Research Infrastructure

Ph.D.-granting departments in CISE research areas or partnerships with
at least one such partner are eligible to apply for an award.

For More Information on CISE Research Infrastructure

For further information on the CISE Research Infrastructure Program,
contact Dr. Stephen Mahaney, Program Director, by telephone, (703)
306-1981, or by e-mail, smahaney@nsf.gov.

Contact Information (EIA)

Instrumentation Grants for Research in Computer and Information Science
and Engineering

This program supports groups of two to five participating projects for
the purchase of research equipment, instrumentation, or software for
research in CISE areas. The program gives particular emphasis to unique
or new research capabilities that can ensue from the acquisition of the
equipment. Significant cost-sharing, usually 33 percent, is required.

Eligibility Requirements for CISE Instrumentation Grants

Both graduate degree and four-year institutions in the United States are
eligible to apply for an award.

Contact Information (EIA)

CISE Minority Institutions Infrastructure

This program provides awards to aid efforts that may significantly
expand the numbers of minority students attracted to and retained in
CISE disciplines. The program supports a variety of activities,
including, but not limited to, research programs involving minority
students, curriculum development projects, mentoring, and outreach. Both
one-year planning grants and continuing grants of up to five years in
duration are awarded. Significant cost-sharing for the latter, usually
25 percent, is expected.

Eligibility Requirements for Minority Institutions Infrastructure

Eligible institutions must be minority institutions (defined by
significant percentages of minority students).

Contact Information (EIA)

CISE Educational Innovation Program

This program 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 national models of
excellence by acting as prototypes for use by a broader segment of the
CISE community. Proposals may address a variety of educational
activities, including, but not limited to, the development of courses,
instructional technologies, software, and other educational materials.

Contact Information (EIA)

NSF-CONACyT Collaborative Research Opportunities

NSF and the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) (National
Council of Science and Technology Research) of Mexico are supporting
international cooperative efforts in research and research
infrastructure in computer science, information systems, computer
engineering, and engineering research, including environmental,
manufacturing, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and biomedical
systems. Proposals from Mexican researchers and research institutions
are selected and administered by CONACyT, subject to the regulations of
the Program for the Support of Science in Mexico.

Contact Information (EIA)

CISE: NSF-CNPq Collaborative Research Opportunities

NSF and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e
Tecnologico da Pesquisas (CNPq) (National Council of Scientific and
Technological Research) of Brazil announce a pilot activity to support
new efforts in international cooperative research in any CISE-related
area where the efforts are likely to produce positive, complementary,
and synergistic effects. The purpose of the initiative is to advance
scientific and engineering knowledge in CISE areas through joint
research efforts by investigators who have complementary talents and
interests, by capitalizing on the international character of modern
scientific research, and by the ability to collaborate at a distance
using the support of computer network infrastructures.

For More Information on NSF-CNPq

For further information on CISE: NSF-CNPq Collaborative Research
Opportunities, contact Dr. Rita Rodriguez, Program Director, by
telephone, (703) 306-1981, or by e-mail, rrodrigu@nsf.gov; or visit the
National Council of Scientific and Technological Research of Brazil Home
Page (http://www.cnpq.br).

Contact Information (EIA)

Digital Government

This program supports research at the intersection of the computer and
information sciences research communities and the mid- to long-term
research, development, and experimental deployment needs of the Federal
information service communities. The Internet, which was created from a
successful partnership between government agencies and the information
technologies research community, is a major motivating factor and
context for this program. The objective of the program is to support,
through research, projects that innovatively, effectively, and broadly
address the potential improvement of agency, interagency, and
intergovernmental operations and/or government/citizen interaction. Such
research is expected to enable the generation and use of a continuous
stream of advanced information technologies for early adoption and
integration into the Federal information systems community.

Contact Information (EIA)

Special Projects

This program supports activities that expand opportunities for women,
minorities, and people with disabilities in CISE disciplines; and
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.

Contact Information (EIA)

Major Research Instrumentation (MRI)

MRI is an NSF-wide program (see Crosscutting Areas of Research and
Education) that supports the acquisition and/or development of equipment
with one primary research focus and with infrastructure requirement that
is too costly for other programs to support. 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 encouraged.
However, computer systems and networks as general purpose equipment will
not be reviewed. All institutions are eligible, with a limit of two
proposals from each institution per year, or three proposals if one of
the projects is an instrument development project. Matching at the 30
percent level is expected.

For More Information on MRI

For further information, see Crosscutting Areas of Research and
Education; or view the NSF-wide program description
(http://www.nsf.gov/od/osti/mri/mri.htm).

Contact Information (EIA)

Combined Research-Curriculum Development (CRCD)

The CRCD Program is jointly sponsored by NSF's CISE and Engineering
(ENG) Directorates. CRCD emphasizes the need to incorporate exciting
research advances in important areas of technology into upper-level
undergraduate and graduate engineering curricula. A major objective of
the program is to stimulate faculty researchers to place renewed value
on quality education and curriculum innovation on the premise that
education and research are of equal value and complementary parts of an
integrated whole.

Each project focuses on a particular topic of industrial and national
importance in areas supported by ENG and CISE. Each CRCD project
contains the following five major components: research, curriculum
development, a team of participants (faculty and students), project
evaluation plans, and cost-sharing of at least 25 percent.

Contact Information (EIA)

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

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. REU is a Foundation-wide effort
designed to help meet this need. The program has the following two
components: to support sites for several students, and to support
supplementary awards to existing research grants for one or two
students.

For More Information on REU

For further information on REU sites, contact Dr. Harry Hedges, Program
Director, by telephone, (703) 306-1981, or by e-mail, hhedges@nsf.gov.
For information on a supplement to an existing award, contact the
program director in charge of the award.

Contact Information (EIA)

Collaborative Research on Learning Technologies

This program is part of the Foundation-wide theme Educating for the
Future (EFF). The program seeks to stimulate research that will
integrate technology with learning at all levels of education (grades
K-12, college, and university), including learning in the classroom and
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.

Contact Information (EIA)

Postdoctoral Research Associates in Experimental Computer Science

These associateship awards seek 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 the help of these awards, recent Ph.D.s
broaden their knowledge and experience and prepare for significant
research careers on the frontiers of experimental computer science.
These experimental computer science associates will conduct their
research in academic research institutions or other institutions devoted
to experimental computer science.

Contact Information (EIA)

Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education (POWRE)

POWRE is an NSF-wide program whose objectives are to provide
opportunities for further career advancement, professional growth, and
increased prominence of women in the science and engineering disciplines
supported by NSF, and to encourage more women to pursue careers in
science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women
scientists and engineers in academic institutions and in industry. POWRE
is targeted at women scientists and engineers who currently (a) hold
nontenured academic positions or industrial positions, (b) hold academic
tenured or tenure-track positions, or (c) plan to enter or re-enter
academia.

Contact Information (EIA)

Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT)

IGERT is an NSF-wide, multidisciplinary program designed to enable the
development of innovative, research-based graduate education and
training activities that will produce a diverse group of new scientists
and engineers who will be well prepared for a broad spectrum of career
opportunities. Supported projects must be based upon a multidisciplinary
research theme and organized around a diverse group of investigators
from U.S. Ph.D.-granting institutions with appropriate research and
teaching interests and expertise.

Contact Information (EIA)

INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

The Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS) supports
research through the following programs and activities:

* Computation and Social Systems
* Human-Computer Interaction
* Information and Data Management
* Knowledge and Cognitive Systems
* Robotics and Human Augmentation
* Special Projects

For More Information on IIS Programs and Activities

For further information on IIS activities, 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) 306-1930; or visit the IIS Division Home
Page (http://www.cise.nsf.gov/iis/index.html).

Computation and Social Systems (CSS)

This program encourages and supports research in two broad and highly
interrelated areas: integration, sustainable use, and impacts of
information technology on groups, organizations, communities, and
societies; and 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
include 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.

Contact Information (IIS)

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

This program 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.

Contact Information (IIS)

Information and Data Mnaagement (IDM)

This program 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/data mining 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.

Contact Information (IIS)

Knowledge and Cognitive Systems

This program supports research fundamental to the development of
machines that behave intelligently (i.e., artificial intelligence). The
intelligent behavior may be exhibited in interaction with humans (as in
knowledge-based systems or intelligent interfaces) or separately (as in
machine control of processes or autonomous intelligent agents). Some of
the research involves knowledge representation for intelligent machines,
and some involves the computational study of intelligent behavior. The
latter involves developing models of cognition that may be based on what
we know of human or animal cognition or may involve an approach more
suited to computational systems. Cognitive activities studied include
multiple types of machine learning, planning, reasoning,
decision-making, sensory cognition, linguistic cognition, or a
combination of these in intelligent agents. Fundamental research in
these areas may have application in integrated design and manufacturing,
network management, medical diagnosis, data mining, or intelligent
tutoring as a goal.

Contact Information (IIS)

Robotics and Human Augmentation (RHA)

This program 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; management of information
involving visual concepts; hardware and algorithmic design of robotic
systems, including micro- and nanoscale systems; sharing of task control
between humans and machines; personalization of robotic technology; and
linking and cooperation among geographically separated robotics
resources. Emphasis is on developing the technological and scientific
base for systems of reduced complexity; developing machines capable of
more intelligent and robust behavior; minimizing dependence of machines
on detailed low-level human intervention; making machines safe for human
interaction; and facilitating the design, engineering implementation,
and end use of robotic systems.

Contact Information (IIS)

Special Projects

This program supports research activities exploring 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. The program 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.

Contact Information (IIS)


EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) has primary
responsibility for NSF's efforts to provide national leadership in
improving science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education.
Its comprehensive and coordinated programs address every education level
(i.e., prekindergarten through postdoctoral study), as well as early
career development and science literacy in the general public. EHR has
five major long-term goals that provide the focus for the various
activities of the seven divisions/offices described here. These goals
ensure that:

* standards-based science and mathematics education is available to
every child in the United States, thus enabling all who have interest
and talent to pursue technical careers at all levels;

* the educational pipelines that carry students to careers in science,
mathematics, and engineering yield adequate numbers of well-educated
individuals who can meet the needs of the technical workplace in the
United States;

* those who select science or engineering careers have available the
best professional undergraduate and graduate education, and
opportunities are available at the college level for interested
nonspecialists to broaden their scientific backgrounds;

* the instructional workforce has the disciplinary and pedagogical
skills to ensure an excellent education for every student and learner;
and

* opportunities for quality informal science education are available to
maintain public interest in, and awareness of, scientific and
technological developments.

EHR programs intend to reform education venues and strengthen education
pipelines, so that all students are well-prepared for an increasingly
technology-driven society and workplace. Programmatic foci of the
Directorate include systemic reform of science and mathematics education
in grades K to 12, and the development of resources critical to that
reform; preparation of the instructional workforce; achievement of an
integrated understanding of institutional reform at the undergraduate
level; cultivating a research base of knowledge for implementing
innovative reform strategies in grades K to 16; advanced training of
scientists, mathematicians, and engineers for the 21st century; and the
application of technology across all education levels (of particular
interest are projects that integrate content, technology, and pedagogy).

The EHR Directorate comprises the following Divisions:

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


EHR Participation in NSF-Wide Efforts

EHR participates in the Learning and Intelligent Systems (LIS) Program,
a focus of the NSF-wide effort Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence
(KDI). The LIS Program supports the study of learning and intelligent
behavior in natural and artificial systems. EHR's particular interest in
LIS relates to research, development, and use of communications
technologies to solve problems in teaching and learning across a wide
band of the education spectrum.

Another focus of the KDI effort in which the EHR Directorate is involved
is Knowledge Networking (KN). Through KN, EHR helps support educational
applications of digital library technology. (Further information on
support in digital libraries is available in Computer and Information
Science and Engineering.)

For More Information on KDI

For complete information on the KDI effort, see Crosscutting Areas of
Research and Education. Information is also available on the
Crosscutting Programs Web site (http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/).

Questions regarding EHR's specific involvement in KDI should be directed
to Dr. Eric Hamilton, EHR Directorate, by e-mail, ehamilto@nsf.gov, or
by telephone, (703) 306-1635.

EHR also participates in a multidirectorate program of support for
research on Innovation and Organizational Change.

For further information, visit the EHR Directorate Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/).

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM REFORM (ESR)

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 and mathematics 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 from 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,
policy, professional development, assessment, resource allocation, and
student performance.

The proposing system develops a unitary plan of reform that must
delineate the curriculum, professional development, and assessment
components that will ensure a transition to a high-quality,
standards-based mathematics and science 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 research through the following programs and
activities:

* Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI)
* Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI)
* Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI)

For More Information on ESR Programs and Activities

For further information on ESR activities, 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) 306-1690; or visit the ESR Division Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESR/index.htm).

LEVEL 3

Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI)

The Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI) Program is a major effort by
NSF to encourage improvement in science, mathematics, and engineering
education through comprehensive systemic changes in the education
systems of the States. State-level initiatives are an important way to
reach a significant number of the more than 15,000 school districts that
make up the Nation's diverse K-to-12th-grade public education
enterprise, and seed them with proven, effective methods for encouraging
the spread of sustainable and successful change. Systemic and lasting
educational improvements in the States depend on effective policies,
state adoption of high-quality materials and curricula, and teachers and
administrators who are well-prepared. Strong State education programs
and policies are vital links between national education goals and the
implementation of classroom practices essential to helping us achieve
these goals.

Eligibility Requirements for the SSI Program

The SSI Program made awards to 25 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico from 1991 to 1994. Between 1996 and 1998, NSF held competitions to
continue the exemplary efforts in some of the original SSI sites.
Currently, nine States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have active
awards.

ESR Division Contact Information

Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI)

The Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI) Program in science, mathematics,
and technology education was established in fiscal year 1993 to
challenge the Nation's commitment to bring about sustained school reform
in its urban centers. Through this effort, NSF supports the cities with
the largest numbers of school-age children living in poverty in
launching systemic programs to accelerate implementation of system-wide
improvement in mathematics, science, and technology for grades pre-K to
12. Reform occurs through fundamental, comprehensive, and coordinated
improvements in curriculum, professional development, and assessment, as
well as enabling changes in policy, resource utilization, and vigorously
mobilized partnerships.

The importance of USI is evidenced by the fact that urban school systems
in the United States enroll approximately half of all public school
students in grades K to 12. Studies point to a continued disparity
between the academic performance of these students and that of their
counterparts in suburban schools. The challenge is to eliminate this
disparity while supporting an upward trajectory for all.

Several organizational components of NSF are engaged in the design and
implementation of USI, as well as private foundations, business and
industry, and other Federal agencies. Principal participants in urban
areas must collaborate to develop a rich array of networks and
partnerships that will ensure that all children learn quality science
and mathematics.

Eligibility Requirements for the USI Program

There are 28 cities in the United States and Puerto Rico that are
eligible for the USI Program. These cities were determined using figures
from the 1990 census and include those with the largest number of
school-age children (ages 5 through 17) living in economic poverty.
Currently, 20 cities have received implementation awards.

ESR Division Contact Information

Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI)

The Rural Systemic Initiatives Program seeks to promote systemic
improvement in science, mathematics, and technology 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, and seeks to ensure sustainability of
improvements made through the RSI Program by encouraging community
development activities in conjunction with instructional and policy
reform.

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 suburban or advantaged urban
classrooms. Moreover, societal conditions add to the barriers that keep
these students from achieving. Taken together, these circumstances
negatively affect a child's chances of pursuing postsecondary degrees or
careers that could provide a better quality of life. The cycle of
poverty continues, condemning them to low-skill jobs and incomes that
decrease in real dollars over the course of their lives.

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, as
well as the economic and social well-being of the targeted regions.

Eligibility Requirements for the RSI Program

Regions that are eligible under RSI are composed of rural counties that
have been designated under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's County
Types Code as 6-9, and in which 30 percent or more of school-age
children (ages 5 through 17) are living in economic poverty, as
determined by the 1990 census. Currently, five regions have received
implementation awards. Proposing consortia must include representatives
from state and local education agencies, business and industry, local
school districts, community colleges, health and human service agencies,
and economic development agencies. State-level agencies or federally
funded research and development organizations are not eligible.

ESR Division Contact Information


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND INFORMAL EDUCATION (ESIE)

Programs in the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal
Education (ESIE) work together to provide quality learning opportunities
in science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) that comprehensively
address the needs of all students, from pre-K to grade 12, and to inform
the general public about SMT. ESIE seeks to achieve its goals by
supporting projects that develop and implement models of high-quality
instructional materials, strengthen teacher competencies in SMT content
and pedagogy, prepare students for the technological workforce and
facilitate transitions from secondary school to higher education and the
workplace, and promote the public understanding of SMT and provide
stimulating learning environments outside of school. Additional goals of
the ESIE Division include stimulating the development of innovative
materials and strategies that actively engage parents in their
children's education; promoting the use of learning technologies to
ensure that education is more accessible and adaptable to varied
learning styles; and providing opportunities for teachers and
teacher/student teams to work beside practicing scientists, engineers,
mathematicians, and technologists in research settings.

The ESIE Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Teacher Enhancement
* Instructional Materials Development
* Informal Science Education
* Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
* Advanced Technological Education

For More Information on ESIE Programs and Activities

For further information on ESIE activities, write to the Division of
Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 885, Arlington, VA 22230; or
contact the Division by telephone, (703) 306-1620; or visit the ESIE
Division Home Page (http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESIE/index.htm).


LEVEL 3

Teacher Enhancement

The Teacher Enhancement (TE) Program supports professional development
projects that will lead to new levels of teacher competence, and to a
supportive school culture that will empower teachers to engage all
students in rich and challenging science, mathematics, and technology
(SMT) education programs. The TE Program supports the following types of
projects:

* Local Systemic Change (LSC) projects, district-level activities that
represent a shift in focus from the professional development of the
individual teacher to that of the teacher within the context of whole
school organizations. LSC projects implement exemplary instructional
materials consistent with recognized standards for content and pedagogy.

* Leadership projects, which build national, regional, and local
infrastructure to support school reform, delivery of professional
development, school or district mentors, and change agents.

* Teacher and Teacher-Student Development Through Research Experience
projects, which provide teachers and teacher/student teams with
opportunities to work in research-rich environments. Experiences are
then implemented in the classroom upon return.

* Professional Development Materials projects, which develop training
materials for teachers and instructional SMT leaders in grades pre-K to
12.

* Technology in Support of Professional Development projects, which find
innovative ways to utilize educational technologies in providing
teachers with the support needed to go beyond the typical in-service
course.

Eligibility Requirements for the TE Program

The TE Program has special eligibility requirements beyond the standard
NSF requirements. Please refer to the ESIE Division Program Announcement
(NSF 98-4), which can be accessed through the TE Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1998/nsf984/program.htm#14).

ESIE Division: -Contact Information

Instructional Materials Development

The Instructional Materials Development (IMD) Program supports the
development of materials and strategies to promote the improvement of
science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) instruction at all levels so
students can acquire sophisticated content knowledge, higher-order
thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills.

All projects supported by IMD are designed for the success of all
students, regardless of background, ability, or future educational
plans. Projects should promote students' positive attitudes toward SMT,
and positive perceptions 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, materials will be ready for
utilization by teachers and students across the Nation.

Eligibility Requirements for the IMD Program

The IMD Program has special eligibility requirements beyond the standard
NSF requirements. Please refer to the ESIE Division Program Announcement
(NSF 98-4), which can be accessed through the IMD Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1998/nsf984/program.htm#11).

ESIE Division Contact Information

Informal Science Education

The Informal Science Education (ISE) Program supports projects that
provide rich and stimulating opportunities outside the formal school
setting where individuals can increase their appreciation and
understanding of science, mathematics, and technology (SMT). Activities
should be self-directed, lifelong, and motivated by intrinsic interests.
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 SMT through
collaborative efforts, especially when such efforts bridge the informal
and formal education communities. Through collaborations, partners
combine their resources and expertise to develop more effective
strategies for reaching diverse target audiences, particularly those
traditionally underrepresented in SMT disciplines. The program also
strives to stimulate parents and other adults to become proponents for
quality SMT education.

Eligibility Requirements for the ISE Program

The ISE Program has special eligibility requirements beyond the standard
NSF requirements. Please refer to the ESIE Division Program Announcement
(NSF 98-4), which can be accessed through the ISE Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1998/nsf984/program.htm#10).

ESIE Division: -Contact Information

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
Teaching Program is operated by NSF on behalf of the White House. Since
its inception in 1983, the program has provided national recognition for
over 2,500 outstanding elementary and secondary mathematics and science
teachers in all 50 States and U.S. territories. Award recipients
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 a $7,500 grant from NSF to improve
science or mathematics education in their schools and districts.

Eligibility Requirements for Presidential Awards

This program has special eligibility requirements beyond the standard
NSF requirements. Further information on these requirements is available
on the Presidential Awards Web site
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESIE/awards/default.htm).

ESIE Division: -Contact Information

Advanced Technological Education

The ESIE Division and the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
jointly support the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program. The
ATE Program supports projects that strengthen the science and
mathematics preparation of technicians who are being educated for the
high-performance workplace of advanced technologies. ESIE supports
exemplary projects in advanced technological education that have a
strong secondary school focus.

ATE supports the following types of activities involving secondary
education: National and Regional Centers of Excellence for Advanced
Technological Education; curriculum and instructional materials
development, teacher enhancement, and student projects; and workshops,
conferences, seminars, studies, and other special projects.

Eligibility Requirements for the ATE Program

For information on the eligibility requirements for the ATE Program,
visit the ATE Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1998/nsf984/program.htm#15).

For further information on the Division of Undergraduate Education
(DUE), visit the DUE Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/start.htm).

ESIE Division: -Contact Information


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION (DUE)

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, to enter the
workforce with two- or four-year degrees, to continue their formal
education in graduate school, or to 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 to 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 teacher
preparation, professional development for faculty, increasing diversity
within SMET fields, and 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 research through the following programs and activities:

* Advanced Technological Education
* Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement
* NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation

For More Information on DUE Programs and Activities

Information on DUE activities, including detailed descriptions of
Division programs and guidelines for the preparation and submission of
proposals, is available in the DUE Program Announcement and Guidelines
(NSF 98-45).

For other 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) 306-1666, or by
e-mail, undergrad@nsf.gov; or visit the DUE Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/start.htm).

Advanced Technological Education

The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program is managed jointly by
DUE and the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education
(ESIE). ATE promotes improvement in the education of technicians in
science- and engineering-related fields at the undergraduate and
secondary school levels. It particularly targets two-year colleges and
encourages collaboration among two-year colleges, four-year colleges,
universities, secondary schools, business, industry, and government.
Proposals are solicited in the following two 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 of Excellence for Advanced Technological Education--As
national or regional hubs with a comprehensive mission, Centers engage
in the full range of activities described above for Projects, provide
models and leadership for other projects, and act as clearinghouses for
educational materials and methods.

Proposals in both 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 on the ATE Program

For further information, visit the ATE Program Web site
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/ate/ate.htm).

For further information on the Elementary, Secondary, and Informal
Education (ESIE) Division, visit the ESIE Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/ESIE/index.htm).

DUE: -Contact Information

Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement

The Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) Program
supports projects that are expected to improve undergraduate science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education 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 SMET education in a broad
spectrum of institutions, including two-year colleges, four-year
colleges, and universities. Projects may involve a single institution,
collaboration with business and industry partners, or collaboration
among several institutions.

The CCLI Program has three major tracks:

* Educational Materials Development--The result of these projects is the
development of innovative materials that incorporate effective
educational practices to improve student learning in SMET areas.
Products of these projects have the potential for national
dissemination, adaptation, and implementation.

* Adaptation and Implementation--These projects result in improved SMET
education at institutions through the adaptation and implementation of
exemplary materials, laboratory experience, and educational practices.

* National Dissemination--These projects facilitate large-scale,
national, professional development opportunities for faculty through
workshops, short courses, or related activities.

For More Information on the CCLI Program

For further information, visit the CCLI Program Web site
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/ccli/ccli.htm).

DUE Contact Information

NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation

The NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP)
Program promotes systemic improvement in the science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology (SMET) preparation of prospective teachers
at the pre-K to grade 12 levels. CETP projects provide prospective
teachers with the in-depth subject matter and teaching knowledge
necessary to implement the national mathematics and science standards as
well as emerging learning technologies. A principal objective of the
CETP Program is to engage SMET and education faculties and their
departments in collaboration to influence teacher preparation
certification programs.

The CETP Program has two foci to develop and institutionalize
comprehensive change in teacher preparation:

* System-Wide Focus--Projects encompass an entire university system or a
collection of colleges or universities that span a State or other
geographic region. In addition, the projects involve the schools and
their administrative systems.

* Institutional Focus--Projects involve either one large institution
with a high level of teacher production, along with its feeder
institutions, or the logical alliance of a number of institutions whose
combined efforts represent a major contribution to teacher production
and placement within a defined local area.

Special Note: Projects that serve as building blocks toward
comprehensive reform of teacher preparation are encouraged in the
Advanced Technological Education (ATE) and Course, Curriculum, and
Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) Programs (see descriptions elsewhere in
the DUE section). In particular, DUE invites proposals for the
following:

* Departmental Focus--Projects that involve one or more SMET departments
initiating or expanding a focus on a specific component of teacher
preparation. Projects work toward the goals of the CETP Program,
including the recruitment of outstanding students into the teaching
profession.

For More Information on the CETP Program

For further information, visit the CETP Program Web site
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DUE/programs/cetp/cetp.htm).

DUE Contact Information


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION (DGE)

The programs in the Division of Graduate Education (DGE) promote the
early career development of scientists and engineers by providing
fellowships and traineeships for graduate and postdoctoral study. All
DGE programs encourage the integration of research and education and
seek to ensure a steady flow of diverse, high-ability graduates to the
Nation.

DGE supports research through the following programs and activities:

* Graduate Research Fellowships
* Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
* NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science and Engineering
* Travel Grants for NATO Advanced Study Institutes
* NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and
Technology Education

For More Information on DGE Programs and Activities

For further information on DGE activities, 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) 306-1696. Program announcements and application forms are
available on the DGE Home Page (http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/dge.htm).


LEVEL 3

Graduate Research Fellowships

Graduate Research Fellowships promote the strength and diversity of the
Nation's scientific and engineering base. NSF Graduate Research
Fellowships offer recognition and three years of support for advanced
study to approximately 1,000 outstanding graduate students annually in
all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Approximately 90
awards will be made in the Women in Engineering and the Computer and
Information Science components. For the fiscal year 1999 awards, the
stipend for each fellow is $15,000 for a 12-month tenure; and an annual
cost-of-education allowance of $9,500 is made available to the awardee's
institution for each year of tenure, in lieu of tuition and fees.

Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Research Fellowships

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

For More Information on Graduate Research Fellowships

For fiscal year 1999 applications, write to Oak Ridge Associated
Universities (ORAU), NSF Graduate Research Fellowships Program, P.O. Box
3010, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-3010; or contact ORAU by telephone, (423)
241-4300, or by e-mail, nsfgrfp@orau.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).

Information on Graduate Research Fellowships is also available in the
(link) Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education section of this
Guide.

DGE Contact Information

Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training

NSF places high priority on the need to prepare Ph.D.s with
multidisciplinary backgrounds and with the technical, professional, and
personal skills essential to address the career demands of the future.
To meet these needs, NSF has created an agency-wide graduate training
program called Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training
(IGERT).

IGERT's primary goal is to enable the development of innovative graduate
education and training activities that are research-based and that will
produce scientists and engineers who are well-prepared for a broad
spectrum of career opportunities. The IGERT Program integrates research
and education, emphasizing 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 training activities;

* training activities that integrate the multidisciplinary research
theme with innovative educational opportunities, including training in
the responsible conduct of research and strong interactions between
students and faculty;

* a training 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 (i.e., women, racial and
ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities), to ensure preparation
of a diverse science and engineering workforce; and

* a well-defined strategy for assessment of project performance.

For More Information on the IGERT Program

For more complete information on the IGERT Program, see (link)
Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education. Information is also
available on the Crosscutting Programs Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/).

DGE Contact Information

NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science and Engineering (Including
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 40 awards are made each year to U.S.
scientists or engineers to enable them to conduct research in other NATO
member or NATO partner countries; and to visiting scientists and
engineers from NATO partner countries to conduct research at U.S.
institutions.

Eligibility Requirements for NSF-NATO Fellowships

U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or citizens from NATO
partner countries who have received their doctorate 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. U.S.
institutions must apply for a fellowship on behalf of visiting
scientists from NATO partner countries.

For More Information on NSF-NATO Fellowships

For further information on the NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships
Program, e-mail DGE staff at Nsf-nato@nsf.gov; or visit the program's
Web site (http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/nato.htm).

DGE Contact Information

Travel Grants for NATO Advanced Study Institutes

NSF awards travel grants of $1,000 each to enable junior U.S. scientists
to attend select NATO Advanced Study Institutes held predominantly in
the NATO member countries of Europe. These two- to three-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 Travel Grants

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 three years, and has been
accepted at a NATO institute.

For More Information on NATO Travel Grants

For further information on the NATO Travel Grants Program, e-mail DGE
staff at nato-asi@nsf.gov; or visit the program's Web site
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/asi.htm).

DGE Contact Information

NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and
Technology Education

The primary objectives of the NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships in Science,
Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education (PFSMETE) Program are
to prepare Ph.D. graduates in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology with the necessary skills to assume leadership roles in
science education in the Nation's diverse academic institutions; and to
provide opportunities for outstanding Ph.D. graduates to develop
expertise in a facet of science education research that would qualify
them for the new range of academic positions that will come with the
21st century.

Eligibility Requirements for the PFSMETE Program

To be eligible for one of these fellowships, an individual must be a
citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States at the
time of application, and have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or
equivalent) in one of the fields of science or engineering supported by
NSF within the past three years. Because the program is intended to
broaden the skills of Ph.D. graduates in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology disciplines, individuals who hold science
education degrees are not eligible.

For More Information on the PFSMETE Program

For further information on the PFSMETE Program, e-mail DGE staff at
pfsmete@nsf.gov; or visit the program's Web site
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/DGE/pfse1.htm).

DGE Contact Information


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (HRD)

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

The HRD Division supports programs and activities that focus on the
following:

* Minorities
* Women and Girls
* Persons with Disabilities

For More Information on HRD Programs and Activities

For further information on HRD activities, 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) 306-1630; or visit the HRD Division Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/HRD/index.htm).


LEVEL 3

MINORITIES

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. Current HRD efforts for minority and other students
are focused on two major objectives--student development and
strengthening the research capabilities of minority institutions. These
programs represent a coherent effort to stimulate organizational and
institutional change to improve markedly the quality of educational
opportunities available to minority and other students, and to increase
the quality and quantity of these students pursuing degrees in SMET
disciplines.

Minority programs in the HRD Division are grouped under four focus
areas:

* Grades K to 12
* Undergraduate
* Graduate
* Research/Education Infrastructure

LEVEL 4

GRADES K-12 FOCUS

Comprehensive Partnerships for Mathematics and Science Achievement

Comprehensive Partnerships for Mathematics and Science Achievement
(CPMSA) is a comprehensive program for grades K to 12 that builds on
NSF's strategy of forging alliances for systemic reform. The program
gives support to city school systems so they can create partnerships to
improve access to science and mathematics education for all students.
CPMSA's goal is to increase significantly the number of students who
enroll in, and successfully complete, courses in grades K to 12 that
prepare them to pursue undergraduate programs in science, engineering,
and mathematics.

Reform activities include the implementation of standards-based
curricula, instruction, and assessment in science and mathematics.
Policies that eliminate general science and mathematics courses and
replace them with rigorous and challenging curricula, and policies that
provide universal student access to upper-level science and mathematics
courses for CPMSA, are also adopted and implemented. School systems are
encouraged to create partnerships with institutions of higher education,
businesses, professional organizations, community-based organizations,
and other educational organizations.

Eligibility Requirements for the CPSMA Program

City school systems that are eligible to participate in CPSMA are those
that are not eligible to participate in the NSF Urban Systemic
Initiatives (USI) Program, that do not have a Local Systemic Change
(LSC) award under the NSF Teacher Enhancement (TE) Program, and that
have at least 20,000 students.

HRD Division Contact Information

UNDERGRADUATE FOCUS

Alliances for Minority Participation

The Alliances for Minority Participation (AMP) Program is designed to
develop the comprehensive strategies necessary for strengthening the
preparation and increasing 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 AMP Program requires the development of meaningful partnerships
among academic institutions, government agencies and laboratories,
industry, and professional organizations that will produce
multidisciplinary or disciplinary approaches to achieving program goals
at the undergraduate level. Success is measured by the ability to bring
about significant, quantifiable, and qualitative enhancements in SMET
participation. Eligible activities 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 for the AMP Program

Academic institutions that have a track record of producing minority and
other students in SMET disciplines are eligible to apply to all programs
under this initiative. Nonprofit organizations serve as members of the
alliance or partnership.

HRD Division Contact Information

GRADUATE FOCUS

Minority Graduate Education

The Minority Graduate Education (MGE) Program seeks to significantly
increase the number of Black (African-American), Hispanic, and American
Indian/Alaskan Native (Native American) 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 graduates, and NSF is particularly interested in increasing
the number of minorities who will enter the professoriate in these
disciplines. Specific objectives of the MGE Program are to develop and
implement innovative models for recruiting, mentoring, and retaining
minority students in SME doctoral programs; and to develop effective
strategies for identifying and supporting underrepresented minorities
who want to pursue academic careers.

The MGE Program supports a research effort to identify major factors
that occasion successful transition of minority students from
undergraduate through graduate study; course-taking in the early years
of the graduate experience to independent research required for
completion of a dissertation; and the academic environment to the SME
workplace. To accomplish this objective, this effort reviews a portfolio
of Federal and private efforts in this arena to identify factors
underlying exemplary as well as unsuccessful efforts.

HRD Division Contact Information

RESEARCH/EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOCUS

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and
Engineering Mentoring

Mentoring and role modeling are important in developing talent among
groups traditionally underrepresented in science, mathematics, and
engineering (SME). Therefore, in 1996, the White House Office of Science
and Technology Policy, through its National Science and Technology
Council, established the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science,
Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program.

Through the PAESMEM Program, awards are made to individuals who have
given outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a
significant number of students at the grade-K-to-12, undergraduate, or
graduate education levels; or to institutions and organizations that,
through their programming, have enabled a substantial number of students
underrepresented in SME to successfully pursue and complete the relevant
degree programs. The awardees serve as examples to their colleagues and
national leaders in fully developing the Nation's human resources in
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Administered by the
NSF, each award includes a grant in the amount of $10,000 and a
Presidential commemorative certificate. Approximately 20 (10 individual
and 10 institutional) one-time awards are made annually.

Eligibility Requirements for the PAESMEM Program

To be eligible for PAESMEM, the individual, institution, or organization
must be nominated by a colleague, administrator, institution,
organization, or student.

HRD Division Contact Information

Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology

NSF recognizes that academic institutions with significant minority
student enrollments play a vital role in conducting research that
contributes to our knowledge base in all disciplines, and in educating
minority students who go on to science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology (SMET) careers. The Centers of Research Excellence in Science
and Technology (CREST) make substantial resources available to upgrade
the capabilities of the most research-productive minority institutions.
These resources provide increased opportunities for minority faculty and
students to engage in research. At the same time, the program enables
these institutions to use their resources and research to increase the
effectiveness of related SMET activities for other institutions in their
regions.

Eligibility Requirements for the CREST Program

Institutions participating in CREST are those that have at least a 50
percent enrollment of minority students from groups that are
underrepresented in SMET; graduate programs in NSF-supported fields of
science or a baccalaureate program in engineering; demonstrated
strengths in NSF-related fields, as evidenced by an existing or
developing capacity to offer doctoral degrees in one or more SMET
disciplines; a willingness and capacity to serve as a regional resource
center; and a demonstrated commitment to enrolling and graduating
minority scientists and engineers.

HRD Division Contact Information

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

NSF is establishing a Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU) Initiative to address historical underrepresentation of
minorities in baccalaureate and doctoral degree ranks in science,
engineering, and mathematics (SEM). The HBCU Initiative seeks to
strengthen SEM education and research infrastructure, including support
for research experiences for undergraduates, scientific instrumentation,
development of partnerships with other academic institutions and
industrial laboratories, research-based teaching and learning, and
faculty development.

Underrepresentation of minorities in SEM fields is a serious problem
that affects their ability to compete in the Nation's scientific and
technological workplace. This situation results in the loss of
opportunity for a large segment of society. As the Nation undertakes
changes in social and economic policy, it is essential that available
resources be focused on improving the ability of young people from
underrepresented groups to acquire the skills necessary for meaningful
employment in high-technology enterprise. The HBCU institutions are
particularly important in their provision of role models and mentors and
their demonstrated effectiveness in retaining and graduating minority
students.

HRD Division Contact Information

LEVEL 3

WOMEN AND GIRLS

The HRD Division supports the following programs for women and girls:

* Program for Women and Girls
* Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education

LEVEL 4

Program for Women and Girls

All of the divisions within the EHR Directorate encourage projects that
address the participation of women and girls in science and engineering.
Because women are underrepresented in most disciplines, the HRD Division
supports 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
Women and Girls (PWG) supports the following activities:

* Implementation and Development Projects for Women and Girls--Seek to
encourage the design and implementation of innovative, highly focused
activities, strategies, and materials that will improve educational
achievement, and encourage entry or retention, of women and girls in
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Projects are built on
existing intervention models or involve research in new settings that
will create positive, permanent changes in the academic, scientific, and
social climate. Projects are both instructional and motivational.

* Information Dissemination Activities--Include, but are not limited to,
media, such as 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.
The activity can focus on research topics or on the development and
dissemination of strategies for reducing the barriers for women and
girls in these areas.

HRD Division Contact Information

Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education

The Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education
(POWRE) Program is an NSF-wide effort aimed at increasing the prominence
of women in science and engineering research and education. POWRE helps
provide professional growth and career advancement with funding
opportunities not ordinarily available through regular NSF grant
programs. In addition, POWRE supports supplement awards for women who
are principal investigators (PIs), co-principal investigators (co-PIs),
or otherwise eligible for support under NSF programs.

For More Information on the POWRE Program

For a more complete description of the POWRE Program, see (link)
Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education. Information is also
available on the Crosscutting Programs Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/).

HRD Division Contact Information

LEVEL 3

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The goals of the Program for Persons with Disabilities (PPD) are to
develop new methods of teaching science and mathematics, 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.

In short, efforts are focused on changing the factors wherein neglect,
paucity, and lack of direction historically have stifled the early
interest in science and mathematics shown by students with disabilities,
and impeded the advancement of these individuals as they prepared
themselves for careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.

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

* Demonstration Projects for Persons with Disabilities--Promote the
development and dissemination of innovative intervention strategies that
reduce the barriers that inhibit the interest, retention, and
advancement of students with disabilities in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology (SMET) education and career tracks.

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

* Research and Development Projects--Provide improved learning
opportunities in SMET education for students with disabilities through
the development of innovative technology.

HRD Division Contact Information


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF RESEARCH, EVALUATION, AND COMMUNICATION (REC)

The mission of the Division of Research, Evaluation, and Communication
(REC) is to lay a strong 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 merge research with classroom practices,
especially those that provide the groundwork for the use of technology.
REC activities contribute to the fundamental understanding of the
development and implementation of science and mathematics programming
across the EHR Directorate, and its impact through periodic program
evaluations.

The REC Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Research on Education, Policy, and Practice
* Learning and Intelligent Systems
* Evaluation
* Communication

For More Information on REC Programs and Activities

For further information on REC activities, 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) 306-1650, or by e-mail, REC@nsf.gov; or
visit the REC Division Home Page (http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/REC).


LEVEL 3

Research on Education, Policy, and Practice

The Research on Education, Policy, and Practice (REPP) Program supports
systematic examinations of science and mathematics education, from
kindergarten through graduate school. Using insight gained from these
examinations, REPP seeks to build a knowledge base of innovative ideas,
strategies, practices, and policy alternatives that can significantly
affect the education (both formal and informal) of all students. REPP
aims to produce and synthesize results that are of immediate use to the
educational community. Appropriate research areas include the following:

* Theory and Evidence--Supports research that will provide evidence
about inputs, processes, and outcomes of the educational system; and on
methods (including longitudinal studies) for the collection, use, and
interpretation of findings to inform researchers and decisionmakers.
Exploratory research on pedagogy, cognition, and the learning process as
it pertains to science and mathematics content and processes is also
encouraged.

* Policy and Practice--Encourages research on issues of governance that
affect both ongoing practice and the understanding of systems, schools,
teachers, and students, including matters of finance, access,
curriculum, assessment, and professional development. Studies pinpoint
major factors, trends, and strategies that will assist policymakers and
practitioners in planning and implementing educational reform.

* Technology--Supports research on how information technologies are or
can be used to improve the teaching and learning of science and
mathematics; how the evolving capacity of computers and networks can
contribute to learning complex content; and how they can alter what is
taught through the power of technology to represent and manipulate
concepts, processes, and information. Research on the effectiveness or
added value of technology-assisted learning and knowledge and
distributed intelligence is also encouraged.

REC Division Contact Information

Learning and Intelligent Systems

The Learning and Intelligent Systems (LIS) Program is one of three areas
of focus of the NSF-wide effort Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence
(KDI). KDI addresses the challenge of deriving human knowledge from
intelligent access to information, wherever it occurs and in whatever
form it is to be found. LIS encourages researchers and educators to come
together to explore new concepts of learning and intelligent behavior.
The goal is to spark rapid advances in our understanding of learning,
creativity, and productivity, as well as to develop the tools that will
enhance the human ability to learn and create. LIS embraces technology
as integral and unifying to the education experience, and encourages
proposals on research in communications and information technologies. Of
particular interest to the EHR Directorate is LIS' emphasis on
stimulating the development and implementation of important,
technology-enabled solutions to critical problems in science,
mathematics, engineering and technology education, especially at the
grade-K-to-14 level.

For More Information on the LIS Program

For more complete information on the LIS Program, see (link)
Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education. Information is also
available on the Crosscutting Programs Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/).

REC Division Contact Information

Evaluation

The Evaluation Program evaluates the education and training programs of
NSF and coordinates the evaluation of similar initiatives in other
Federal agencies for the purpose of program improvement, accountability,
and the generation of new knowledge for the educational community at
large.

Evaluations are 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 educational evaluation.

REC Division Contact Information

Communication

The Communication Program coordinates communication activities within
the EHR Directorate that advance the understanding of education reform,
and the methods, policies, and practices under which effective reform
takes place and is sustained.

Communication and outreach activities in the REC Division are intended
to enhance public understanding of the strategies for education reform,
so that citizens can make informed choices about the direction that
reform will take in their communities and schools. These activities also
increase the impact of EHR programs by providing information that
summarizes and synthesizes the findings, outcomes, and lessons learned
for a variety of audiences, especially practitioners.

The Communication Program undertakes these activities through
competitively awarded contracts to outside organizations. Occasionally,
the program supports research on methods to improve the transfer of
knowledge from educational researchers to practitioners and the public
in general.

REC Division Contact Information


LEVEL 2

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH

The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)
increases the R&D competitiveness of 18 States and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico. The States are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and
Wyoming.

NSF achieves improvements in R&D competitiveness through three types of
EPSCoR awards and an accompanying outreach program.

* EPSCoR Cooperative Agreements--Are 36-month awards of up to $3 million
to support infrastructure improvements in science and technology areas
selected by the states' EPSCoR governing committee as being critical to
the State's future R&D competitiveness.

* EPSCoR Grants--Are 24-month nonrenewable standard grants of up to
$500,000 to initiate projects that are consistent with State and
institutional science and technology improvement strategies, and have
high potential for significant short-term impact on the State's research
competitiveness and for acquiring sustained nonEPSCoR support.

* EPSCoR Cofunding--Involves cofunding of proposals submitted to NSF's
regular grant programs by investigators working in research areas that
have been identified as EPSCoR State R&D priorities.

* 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 on EPSCoR

For further information, write to EPSCoR, Directorate for Education and
Human Resources, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the program by telephone, (703)
306-1683; or visit the EPSCoR Home Page
(http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHR/EPSCOR/start.htm).


ENGINEERING

The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) supports engineering research and
education in a competitive environment that places strong emphasis on
innovation, creativity, and excellence. This 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 an innovation system 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.

Engineering research and education often require creative contributions
from several different disciplinary perspectives. For example,
investigators in biology and engineering are joining forces to create
exciting new technologies, with such applications as biosensors that can
detect food pathogens; biologically based electronic devices with the
senses of vision, hearing, touch, and smell; and prosthetics for the
disabled, such as artificial retinas. ENG particularly encourages
proposals from groups that involve a diverse mix of faculty expertise
and student experience because of the opportunities they provide for
addressing significant new issues with a synergistic approach.

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,
strong support is given to the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison
with Industry (GOALI) Program. GOALI awards 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, NSF provides about 33 percent of the total Federal support for
fundamental engineering research at U.S. universities and colleges. More
than 70 percent of ENG's funding is used to provide grants to individual
investigators and small groups.

The ENG Directorate comprises the following Divisions:

* 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)
* Crosscutting Activities

For further information beyond what appears in this Guide, visit the ENG
Directorate Home Page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/.


LEVEL 2

CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES

In addition to the programs mentioned in this chapter, the Engineering
Directorate takes an active role in the following crosscutting research
programs and activities: the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER)
Program, Graduate and Postdoctoral Education activities, Undergraduate
activities, minority and women's programs, and programs for persons with
disabilities. For complete information on these programs and activities,
see the section "Human Resource Activities," located in link
Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education. Information is also
available on the Crosscutting Programs Web site
(http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/) on the NSF Home Page.


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF BIOENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (BES)

The Bioengineering and Environmental Systems (BES) Division is concerned
with expanding the knowledge base of bioengineering; extending
engineering methodologies to include the solution to problems in the
biological, medical, and ocean and other environmental sciences;
employing biological principles for the development of innovative
engineering methods and systems; and exploring basic engineering
concepts and systems to enable sustainable development.

The BES Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering
* Biomedical Engineering/Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities
* Environmental Systems

For More Information on BES Programs and Activities

For further information on BES activities, 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) 306-1320, or by fax, (703) 306-0312; or
visit the BES Division Home Page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/bes/.

LEVEL 3

Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering

This program supports research that links the expertise of engineering
with the life sciences to provide a fundamental basis for the economical
manufacturing of substances of biological origin. Projects are supported
that utilize biological microorganisms for the transformation of organic
raw materials (biomass) into useful products. Fermentation and
recombinant DNA processes are important technologies in this program.
Food processing, especially the safety of the Nation's food supply, is
an emerging area. Engineers or small groups of engineers and scientists
are encouraged to apply. Synergy among the various disciplines in these
types of projects is a very important evaluation criterion. Research
areas include, but are not limited to, cell culture systems, metabolic
engineering, sensor development, bioreactor design, separation and
purification processes, monitoring, optimization and control methods,
and process integration.

Contact Information (BES)

Biomedical Engineering/Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities

This program supports fundamental engineering research that has the
potential to contribute to improved health care and to the reduction of
health care costs, and research into other areas such as models and
tools for understanding biological systems. Areas of interest include,
but are not limited to, 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. This program is also directed
toward the characterization, restoration, and substitution of normal
functions in humans. Emphasis is placed on the advancement of
fundamental engineering knowledge that might lead to the development of
new technologies or to the novel application of existing technologies,
rather than on 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.

Contact Information (BES)

Environmental Systems

This program supports sustainable developmental research with the goal
of applying engineering principles to reduce the adverse effects that
solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges resulting from human activity have
on the land, air, and fresh and ocean waters. This program also supports
research on innovative biological, chemical, and physical processes used
alone or as components of engineered systems to restore the usefulness
of polluted land, water, and air resources. The program emphasizes
engineering principles underlying pollution avoidance as well as
pollution treatment and reparation. 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 fresh principles for pollution avoidance technologies.

Contact Information (BES)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF CHEMICAL AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS (CTS)

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

CTS supports research that involves the development of fundamental
engineering principles, process control and optimization strategies,
mathematical models, and experimental techniques. Emphasis is placed on
projects that have the potential for innovation and broad application in
areas such as the environment, materials, and chemical processing. This
research is also applied to naturally occurring systems such as rivers
and lakes, coastline areas, and the atmosphere, especially in populated
areas. Special emphasis is on environmentally benign chemical and
material processing.

The CTS Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Chemical Reaction Processes
* Interfacial, Transport, and Separation Processes
* Fluid and Particulate Processes
* Thermal Systems

For More Information on CTS Programs and Activities

For further information on CTS activities, 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) 306-1371, or by fax, (703) 306-0319; or visit the CTS
Division Home Page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/cts/.

LEVEL 3

Chemical Reaction Processes

This program supports fundamental and applied 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; chemical
phenomena occurring at or near solid surfaces and interfaces;
electrochemical and photochemical processes of engineering significance
or with commercial potential; design and optimization of complex
chemical processes; dynamic modeling and control of process systems and
individual process units; reactive processing of polymers, ceramics, and
thin films; and interactions between chemical reactions and transport
processes in reactive systems and the use of this information in the
design of complex chemical reactors.

Contact Information (CTS)

Interfacial, Transport, and Separation Processes

This program supports 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 the impact of
basic knowledge on physicochemical hazardous waste treatment and
avoidance. The program provides support for new theories and approaches
that determine the thermodynamic properties of fluids and fluid mixtures
in biological and other fluids with complex molecules. Separation
research is directed at many areas, with a special emphasis on
bioprocessing and on all forms of chromatographic, membrane, and special
affinity separations.

Contact Information (CTS)

Fluid and Particulate Processes

This program supports fundamental and applied research on mechanisms and
phenomena that govern single and multiphase fluid flow, particle
formation and transport, various multiphase processes, nanostructures,
and fluid and solid system interaction. Research is sought that
contributes to improving the basic understanding, design,
predictability, efficiency, and control of existing systems that involve
the dynamics of fluids and particulates, and the innovative uses of
fluids and particulates in materials development, manufacturing,
biotechnology, and the environment.

Contact Information (CTS)

Thermal Systems

This program supports fundamental research in two major areas: (1)
Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing; and (2) Combustion and Thermal
Plasmas. Support is given to projects that seek a basic understanding at
the microscopic and macroscopic levels of thermal phenomena underlying
the production of energy, the synthesis and processing of materials, the
cooling and heating of equipment, and biological systems and the
interaction of industrial processes with the environment. Higher
priority goes to those projects that deal with problems on the cutting
edge of technology while developing human resources in engineering.

Contact Information (CTS)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF CIVIL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (CMS)

The Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) Division aims to increase the
knowledge base and intellectual growth in the areas of construction,
geotechnology, structures, dynamics and control, mechanics, and
materials, as well as the reduction of risks induced by earthquakes and
other natural and technological hazards. The Division encourages
cross-disciplinary partnerships at the intersections of traditional
disciplines. These partnerships promote discoveries using technologies
such as autoadaptive systems, nanotechnology, and simulation to produce
civil and mechanical systems.

The CMS Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Construction/Geotechnology/Structures (CGS)
* Hazard Reduction
* Control/Mechanics/Materials (CMM)
* Systems Integration
* Resources and Infrastructure

For More Information on CMS Programs and Activities

For further information on CMS activities, 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) 306-1360, or by fax, (703) 306-0291; or visit the CMS
Division Home Page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/cms/.

LEVEL 3

Construction/Geotechnology/Structures (CGS)

This program emphasizes new discoveries in the design, construction,
maintenance, and operation of facilities, both above and below ground,
that are safe, long-lasting, efficient, environmentally acceptable, and
economical. Support is given for research that will increase
geotechnical knowledge of foundations, slopes, excavations, and other
geostructures, including soil and rock improvement technologies and
reinforcement systems; constitutive modeling and verification in
geomechanics; remediation and containment of geoenvironmental
contamination; transferability of laboratory results to field scale; and
nondestructive and in situ evaluation. Support is also given for
research that will advance the knowledge base of advanced polymer
materials; high-performance steel and concrete materials; the durability
of construction materials; the safety and reliability of bridges,
including condition assessment; and indoor environmental conditions such
as air quality and personnel comfort in buildings. Also of interest are
activities that will increase the present understanding of the science
and technology used to design, analyze, diagnose, repair, remediate,
retrofit, and enhance the performance of constructed facilities and
interactions between natural and constructed environments, and that will
utilize the knowledge gained to improve the management and performance
of new and existing infrastructure systems and facilities.

Contact Information (CMS)

Hazard Reduction

This program seeks to advance fundamental engineering and related
scientific knowledge to mitigate the impacts of earthquakes, extreme
floods and droughts, tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes, accelerated
erosion, wind and water, ice and snow, landslides, and subsidence and
expansive soils. Activities aim to increase the knowledge base necessary
for reducing the impact of natural and technological hazards on
structures, lifelines, foundations, 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 earthquakes, measurements during major
events, and postearthquake reconnaissance inspections. The Hazard
Reduction Cluster is one component of NSF's support for the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).

Contact Information (CMS)

Control/Mechanics/Materials (CMM)

This program links the expertise of dynamics and control, mechanics,
materials, tribology, and surface engineering. Research is directed
toward basic understanding of the mechanical properties of materials,
including dynamic behavior and damping, deformation, fatigue, fracture,
and wear of all classes of materials, including composites and coatings.
The aim is to account for the role of the underlying microstructure and
to determine the nano- to mesoscale effects. Typical areas include
development of constitutive models and their experimental verification
and simulation; smart materials; nanodimensional multiplex coatings; and
compositionally and functionally graded surfaces. Research on dynamic
behavior and control of machines, processes, structures, and other
engineered physical systems is also supported, emphasizing an improved
knowledge base for understanding their performance and control.

Contact Information (CMS)

Systems Integration

Developed by cross-disciplinary teams from several clusters, this
activity addresses broad-based issues such as those associated with the
integration and optimization of complex systems, including civil and
mechanical infrastructure. Fundamental and applied research on
infrastructure systems requires cooperative research between CMS
programs and related disciplines from other NSF divisions. For example,
progress in civil infrastructure systems depends on new knowledge of
deterioration science, assessment technologies, and renewal engineering,
as well as on the development of an integrated decision model for
sustainability. Such a model depends on input from environmental,
social, economic, political, and public policy disciplines, and the
natural, mathematical, economic, and geographic sciences. Formulation of
a model requires new discoveries in engineering design, decision
science, and information technology (such as sensors and sensor systems,
data acquisition, data mining, knowledge creation, and management);
socioeconomic sciences (such as evaluation, preference, privatization
and impact of investment, regulations, and contract practice); and
external effects (such as value of time, maintenance, and environment).
These are developed for simulation, planning, performance assessment,
risk evaluation, supply and demand, investment impact, and life cycle
management.

Contact Information (CMS)

Resources and Infrastructure

The CMS Division, in partnership with other NSF Directorates and
government agencies, provides nationwide research and education
resources that promise to have significant impact in the programmatic
areas described above, and in other areas of engineering and science.
Examples of partnerships with CMS include the Institute for Civil
Infrastructure Systems (ICIS) and NSF's Earthquake Engineering Research
Centers (EERCs). In addition, NSF's Engineering Research Centers (ERCs)
and Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRCs) have
impact in several areas relevant to the CMS community. Researchers and
educators are encouraged to work with these centers to fully utilize the
research and education infrastructure developed within them.

The CMS Division seeks to enhance academic infrastructure through
special supplementary and focused grant programs. These programs include
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Faculty Early Career
Development (CAREER), Combined Research and Curriculum Development
(CRCD), Major Research Instrumentation (MRI), Grant Opportunities for
Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI), Small Business Innovative
Research (SBIR), Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER), and
Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education (POWRE),
as well as international collaborations. For more information on these
programs, see link Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education. The
Division is committed to increasing the participation of women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities in all of its programs.
Proposals that use innovative outreach activities to increase the
participation of these individuals in the CMS community are particularly
sought.

Contact Information (CMS)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION (DMII)

The Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation (DMII)
seeks to extend the intellectual foundations of design and manufacturing
by identifying key research and education issues in partnership with
industry, government, and academe, and by funding projects to address
them. DMII encourages the submission of proposals by individual
researchers and small research groups spanning a broad range of
scientific and engineering disciplines. DMII also supports research
leading to the improvement of U.S. industrial productivity and the
commercialization of new knowledge by the small business community
through NSF's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

Programs and activities in DMII support projects that enable
network-based and distributed manufacturing through the development of
design methodologies, manufacturing standards, protocols, and processes
that allow geographically dispersed designers and fabricators to
collaborate through a digital interface using unambiguous descriptive
languages and grammar.

The DMII Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Design and Integration Engineering
* Manufacturing Processes and Equipment
* Operations Research and Production Systems
* Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC)
* Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
* Industry/University Liaison Program

For More Information on DMII Programs and Activities

For further information on DMII activities, 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) 306-1330, or by fax, (703)
306-0298; or visit the DMII Division Home Page,
http://www.eng.nsf.gov/dmii/.

LEVEL 3

Design and Integration Engineering

This program 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 given to 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.

Contact Information (DMII)

Manufacturing Processes and Equipment

This program supports the development of new knowledge to improve the
predictability, producibility, and productivity of existing
manufacturing processes and equipment, and the innovation of new
manufacturing processes and equipment. This will enable the
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,
develop novel manufacturing processes and machine prototypes, and
control the manufacturing process and operations during the production
of actual parts.

Contact Information (DMII)

Operations Research and Production Systems

This program supports analytical and computational research geared
toward improving the productivity of engineered systems. The program
supports research that is driven by relevant problems in manufacturing,
logistics, and service systems. The Operations Research program element
welcomes innovative research proposals oriented toward basic
methodologies and motivated by problems relevant to engineering. The
Production Systems program 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 program element are strongly encouraged to establish
ties with an appropriate industrial partner or partners.

Contact Information (DMII)

Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC)

This program seeks to improve the performance of industrial,
educational, service, health care, governmental, and other organizations
and institutions through the support of research on theories, concepts,
and methodologies of innovation and organizational change. IOC is
jointly supported by the Directorates for Social, Behavioral, and
Economic Sciences (SBE); Engineering (ENG); and Education and Human
Resources (EHR). 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 the 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 (MOTI) and Transformations to Quality Organizations (TQO).
Further information on IOC is available on the Division of Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Research (SBER) Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/start.htm) on the SBE Directorate Home
Page.

Contact Information (DMII)

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

This program offers opportunity and incentive for creative engineering-,
science-, education-, and technology-related small businesses to conduct
innovative, high-risk research on important scientific and technical
problems, work that could have significant potential for
commercialization and public benefit if the research is successful. This
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.

Deadlines and Target Dates for the SBIR and STTR Programs

A program solicitation is produced annually for both the SBIR and Small
Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. These solicitations
contain deadlines and target dates, as well as further information on
submission of proposals.

These solicitations are widely publicized by the Small Business
Administration, announced in the Commerce Business Daily, and sent to
NSF's small business mailing list.

For More Information on the SBIR and STTR Programs

Further information on both the SBIR and Small Business Technology
Transfer (STTR) Programs, including the latest program solicitations, is
available on the SBIR Home Page (http://www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/) on the
Engineering Directorate Home Page.

Contact Information (DMII)

Industry/University Liaison Program

This program comprises two subactivities, both of which encourage
university/industry collaboration: the Small Business Technology
Transfer (STTR) Program and the Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison
with Industry (GOALI) Initiative. STTR is a Federal program that links
entrepreneurs to the academic research community. STTR works closely
with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and
encourages the commercialization of government-funded research by the
private sector. The GOALI Initiative provides opportunities through a
series of mechanisms for direct linkages between academic researchers
and industry.

The following describes both of these programs:

LEVEL 4

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

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. STTR proposals 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.

Deadlines and Target Dates for the STTR and SBIR Programs

A program solicitation is produced annually for both the Small Business
Technology Transfer (STTR) and the Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) Programs. These solicitations contain deadlines and target dates,
as well as further information on submission of proposals.

These solicitations are widely publicized by the Small Business
Administration, announced in the Commerce Business Daily, and sent to
NSF's small business mailing list.

For More Information on the STTR and SBIR Programs

Further information on both the Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR) and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Programs,
including the latest program solicitations, is available on the SBIR
Home Page (http://www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/) on the Engineering Directorate
Home Page.

Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)

The GOALI Initiative 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 (a)
to conduct research and gain experience with production processes in an
industrial setting, (b) for industry scientists and engineers to bring
industry's perspective and integrative skills to academe, and (c) 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 as well as the direct transfer
of new knowledge between academe and industry.

For More Information on GOALI

For a complete description of the GOALI Initiative, see the Crosscutting
Areas of Research and Education chapter; or visit the Crosscutting
Programs Web site (http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/) on the NSF Home
Page.

Contact Information (DMII)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS (ECS)

The Electrical and Communications Systems (ECS) Division 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/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. The ECS
Division supports integrative research through opportunities whose
themes encourage innovative and collaborative systems-oriented research.
The Division also provides support for specialized resources and
infrastructure that facilitate research and education activities.

The ECS Division is committed to increasing the participation of women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities in all of its programs.
Proposals are sought that employ innovative outreach activities to
increase the participation of these individuals in the ECS community.

The ECS Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Electronics, Photonics, and Device Technologies (EPDT)
* Control, Networks, and Computational Intelligence (CNCI)
* Integrative Systems
* Resources and Infrastructure

For More Information on ECS Programs and Activities

For further information on ECS activities, 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) 306-1339, or by fax, (703) 306-0305; or visit the
ECS Division Home Page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/ecs/.

LEVEL 3

Electronics, Photonics, and Device Technologies (EPDT) (formerly
Physical Foundations of Enabling Technologies)

This program 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.

Contact Information (ECS)

Control, Networks, and Computational Intelligence (CNCI) (formerly
Knowledge Modeling and Computational Intelligence)

This program 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 are applied to the
development of simulation, design, and decision tools for engineering
applications. The CNCI Program is also involved in supporting the
NSF-wide effort Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence (KDI). Further
information about KDI can be found in link Crosscutting Areas of
Research and Education.

Contact Information (ECS)

Integrative Systems (IS)

This program stimulates innovative research in areas that integrate
device concepts and systems principles to develop new technologies and
new research directions. Research proposals are sought that address
fundamental research issues associated with the analysis and design of
such integrative systems. Areas of opportunity will be announced on the
Division of Electrical and Communications Systems Home Page,
http://www.eng.nsf.gov/ecs/ecs.htm. In addition, researchers are welcome
to propose potential topics of interest, and are encouraged to discuss
them with a program director. One example of an integrated microsystem
is a miniature implantable device that combines sensors, actuators, and
computational algorithms and microcircuits for biomedical applications
ranging from drug delivery to microsurgery. As a second example, a
wireless network of hand-held or wearable computing devices incorporates
microsystem transmitters, receivers, antennas, and sensors and
constitutes 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.
Integrative systems proposals may involve collaborative research among
investigators in order to capture a breadth of expertise.

Contact Information (ECS)

Resources and Infrastructure

In partnership with other NSF Directorates and government agencies, the
ECS Division provides nationwide research and education resources. These
include the National Nanofabrication Users Network (NNUN), National
Center for Computational Electronics (NCCE), Multiuser MEMS Processes
(MUMPS), U.S.-Japan Joint Optoelectronics Project, MOS Implementation
Services (MOSIS), and others. In addition, the NSF Engineering Research
Centers (ERCs) and Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers
(I/UCRCs) impact 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.

Contact Information (ECS)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND CENTERS (EEC)

The Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) Division seeks to stimulate
new paradigms in engineering research and education that will accelerate
technological and educational innovation and improve the quality and
diversity of engineering graduates entering the technical workforce. To
achieve its mission, EEC facilitates integrated partnerships that cross
disciplines and focus on technological systems. For example, academe is
linked with industry and the States, and diverse academic institutions
are joined in curricular and educational innovations. The objective is
to yield well-rounded, professionally oriented engineers with a global
outlook and the ability to assume leadership roles in industry, academe,
and society.

The ECS Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Engineering Research Centers (ERCs)
* Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRCs)
* Engineering Education
* Combined Research-Curriculum Development Program
* Supplemental Funding for Support of Women, Minority, and Physically
Disabled Engineering Research Assistants

For More Information on EEC Programs and Activities

For further information on EEC activities, 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) 306-1380, or by fax, (703) 306-0326; or visit the
EEC Division Home Page, http://www.eng.nsf.gov/eec/.

LEVEL 3

Engineering Research Centers (ERCs)

ERCs 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. ERCs integrate
research with education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels,
producing curriculum innovations derived from the systems focus of the
ERCs' strategic research goals. ERCs aim to build trusted partnerships
with industry, develop shared infrastructure, and increase the capacity
of engineering and science graduates to contribute to the U.S.
competitive edge. They provide a system perspective for long-term
engineering research and education, enabling fresh technologies,
productive engineering processes, and innovative products and services.

Contact Information (EEC)

Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRCs)

I/UCRCs develop long-term partnerships among industry, academe, and
government. The centers are catalyzed by a small investment from NSF and
are primarily supported by center members, with NSF taking a supporting
role in their development and evolution. I/UCRCs stimulate highly
leveraged industry/university cooperation by focusing on fundamental
research recommended by Industrial Advisory Boards. Each center is
established to conduct research that is of interest to both the industry
and the university with which it is involved, with the provision that
the industry must provide major support to the center at all times. The
centers rely primarily on the involvement of graduate students in their
research projects, thus developing students who are knowledgeable in
industrially relevant research.

Contact Information (EEC)

Engineering Education

This program stimulates innovation and reform in engineering education
so that graduates may better serve the needs of the next century. Very
high among the priorities is an increase in the recruitment and
retention of students, especially women, underrepresented minorities,
and people with disabilities.

A new NSF initiative in engineering education is the Action Agenda for
Systemic Engineering Education Reform, which provides support and
encouragement for faculty to develop and implement fresh new approaches
to improving the practice of engineering education. The Action Agenda
initiative builds on the developments that have resulted from the NSF
Engineering Education Coalitions and other new ideas for the reform and
improvement of engineering education. Action Agenda places emphasis on
proposals that are based on their final outcomes and that have strong
assessment programs that focus on the goals of improving teaching and
learning methods, curricular content, and constituencies and networks in
engineering education.

The EEC Division also participates in NSF's Educating for the Future
thrust, which builds on the successes and experiences of systemic reform
in grades K through 12. EEC will continue to support the outreach of
engineering education improvements through many programs in which new
educators 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. This support will be provided through
engineering education scholars workshops or other appropriate outreach
programs and activities.

Contact Information (EEC)

Combined Research-Curriculum Development Program

This program supports the development of multidisciplinary projects that
integrate new, state-of-the-art research advances in emerging technology
areas into upper-level undergraduate and introductory graduate
engineering and computer and information science curricula.

Contact Information (EEC)

Supplemental Funding for Support of Women, Minorities, and Physically
Disabled Engineering Research Assistants

This program provides support for supplemental funding for investigators
who wish to include women, underrepresented minorities, and physically
disabled undergraduate or high school students as research assistants on
their projects. Supplemental funding of up to $5,000, including indirect
costs, may be requested for each student to be 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.

Additional funds in excess of $5,000 may be requested, if necessary, to
provide special equipment, modify equipment, or provide other services
required specifically for participation of persons with physical
disabilities. The equipment must be specifically related to the research
work, such as prosthetic devices to manipulate a specific piece of
equipment, and not for general assistance, such as wheelchairs or ramps.

Contact Information (EEC)


GEOSCIENCES

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 GEO Directorate comprises the following Divisions:

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

For further information beyond what appears in this Guide, visit the GEO
Directorate Home Page (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/).



LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES (ATM)

Research support is available in the Division of Atmospheric Sciences
(ATM) through the following programs and activities:

* Aeronomy
* Atmospheric Chemistry
* Climate Dynamics
* Large-Scale Dynamic Meteorology
* Magnetospheric Physics
* Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology
* Paleoclimate
* Physical Meteorology
* Solar-Terrestrial
* Upper Atmospheric Facilities
* National Center for Atmospheric Research
* UNIDATA
* Lower Atmospheric Facilities

Submission of Proposals to the ATM Division

Proposals may be submitted at any time during the year for all programs
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 Grant Proposal Guide
(NSF 98-2, in revision). 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
is also 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 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 four
months prior to the actual deadline date for submission of proposals.

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

For More Information on ATM Programs and Activities
For further information, contact the Division of Atmospheric Sciences,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 775, Arlington,
VA 22230; or telephone (703) 306-1520; or visit the ATM Division Home
Page (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/atm/).


LEVEL 3

Aeronomy

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Atmospheric Chemistry

This program supports research to measure and model the concentration
and distribution of gases and aerosols in the lower and middle
atmosphere. 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.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Climate Dynamics

This program supports research on the processes that govern climate and
the causes of climate variability and change, 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.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Large-Scale Dynamic Meteorology

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Magnetospheric Physics

This program 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 nonlinear, three-dimensional
plasma physics models. The analysis of data from all sources, whether
ground-based or from spacecraft, is also supported.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Physical Meteorology

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Solar-Terrestrial

This program 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 on various time scales.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Upper Atmospheric Facilities

NSF supports four large incoherent-scatter radar multiuser facilities
located along a longitudinal chain from Greenland to Peru. Each of these
facilities 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
* Millstone Hill Radar
* Arecibo Observatory
* Jicamarca Radio Observatory

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 whether the facility is available during the requested
time period.

For More Information on UAF

For further 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://128.18.44.75/iono/issfsond.html

* Director, Millstone Hill Radar, MIT, Haystack Observatory, Westford,
MA 01886 http://hyperion.haystack.edu/homepage.html

* 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://dartagnan.ee.cornell.edu:8001/radar/jro/jicamarca.html

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)


LEVEL 4

Sondrestrom Radar Facility

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

Eligibility (UAF)
Contact Information (UAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Millstone Hill Radar

Located near Boston, MA, and operated by the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) under an NSF cooperative agreement, this facility is
located south of the auroral oval in a region where significant
midlatitude 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 located
at Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Eligibility (UAF)
Contact Information (UAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Arecibo Observatory

Located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, this observatory is operated by Cornell
University's National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC) under an
NSF cooperative agreement. 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 located near the observatory.

Eligibility (UAF)
Contact Information (UAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

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 (UAF)
Contact Information (UAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

LEVEL 3

National Center for Atmospheric Research

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), located in Boulder,
CO, is a focal point for research in the field of atmospheric sciences.

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

The facilities at NCAR serve the entire atmospheric sciences research
community and some ocean scientists. 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 Facilities.

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, precipitation
formation, and the 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 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 on NCAR

For further information, contact 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/.

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

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/).

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

Lower Atmospheric Facilities

NSF's Lower Atmospheric Facilities (LAF) Program supports multiuser
national research facilities that offer educational opportunities and
serve the observational needs of the atmospheric science research
community.

* Aircraft
* Radar
* Other Facilities

Eligibility Requirements for LAF Proposals

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

For More Information on LAF

For further information, write to the following addresses 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/index.html

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

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

LEVEL 4

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.

Eligibility (LAF)
Contact Information (LAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

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.

Eligibility (LAF)
Contact Information (LAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)

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 (LAF)
Contact Information (LAF)

Submission of Proposals (ATM)
Contact Information (ATM)


LEVEL 2

CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES

The GEO Directorate takes an active role in several areas of
crosscutting research not mentioned in this chapter. The following is a
list of these activities.

* Environment and Global Change, including the Inter-American Institute
for Global Change Research
* Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence (KDI)
* Life and Earth's Environment (LEE)

For information on other crosscutting programs and activities at NSF,
see the Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education chapter of this
Guide.


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF EARTH SCIENCES (EAR)

Research support is available in the Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
through the following types of programs:

* Core Research Support
* Special Emphasis Areas

Submission of Proposals to the EAR Division

NSF supports the best research proposals received in any area of
geology, geophysics, geochemistry, paleobiology, and hydrology,
including interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary proposals that may
involve one or more of these disciplines. Especially welcome are
proposals for research in newly emerging areas of science that may not
fit easily into one of these categories. For convenience in proposal
evaluation, proposals received are assigned to one of the individual
Core Research Support Programs or to the Continental Dynamics or
Instrumentation and Facilities Programs, if appropriate. The titles of
these programs indicate in general terms the subject matter covered by
each, although the programs should be considered very broad and not
necessarily restricted to their specified discipline of science.

Eligibility Requirements for EAR Proposals

Proposals will be accepted from colleges, universities, and other
institutions in the United States with formal research programs in the
earth sciences. Proposals may involve individual scientists or be a
collaborative effort of associated researchers working on coordinated
projects.

For More Information on EAR Programs and Activities

Information on the programs in the EAR Division is available in the
publication Earth Sciences Research at the National Science Foundation
(NSF 96-50). For further information, contact the Division of Earth
Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 785,
Arlington, VA 22230; or telephone (703) 306-1550; or visit the EAR
Division Home Page (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/).

LEVEL 3

CORE RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The following programs comprise Core Research Support in the Division of
Earth Sciences (EAR). Further information on these programs is available
by calling the telephone number listed, or by visiting the EAR Division
Home Page (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/ear/).

* Continental Dynamics (703) 306-1559
* Education and Human Resources (703) 306-1557
* Geology and Paleontology (703) 306-1551
* Geophysics (703) 306-1556
* Hydrologic Sciences (703) 306-1549
* Instrumentation and Facilities (703) 306-1558
* Petrology and Geochemistry (703) 306-1554
* Tectonics (703) 306-1552

LEVEL 4

Continental Dynamics

This program supports multidisciplinary research that will result in a
better understanding of the processes that govern the origin, structure,
composition, and dynamical 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. It is intended that the
program fund only relatively large projects that do not fit easily
within earth sciences project support and that offer broad support for
major sections of the earth sciences community. The program also funds
research as part of the interagency and international Continental
Scientific Drilling and Exploration Program.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Education and Human Resources

EAR's program in Education and Human Resources coordinates the
Division's efforts to improve earth science education for all U.S.
citizens and provides liaison between the earth sciences research
community and NSF's Directorate for Education and Human Resources. The
program supports the Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Program and EAR's participation in Foundation-wide programs such as
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)-Sites.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Geology and Paleontology

This program supports studies 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 supported by the program include
paleontology, paleoecology, stratigraphy, paleoclimatology,
geomorphology, glacial geology, sedimentology, soil genesis, sedimentary
petrology, diagenesis, and organic geochemistry.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Geophysics

This program 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 is also given for geophysical studies of active
deformation, including GPS-based geodesy, and fundamental laboratory
studies of properties and behavior of earth materials in support of
geophysical observation and theory.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Hydrologic Sciences

This program 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 ground water, 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.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Instrumentation and Facilities

This program 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 systems for a significant
segment of the earth sciences research community, and the funding of
research technicians.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Petrology and Geochemistry

This program 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, economic geology, and meteoritics.
Supported research includes field, laboratory, theoretical, and
computational studies.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

Tectonics

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

LEVEL 3

SPECIAL EMPHASIS AREAS

Within the Division of Earth Sciences (EAR), certain research areas may
be selected for special emphasis, or on the basis of special scientific
opportunities. Frequently, these are related to areas of national
priority such as the Environment and Global Change Research Program and
the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. The following is a
list of current Special Emphasis Areas and the publication number for
the corresponding program announcement:

* Earth System History (NSF 97-161)
* Water and Energy: Atmospheric, Vegetative, and Earth Interactions (NSF
95-45)
* Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry (NSF 97-172)
* Active Tectonics (NSF 95-137)
* Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior (CSEDI) (NSF 95-155)
* Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (NSF 93-93)

Submission of Proposals (EAR)
Eligibility (EAR)
Contact Information (EAR)

LEVEL 2

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

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

For More Information on GLOBE

For further information on GLOBE, contact Dr. Paul Filmer in the
Directorate for Geosciences by telephone, (703) 306-1515; 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/). Further information on
EHR programs is available in the EHR Directorate pages of this Guide.

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF OCEAN SCIENCES (OCE)

Research support is available in the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
through the following programs and activities:

* Biological Oceanography
* Chemical Oceanography
* Marine Geology and Geophysics
* Physical Oceanography
* Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination
* Oceanographic Centers and Facilities
* Ocean Drilling Program

For More Information on OCE Programs and Activities

Further information about the OCE Division, such as deadline and target
dates, extended program descriptions, and publications, is available on
the OCE Division Home Page (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/).

LEVEL 3

Biological Oceanography

This program 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.

Contact Information (OCE)

Chemical Oceanography

This program 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.

Contact Information (OCE)

Marine Geology and Geophysics

This program 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.

Contact Information (OCE)

Physical Oceanography

This program 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.

Contact Information (OCE)

Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination

This program 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 undertaken 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).

Contact Information (OCE)

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 in
addition to supporting 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 Oceanographic Centers
and Facilities Section (NSF 94-124).

For More Information on Oceanographic Centers and Facilities

For further information, contact the Oceanographic Centers and
Facilities Section, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 725, Arlington, VA 22230; or
telephone (703) 306-1576; or visit the OCE Division Home Page
(http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/).

Contact Information (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 logging and collecting
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, located at Columbia University.

Contact Information (OCE)


U.S. Science Support

NSF provides funding for the participation and drilling-related research
performed by U.S. scientists. Activities include the investigations of
potential drilling regions, especially by means of regional geophysical
field studies; the feasibility and initial development of downhole
instruments and techniques; and the 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 (USSAC). 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); and support for U.S. scientists participating on the
drill ship, as well as 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 on ODP

For further information, contact 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 telephone (703) 306-1581; or visit the OCE
Division Home Page (http://www.geo.nsf.gov/oce/).

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
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.

Send requests for data and samples of core material to Curator, Ocean
Drilling Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3469;
or visit the program's Home Page (http://www-odp.tamu.edu/curation/).

For information regarding 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.ldeo.columbia.edu/BRG/index.html).

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.

Contact Information (OCE)


MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Programs in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorate are
designed to increase the knowledge base in the mathematical and physical
sciences, improve the quality of education in the mathematical and
physical sciences in graduate and undergraduate activities, increase the
rate at which advances in the 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 the 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 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 MPS Directorate comprises the following Divisions:

* 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 further information beyond what appears in this Guide, visit the MPS
Directorate Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/mps/).


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES (AST)

The overall objective of the Astronomical Sciences (AST) Division is to
increase our knowledge of the universe. Support is given for research
aimed at determining the composition, structure, and evolution of
planets, stars, and galaxies, including our Sun and the Milky Way. AST
also supports the development and operation of three National Astronomy
Centers; provides the United States' share of the funding for the
operation of the Gemini Observatories, an international partnership; and
supports the Center for Particle Astrophysics, a NSF Science and
Technology (S&T) Center. Proposals to support searches for
extraterrestrial intelligence are not supported in the AST Division.

The AST Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation
* Education, Human Resources, and Special Programs
* Electromagnetic Spectrum Management
* Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology
* Galactic Astronomy
* Planetary Astronomy
* Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics
* Facilities

For More Information on AST Programs and Activities

For further information on AST activities, 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) 306-1820; or visit the AST Division Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/start.htm).


LEVEL 3

Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation

This program 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
technologies and innovative techniques in astronomical research.

Contact Information (AST)

Education, Human Resources, and Special Programs

These activities coordinate research support in special areas that are
astronomy-related. Programs include Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements, Presidential Early Career
Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), Faculty Early Career
Development (CAREER), Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI),
Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education (POWRE),
and programs for underrepresented minorities. For a complete description
of these programs, see Crosscutting Areas of Research Education.

Contact Information (AST)

Electronic Spectrum Management

This program coordinates with other government agencies to use
electromagnetic spectra for research and frequency assignments for other
telecommunications and electronics systems.

Contact Information (AST)

Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology

This program supports theoretical and observational studies of
extragalactic objects, ranging from nearby galaxies to the most distant
quasars, and their relevance to galactic evolution and cosmology.

Contact Information (AST)

Galactic Astronomy

This program 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.

Contact Information (AST)

Planetary Astronomy

This program 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.

Contact Information (AST)

Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics

This program 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.

Contact Information (AST)

Facilities

NSF astronomical facilities and instrumentation 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
period.

The facilities supported by the AST Division are:

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


LEVEL 4

National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center

NSF supports the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a
visitor-oriented national research center focusing on radio and radar
astronomy and atmospheric sciences. NAIC's headquarters are located in
Ithaca, NY, where it is 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 research and
observing instrumentation, including receivers, transmitters, and
digital data acquisition and processing equipment. 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 50 megahertz
to 5 gigahertz. Transmitters include an S-band (2,380-megahertz) radar
system for planetary studies and a 430-megahertz radar system for
aeronomy studies. A high-power ionospheric heating facility provides
researchers with a unique capability to investigate nonlinear plasma
phenomena in the ionosphere.

For More Information on NAIC

For further information on NAIC, visit the NAIC Web site on the AST
Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/naic.htm). Information is
also available 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/).

Contact Information (AST)

Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes

The Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes Project is an international partnership
involving the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Brazil,
and Argentina. The project involves the construction of two 8-meter
telescopes: one in the Northern Hemisphere on Mauna Kea, HI, and one in
the Southern Hemisphere on Cerro Pachon, Chile. The Mauna Kea telescope
will be infrared optimized and will have superb image quality; the
Chilean telescope will be its near twin. Completion is expected in 1998
on Mauna Kea and in 2000 in Chile.

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. (AURA)-a
consortium of 20 major universities-is managing the construction of the
telescopes.

For More Information on Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes

For further information on the Gemini 8-Meter Telescopes Project, visit
the Gemini Web site on the AST Division Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/gemini.htm); or the Gemini Telescopes Home
Page (http://www.gemini.edu/).

Contact Information (AST)

National Optical Astronomy Observatories

NSF supports the National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO), a
national center for research in ground-based optical and infrared
astronomy and solar physics. Large optical telescopes, observing
instrumentation, and data analysis equipment and 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 located in Tucson, AZ, is operated and
managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy,
Inc. (AURA). NOAO comprises the Kitt Peak National Observatory, the
Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, and the National Solar
Observatory.

NOAO comprises the following facilities:

* Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO)-The observing facilities of KPNO
are located on Kitt Peak, a 2,089-meter mountain that is 90 kilometers
southwest of Tucson, AZ. KPNO include the 3.5-meter WIYN telescope, the
4-meter Mayall telescope, a 2.1-meter general-purpose reflector, a
92-centimeter coud-feed (associated with the 2.1-meter), and a 0.9-meter
equipped for wide-field imaging. A full complement of state-of-the-art
spectroscopic, photometric, and imaging instrumentation is available for
use on these telescopes.

* Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO)-Provides qualified
scientists 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, located about
482 kilometers north of Santiago, Chile. The observing facilities are
located on Cerro Tololo, a 2,194-meter mountain on the western slopes of
the Andes, about 64 kilometers inland from La Serena.

CTIO operates six telescopes, including the 4-meter Blanco telescope,
which is a near twin to the 4-meter Mayall at Kitt Peak. The other
telescopes are a 1.5-meter, a 0.91-meter, a 0.61-meter reflector, a
Schmidt telescope (on loan from the University of Michigan), and a
1-meter reflector (on loan from Yale). These telescopes are equipped
with instruments similar to those at KPNO.

* National Solar Observatory (NSO)-Is devoted to research in the fields
of solar physics, solar/terrestrial relationships, and related areas.
NSO makes available to qualified scientists the world's largest
collection of modern optical solar telescopes and auxiliary
instrumentation designed to observe the solar photosphere, chromosphere,
and corona.

NSO has observing facilities atop Kitt Peak, AZ (NSO/KP), and Sacramento
Peak, NM (NSO/SP). The Kitt Peak facilities 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 and is also used
for planetary and stellar observations and for laboratory
high-resolution spectroscopy. The principal instruments of NSO/SP are
the 0.76-meter aperture Solar Vacuum Tower Telescope, equipped with
spectrographs, optical benches, and the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter; and
the Evans Solar Facility, equipped with a 40-centimeter aperture
coronagraph, 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, AZ.

For More Information on NOAO

For further information on NOAO, visit the NOAO Web site on the AST
Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/noao2.htm). Information
is also available by writing 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).

Contact Information (AST)

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The 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 located in Charlottesville, VA; however, actual
observing sites are in Green Bank, WV; Kitt Peak near Tucson, AZ; a site
80 kilometers west of Socorro, NM; and 10 sites in the continental
United States and on the islands of Hawaii and St. Croix. 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.

Currently operated at the Green Bank site is a 43-meter aperture
instrument that permits the study of spectral lines at centimeter
wavelengths. It is an integral part of the VLBA network, which studies
quasars and is involved in the high-resolution mapping of galactic
objects based on simultaneous observations by combinations of telescopes
over transcontinental and intercontinental distances.

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, NM,
consists of 27 antennae and carries out aperture synthesis observations
of faint radio sources.

For More Information on NRAO

For further information on NRAO, visit the NRAO Web site on the AST
Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/nrao.htm). Information is
also available by writing to the Director, National Radio Astronomy
Observatory, Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903; or visit the NRAO
Home Page (http://www.nrao.edu).

Contact Information (AST)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY (CHE)

The Chemistry (CHE) Division 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 Atmospheric Sciences, Molecular and Cellular
Biosciences, Chemical and Transport Systems, Earth Sciences, and
Materials Research. Similarly, support for the development of
infrastructure in chemistry is also provided by appropriate divisions in
the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) and in the
Directorate for 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.

The CHE Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Analytical and Surface Chemistry
* Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry
* Organic Chemical Dynamics
* Organic Synthesis
* Experimental Physical Chemistry
* Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
* Chemistry of Materials
* Office of Special Projects
* Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF)

For More Information on CHE Programs and Activities

For further information on CHE activities, write to the Division of
Chemistry, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
1055, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the Division by telephone, (703)
306-1840; or visit the CHE Division Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/chem/start.htm).

LEVEL 3

Analytical and Surface Chemistry

This program supports fundamental chemical research directed toward the
characterization and analysis of all forms of matter. Studies of
elemental and molecular macrocomposition and of the microstructure of
both bulk and surface domains are included. Investigations designed to
probe the chemical structure and reactivity of the interface between
different forms of matter are also supported. The program has links to
other programs within NSF that support chemistry research, 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).

Contact Information (CHE)

Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry

This program supports research on the synthesis, properties, and
reaction mechanisms of molecules containing metals, metalloids, and
nonmetals, encompassing the entire periodic table of the elements.
Included are studies of homogeneous catalytic chemical reactions;
bioinorganic and organometallic reactions; and the rational synthesis of
new inorganic substances with predictable chemical, physical, and
biological properties. Such research provides the basis for
understanding the function of metal ions in biological systems; the
behavior of new inorganic materials and new industrial catalysts; and
the systematic understanding of the chemistry of most of the elements in
the environment.

Contact Information (CHE)

Organic Chemical Dynamics

This program 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).

Contact Information (CHE)

Organic Synthesis

This program 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 for the investigation of
natural products and new organic materials. Such research provides the
basis for design syntheses of new materials and natural products of
importance to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The program
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).

Contact Information (CHE)

Experimental Physical Chemistry

This program supports experimental research directed at the molecular
level of understanding of the physical properties of chemical systems.
Experimental methodologies employed include frequency domain and time
domain spectroscopic techniques covering the entire range of the
electromagnetic spectrum, time-resolved dynamical studies of
state-selected and mass-selected systems, and reactive scattering in
molecular beams. Chemical systems studied range from single isolated
molecules or ions to clusters, liquids, and solids. Chemical properties
of interest include molecular structure and the shape of the ground and
excited electronic-state potential energy surfaces, chemical dynamics of
unimolecular and bimolecular chemical processes, time-resolved internal
energy redistribution and state-to-state dynamics in molecular systems,
and solute/solvent interactions in clusters and liquids. 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); and various programs in the Materials Research
Division (MPS Directorate).

Contact Information (CHE)

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

This program 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 Scientific
Computing (Advanced Scientific Computing Division, CISE Directorate).

Contact Information (CHE)

Chemistry of Materials

This program 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;
materials-related chemistry of thin films and interfaces; 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, 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.

Contact Information (CHE)

Office of Special Projects

This program supports or coordinates the support for most of the
infrastructure programs and activities with which the CHE Division is
involved. Examples include the Research Experiences for Undergraduates
(REU) and Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Programs, as well as
various special-purpose grants in education, outreach, and graduate
training. The office also manages the Division's involvement in other
large-scale projects such as the Science and Technology Centers. For
complete information on these programs, see Crosscutting Areas of
Research and Education.

Contact Information (CHE)

Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF)

This program supports the purchase or upgrade of departmental multiuser
instrumentation, departmental instrumentation for junior faculty who are
establishing their academic careers, instrumentation development, and
chemistry research facilities. The first two topics focus on
departmental development in the context of a university setting and are
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 proposal
must first contact a 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).

Contact Information (CHE)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF MATERIALS RESEARCH (DMR)

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 proposals do not have to be
confined or targeted to a specific program. Staff and management work to
facilitate the co-funding of highly meritorious proposals across
appropriate program, division, or Directorate boundaries.

DMR supports research through the following programs and activities:

* Metals, Ceramics, and Electronic Materials
* Materials Theory
* Condensed Matter Physics
* Solid-State Chemistry and Polymers
* Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers
* National Facilities and Instrumentation

For More Information on DMR Programs and Activities

For further information on DMR activities, including target dates and
deadlines for proposal submission, write to the Division of Materials
Research, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1065,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the Division by telephone, (703)
306-1810; or visit the DMR Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/dmr/start.htm).

Metals, Ceramics, and Electronic Materials (MCEM)

This program supports primarily experimental activities, but may
incorporate some related theoretical and computational research. The
objective is to increase the understanding of and predictive
capabilities for relating synthesis, processing, and microstructure of
these materials to their properties and performance in various
applications and environments.

Metals research encompasses the broad areas of physical and mechanical
metallurgy. This fundamental research aims at increasing the
understanding of and predictive capabilities for relating metal alloy
chemistry, processing, and microstructure to physical and structural
properties and performance in various applications and environments.

Ceramics research, which is primarily experimental, seeks to increase
the understanding of and predictive capabilities for relating
fundamental physical and chemical properties to microstructure and
performance in various applications and environments. This includes
research on structural and electronic (functional) ceramics as well as
glasses.

Electronic materials research seeks to understand the fundamental
phenomena associated with the synthesis and processing of
electronic/photonic materials. 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.

Contact Information (DMR)

Materials Theory (MT)

This program supports theoretical grants in the areas of research
supported by the Metals, Ceramics, and Electronic Materials; Condensed
Matter Physics; Solid-State Chemistry; and Polymers Programs. The MT
Program also supports research that will help advance theoretical
methods, and a broad spectrum of analytical and computational research
in the fields of condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, and
advanced materials. Emphasis is on an atomistic approach to materials
research, ranging from an electronic to a microstructural/mesoscopic
level.

Contact Information (DMR)

Condensed Matter Physics

This program 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.

Current topics of interest include the study of surfaces, interfaces,
thin films, nanostructures, quantum fluids, nonequilibrium systems, and
the phenomena exhibited by systems of reduced dimensionality or reduced
crystalline perfection. 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, support will include experimental research on condensed matter
under extreme conditions, such as low or ultralow temperatures,
ultrahigh pressures, and high magnetic fields.

Contact Information (DMR)

Solid-State Chemistry and Polymers (SSCP)

This program is largely experimental and multidisciplinary with strong
components of chemistry, physics, and materials science. Emphasis is
placed on synthesis, processing, characterization, and
structure/property relationships of materials at the molecular level,
with particular focus on new materials or materials with superior
properties.

The Solid-State Chemistry Program supports basic research that includes
intelligent, exploratory synthesis; synthesis by design;
characterization; structure-property relationships; and processing of
materials at a molecular level. Special attention is given to new
materials or materials with superior properties.

The Polymers Program supports basic research-largely experimental and
multidisciplinary-with strong components of chemistry, physics, and
materials science. Emphasis is on special chemical and physical
properties that distinguish macromolecules from small molecules. The
polymers studied are principally synthetic, but there is also an
interest in biopolymers.

Contact Information (DMR)

Materials Research Sciences and Engineering Centers (MRSECs)

This program support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary materials
research and education while addressing fundamental problems in science
and engineering that are important to society. In deciding to support
new research opportunities, MRSECs require outstanding research quality,
intellectual breadth, and interdisciplinary flexibility; support for
research infrastructure; and full integration with the academic programs
of the participating institutions. These centers have strong links to
industry and other sectors, and will ultimately lead to a national
network of university-based centers in materials research. MRSECs
address fundamental materials research topics of intellectual and
strategic importance, and contribute to national priorities by fostering
an active collaboration between universities and other sectors. In
addition, they help to foster the integration of research and education,
and address problems of a scope or complexity that requires the
advantages of scale and of interdisciplinary interaction provided by a
campus-based research center.

Contact Information (DMR)

National Facilities and Instrumentation (NAFI)

This program fulfills two major roles of DMR: the development and
acquisition of state-of-the-art instrumentation to carry out advanced
materials research; and the operation of national user facilities.
Proposals are considered for research topics that are within the general
range of DMR programs and activities.

The Instrumentation for Materials Research (IMR) Program supports major
shared instruments essential to the needs of 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 will lead to new discoveries.

National User Facilities are research facilities with specialized
instrumentation available to the scientific research community,
particularly the materials research community. These facilities provide
unique research capabilities that can be located at only a very few
highly specialized laboratories in the Nation. Examples 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 on National User Facilities

The following is a list of National User Facilities and their addresses.
Interested users are encouraged to contact the facilities directly.

Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Reactor Radiation Division
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Telephone: (301) 975-6242
http://rrdjazz.nist.gov/

Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source
Wilson Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Telephone: (607) 255-7163
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
http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/

Synchrotron Radiation Center
University of Wisconsin at Madison
3731 Schneider Drive
Stoughton, WI 53589-2200
Telephone: (608) 877-2000
http://www.src.wisc.edu/

National Nanofabrication Facility
Knight Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Telephone: (607) 255-2329
http://www.cnf.cornell.edu/

Stanford Nanofabrication Facility
CIS Building
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-4070
Telephone: (650) 725-6266 or (650) 725-NANO
http://www.nnun.org/
Contact Information (DMR)


LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (DMS)

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 supports research through the following programs and activities:

* Algebra and Number Theory
* Applied Mathematics
* Analysis
* Computational Mathematics
* Geometric Analysis
* Statistics and Probability
* Topology and Foundations
* Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program
* Grants for Vertical Integration of Research and Education
* Cross-Disciplinary Interactions


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
in advance of the start of the activity. Contact the Division for
information on proposal requirements.

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

For More Information on DMS Programs and Activities

For further information on DMS activities, 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) 306-1870; or visit the DMS Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/dms/start.htm).

LEVEL 3

Algebra and Number Theory

This program 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.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Applied Mathematics

This program 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, but are not limited to, partial differential equations
that model natural phenomena or 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.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Analysis

This program supports research on properties and behavior of solutions
of differential equations; variational methods; approximations and
special functions; analysis of several complex variables and singular
integrals; harmonic analysis and wavelet theory; Kleinian groups and
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.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Computational Mathematics

Computation 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
are also encouraged.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Geometric Analysis

This program 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.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Statistics and Probability

Statistical theory and methods 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.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Topology and Foundations

This program 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 infinite combinatorics.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure Program

This program supports activities that differ from the usual types of
research project such as the work of research institutes. Activities
supported include the following:

* 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 weeklong
session.

* Scientific Computing Research Environments in the Mathematical
Sciences-Offers moderate grants for computing equipment that will
benefit groups of researchers of outstanding quality 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, see Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education;
see the EHR Directorate for more information on EHR programs and
activities.

* Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships-Fellowships
will be awarded to between 25 and 30 new fellows in fiscal year 1999.
Tenure provides a research instructorship option.


Eligibility Requirements for the Mathematical Sciences Infrastructure
Program

Each applicant will 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 be a
citizen, national, or lawfully admitted permanent resident alien of the
United States as of January 1, 1999; have earned by the beginning of his
or her fellowship tenure a doctoral degree in one of the mathematical
sciences listed above, or have had research training and experience
equivalent to that represented by a Ph.D. in one of those fields; and
have held the doctorate for no more than two years as of January 1,
1999.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Grants for Vertical Integration of Research and Education (VIGRE)

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 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 an
undergraduate and graduate curriculum review.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

Cross-Disciplinary Interactions

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, it is frequently the case that the problems posed 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.

* In the area of biosciences, 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 algebras, 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; 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 are also opportunities in environmental
technology, including pollution prevention, monitoring, and remediation.
Researchers should be aware of implications of their efforts toward such
activities.

Proposals for General Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Special Years,
and Related Activities in the DMS
Specific Types of Grants Supported by DMS
Contact Information (DMS)

LEVEL 2

OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY ACTIVITIES (OMA)

Established in 1995, the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA)
supports activities that cut across MPS disciplines or bridge these
disciplines with other areas of science from other NSF Directorates. OMA
works to intensify the Directorate's support for multidisciplinary
research and human infrastructure and takes advantage of new
opportunities. Each year a few areas of emphasis will be targeted for
high-priority funding consideration. Current examples are optical
science and engineering, environmental science and technology, and the
Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)
Initiative.

OMA supports research through the following program:

* Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)

For More Information on OMA Activities

For further information on OMA activities, write to the Head, Office of
Multidisciplinary Activities, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Directorate, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room
1005, Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the office by telephone, (703)
306-1800; or visit the OMA Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/oma/start.htm).

LEVEL 3

Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry

The Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)
Initiative is designed to encourage new links between university-based
research groups, usually composed of a few graduate students and
postdoctoral associates, and private enterprises that use advanced
science and technology. These links may be joint or complementary
research programs or exchanges of personnel. GOALI will provide
participants with opportunities to work on industrially relevant
problems and to gain experience and insight into what drives scientific
and technological development in the commercial sector. For more
information on the GOALI Initiative, see Crosscutting Areas of Research
and Education.

Contact Information (OMA)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF PHYSICS (PHY)

The Physics (PHY) Division 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 (CESR), the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility
(IUCF), and the Michigan State University National Superconducting
Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL)- and smaller centers in atomic, molecular,
and optical physics and in theoretical physics. The Division is also
responsible for the construction of the Laser Interferometer Gravity
Wave Observatory (LIGO).

The research activitiesof the PHY Division are inextricably linked to
education and support of 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 (REU) Program. The Division now supports more than 45 REU
sites. Research activities at four-year colleges are supported through
the Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Program. In addition,
the Division offers significant training opportunities for young people
through its support of about 500 postdoctoral positions.

The PHY Division supports research through the following programs and
activities:

* Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Plasma Physics
* Elementary Particle Physics
* Gravitational Physics
* Nuclear Physics
* Theoretical Physics
* Special Programs

For More Information on PHY Programs and Activities

For further information on PHY activities, write to the Division of
Physics, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1015,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the Division by telephone, (703)
306-1890; or visit the PHY Division Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/mps/phy/start.htm).

LEVEL 3

Atomic, Moleculare, Optical, and Plasma Physics.

In the field of Atomic and Molecular Physics, supports research in areas
such as electronic structure of isolated neutral and ionized atoms and
molecules, their interparticle collision dynamics, and their
interactions with charged particles and with electromagnetic radiation;
the collective behavior of atoms in dilute condensed phases
(Bose-Einstein Condensates); and precision measurements of fundamental
constants. In the field of Optical Physics, supports research on
subjects such as nonlinear response of isolated atoms to intense,
ultrashort electromagnetic fields; the atom/cavity interaction at high
fields; and coherent control in weak and strong fields. In the field of
basic Plasma Physics, focuses on the study of the behavior of plasmas in
both confined magnetic structures and in laser plasma interactions.

Through this program, the PHY Division supports several centers and
facilities. These include the Joint Institute for Laboratory
Astrophysics (JILA) at the University of Colorado, which is supported
jointly with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
JILA conducts leading-edge research in many aspects of atomic,
molecular, and optical physics, including precision measurements,
collective motion of ultracold atoms, and optical control of
translational motion. The Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) 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. The center has been
extremely successful in its outreach to the industrial community through
its involvement in technology transfer to existing and newly formed
companies.

Contact Information (PHY)

Elementary Particle Physics

This program supports research on the properties and interactions of
elementary particles, the most fundamental building blocks of matter.
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; university groups involved
in the construction of detectors for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC),
located at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN); and
university groups conducting research on particle astrophysics that in
some cases may involve the construction of non-accelerator-based
detectors, such as the HiRes and Milagro cosmic ray detectors.

The program supports the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR), which
produces electron and positron colliding beams that allow detailed
studies of b-meson physics and upsilon physics; and facilitates an
aggressive program of synchrotron radiation research at the Cornell
High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), which is operated by the
Division of Materials Research. The CESR facility is in the process of
being upgraded to produce higher luminosity; upon completion, the
accelerator will be among the most luminous electron sources in the
world in this energy range.

Contact Information (PHY)

Gravitational Physics

This program emphasizes the theory of strong gravitational fields and
their application to astrophysics and cosmology, computer simulations of
strong gravitational fields, gravitational radiation; and construction
of a quantum theory of gravity. The program oversees the management of
the construction, commission, and operation of the Laser Interferometer
Gravity Wave Observatory (LIGO), and provides support for LIGO users as
well. This program also supports a number of experimental
investigations.

Contact Information (PHY)

Nuclear Physics

This program 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; basic interactions and fundamental symmetries; and
nuclear astrophysics, ranging from stellar processes and nucleosynthesis
to cosmology. 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.

There are other important components to the Nuclear Physics Program.
Some of these 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 (IUCF), a light-ion cyclotron
and booster/storage ring facility; and the National Superconducting
Cyclotron Laboratory (NCSL), a superconducting heavy-ion cyclotron
facility at Michigan State University.

Contact Information (PHY)

Theoretical Physics

This program 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; basic interactions and fundamental symmetries; and
nuclear astrophysics, ranging from stellar processes and nucleosynthesis
to cosmology. 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.

The program has other important components, including 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 (IUCF), a light-ion cyclotron and booster/storage ring
facility; and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NCSL),
a superconducting heavy-ion cyclotron facility at Michigan State
University.

Contact Information (PHY)

Special Programs

This program 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; basic interactions and fundamental symmetries; and
nuclear astrophysics, ranging from stellar processes and nucleosynthesis
to cosmology. 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.

The program offers other important components as well, including
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 (IUCF), a light-ion cyclotron and
booster/storage ring facility; and the National Superconducting
Cyclotron Laboratory (NCSL), a superconducting heavy-ion cyclotron
facility at Michigan State University.

Contact Information (PHY)


OFFICE OF POLAR PROGRAMS

The Earth's polar regions offer compelling scientific opportunities, but
their isolation and their extreme climates challenge the achievement of
these opportunities.

NSF programs support 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 for the Arctic.

The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) comprises the following:

* United States Antarctic Research
* Arctic Research

For further information beyond what appears in this Guide, visit the OPP
Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/).


LEVEL 2

UNITED STATES ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

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.

NSF supports research that can be done best in the Antarctic or only in
the Antarctic.

Research support is available in the United States Antarctic Research
Program (USAP) through the following programs and activities:

* Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics
* Antarctic Biology and Medicine
* Antarctic Environmental Research
* Antarctic Geology and Geophysics
* Antarctic Glaciology
* Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems
* Operational Support

Eligibility Requirements for USAP Proposals

U.S. academic institutions and academically related nonprofit
organizations may submit proposals 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-funded Antarctic logistics. NSF encourages proposals from women,
minorities, and people with disabilities and proposals for research that
includes undergraduates under guidelines established by NSF programs
such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). All persons
proposing to work in the Antarctic must pass a physical examination of
USAP-specified standards.

Deadlines and Target Dates for USAP Programs and Activities

The annual date for receipt of proposals to the U.S. Antarctic Program
is June 1; cross-Directorate proposals may have a separate deadline. To
confirm a deadline date, refer to the E-Bulletin; the Office of Polar
Programs (OPP) Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/); or the
appropriate program office.

For More Information on USAP Programs and Activities

Information about the U.S. Antarctic Program is available in the
Antarctic Research Program Announcement and Proposal Guide (NSF 96-93).
This document describes the areas of research supported by USAP,
includes material to help proposers evaluate the potential environmental
impact of their projects, and describes operational needs in Antarctica.

For operational questions, contact the Polar Research Support Section at
(703) 306-1032; or see the Web site for Antarctic support contractors
(http://www.asa.org). 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 Office of Polar Programs Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/).

Further Information is also available by contacting the following:

* Office of Polar Programs (703) 306-1030
* Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics (703) 306-1033
* Antarctic Biology and Medicine (703) 306-1033
* Antarctic Earth Sciences (703) 306-1033
* Antarctic Glaciology (703) 306-1033
* Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems (703) 306-1033
* Polar Research Support (703) 306-1032

Literature

The following literature and related items about Antarctica are
available. Please contact the source indicated.

* The Antarctic Journal of the United States contains semiannual reviews
of the U.S. Antarctic Program. The journal has been published by NSF
since 1966. Current issues are available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office (GPO). To order, write to the U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402; contact GPO by telephone, (202) 512-1800;
or visit the GPO Home Page (http://www.access.gpo.gov/).

Back issues are available from Mr. David Friscic in OPP. Contact him by
e-mail, dfriscic@nsf.gov; or write Mr. 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/)

* An ongoing Antarctic Bibliography has abstracted and indexed some
60,000 pieces of research literature from around the world since 1951.
The Library of Congress prepares it with NSF support and welcomes
volumes or reprints to add to the collection and database. For more
information, write to the Cold Regions Bibliography Project, Library of
Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540; or contact the Library of Congress by
telephone, (202) 707-5000; or visit the Library of Congress Home Page
(http://lcweb.loc.gov/homepage/).

The Antarctic Bibliography is exported to two commercial services:

--Questel/ORBIT Information Technologies, 8000 Westpark Drive, McLean,
VA 22101, telephone 1-800-421-7229; and

--National Information Services Corporation (NISC), 3100 St. Paul
Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, telephone (410) 243-0797. NISC produces the
Internet- and CD-ROM-based Arctic & Antarctic Regions, which contains
the Antarctic Bibliography, in a common record format with other polar
data bases. The NISC disk is a subscription service that is updated
every 6 months.

* Current Antarctic Literature is a monthly compilation of abstracts
issued by the Cold Regions Bibliography Project (prepared by the Library
of Congress) in electronic format. More information is available at the
following Web site, located on the Library of Congress Home Page
(http://lcweb.loc.gov/ rr/scitech/coldregions/welcome.html).

* 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; 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 details, visit the OPP Home
Page (http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp).

* 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."

LEVEL 3

Antarctic Aeronomy and Astrophysics

This program supports research projects in the following areas:

* Astrophysics
* Upper Atmosphere Physics
* Long Duration Ballooning


LEVEL 4

Astrophysics

Because of its location at the Earth's spin axis on the
2.8-kilometer-thick East Antarctic Ice Sheet, SouthPole 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
manmade and other noise, and long periods of clear weather provide
superior observing conditions.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

Upper Atmosphere Physics

This program 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 (AGOs) 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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

Long Duration Ballooning

In cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), NSF has developed the capability to launch balloon science
payloads from McMurdo Station. These payloads weigh over a ton and can
reach altitudes of approximately 40 kilometers. The balloons then drift
once or twice around the South Pole during a 10- to 30-day period. This
capability can be used by several disciplines and can in some cases
serve as a low-cost substitute for space flight.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

LEVEL 3

Antarctic Biology and Medicine

This program supports research projects in the following areas:

* Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography
* Terrestrial and Freshwater Biology
* Medical Research

LEVEL 4

Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography

This program 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. 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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

Terrestrial and Freshwater Biology

The biota of terrestrial and freshwater Antarctica are of special
interest, particularly their adaptation to the extreme environment. 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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

Medical Research

Biomedical studies are directed toward epidemiology of viral infections
and physiological and psychological attributes of people in small
isolated groups.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

LEVEL 3

Antarctic Environmental Research

Proposals are encouraged for basic and applied research on environmental
impacts of human activity in Antarctica. Projects might address
environmental data bases, indicators of pollutants and recovery rates,
bioremediation potential, energy and resource conservation,
environmental policy, and tourism impacts. Areas of inquiry could
include basic research; environmental policy research; study of the
effect of past practices, environmental monitoring, and evaluation of
current impacts; resilience of ecosystems; and promising technologies.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

LEVEL 3

Antarctic Geology and Geophysics

This program supports research projects in the following areas:

* Terrestrial Geology and Geophysics
* Marine Geology and Geophysics

LEVEL 4

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 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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

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 process 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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

LEVEL 3

Antarctic Glaciology

This program supports studies on the world's largest ice sheet. Covering
97 percent of the Antarctic continent and up to 4.8 kilometers thick,
the ice sheet 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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

LEVEL 3

Antarctic Ocean and Climate Systems

This program supports research projects in the following areas:

* Atmospheric Sciences
* Physical and Chemical Oceanography

LEVEL 4

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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

Physical and Chemical Oceanography

This program 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-varying
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.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)

LEVEL 3

Operational Support

In addition to funding research, the U.S. Antarctic Program 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. Air access via a Chilean station on King George Island has
been arranged in the past. 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.

Non-U.S. Facilities-International Cooperation

The Foundation is enthusiastic about supporting U.S. scientists'
participation in cooperative research with scientists in other Antarctic
Treaty nations. U.S. scientists wishing to do research with other
nations' scientists or programs are asked to contact a manager in OPP
before submitting a proposal so that NSF can begin to coordinate
operational support needs with the other country's national Antarctic
program.

Eligibility (USAP)
Deadline/Target Dates (USAP)
Contact Information (USAP)
Literature (USAP)


LEVEL 2

ARCTIC RESEARCH

NSF's Arctic Research Program (AR) 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
Foundation. These programs are linked through an internal NSF Arctic
Affiliates system that consists of representatives from other NSF
programs that support Arctic research. The system 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.

The Foundation 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 (IARPC), chaired by NSF.

Under an agreement with the U.S. Navy, access to a nuclear submarine is
available annually for research in the Arctic Ocean. Researchers are
encouraged to pursue this possibility with OPP or with the Office of
Naval Research (ONR). Further information on other agency programs is
presented in the journal Arctic Research of the United States (NSF
96-130), and the U.S. Arctic Research Plan (NSF 97-148) and its biennial
revisions.

As the Arctic is the homeland of Native peoples, attention must be given
to all aspects of research and education that may potentially impact
their lives. An interagency statement, "Principles for the Conduct of
Research in the Arctic," has been developed, and all Arctic research
grantees are expected to abide by these guidelines. These guidelines are
presented in Arctic Research Program Opportunities (NSF 98-72).

The Arctic Research Program comprises the following principal programs:

* Arctic Natural Sciences
* Arctic Social Sciences
* Arctic System Science (ARCSS)
* Other Arctic Support

Target Dates for Arctic Research Programs and Activities

The target dates for the Arctic Natural Sciences, Arctic Social
Sciences, and Arctic System Science Programs are February 15 and August
1. Proposals for workshops, Small Grants for Exploratory Research
(SGER), or dissertation improvement grants can be submitted at any time.

Submission of Proposals for Arctic Research Programs and Activities

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 month's
precruise notification. A minimum of 9 month's 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 1 target date of the preceding year.

For More Information on Arctic Research Programs and Activities

Arctic research projects are supported by OPP and by other disciplinary
divisions and programs at NSF. The publication Arctic Science,
Engineering, and Education: Directory of Awards (the latest edition, NSF
97-78, is for fiscal year 1997) is produced annually and contains a
compilation of all NSF Arctic and related research grants from the
previous fiscal year. Additional program information can be found in the
publication Arctic Research Program Opportunities (NSF 98-72).

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:

* Office of Polar Programs (703) 306-1030
* Arctic Natural Sciences (703) 306-1029
* Arctic Social Sciences (703) 306-1029
* Arctic System Science (ARCSS) (703) 306-1029
* Other Arctic Support (703) 306-1029

LEVEL 3

Arctic Natural Sciences Program

The Arctic Natural Sciences Program supports research in glaciology and
in atmospheric, biological, earth, and ocean sciences. 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.

* Atmospheric Sciences
* Biological Sciences
* Earth Sciences
* Glaciology
* Ocean Sciences

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

LEVEL 4

Atmospheric Sciences

Research in Arctic 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.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

Biological Sciences

OPP supports projects that emphasize understanding organisms' adaptation
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 (LExEN) Initiative
(see program announcement NSF 97-157).

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

Earth Sciences

Research supported by OPP includes 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.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

Glaciology

Glaciology is the focal point for glaciological research within the
Foundation. Glaciological research 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.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

Ocean Sciences

The goal of oceanic research in the Arctic is 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.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

LEVEL 3

Arctic Social Sciences Program

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/or 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/or students
(grades K to 12 and undergraduate and graduate).

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 (see link Crosscutting
Areas of Research and Education) or the link Arctic System Science
(ARCSS) Program.

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). Before issuance of an NSF award, projects involving human
subjects must either have approval from the organization's Institutional
Review Board (IRB) or have identified the applicable subsection
exempting the proposal from IRB review, as established in section 101(b)
of the Common Rule. Submission of the IRB approval form or indication of
exemption should be included in Section I of the proposal (see page 14,
NSF Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 99-2)). Section I should also include
letters describing any other permission or approval, such as approval
from Native organizations or communities where the work will take place.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

LEVEL 3

Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program

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: to understand global
and regional impacts of the Arctic climate system and its variability,
to determine the role of the Arctic in global biogeochemical cycling, to
identify global change impacts on the structure and stability of Arctic
ecosystems, and 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 (SSCs) 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); Land/Atmosphere/Ice
Interactions (LAII); and Paleoenvironmental Studies, which has had two
projects: Paleoclimates from Arctic Lakes and Estuaries (PALE) and
Greenland Ice Sheet Program Two (GISP2). Paleoenvironmental proposals
are now considered within the Earth System History Initiative of the
United States Global Change Research Program (see publication NSF
97-161). ARCSS further develops a fourth component, Human Dimensions of
the Arctic System (HARC). The HARC science plan is accessible on the
Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (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 ARCSS 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.

Successful proposals have been funded by OPP; by the Divisions of
Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences in the Directorate for Geosciences; by
the Division of Environmental Biology in the Directorate for Biological
Sciences; and, in some cases, jointly with the Office of Naval Research
(ONR), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the
Department of Energy (DOE).

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 those
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 the program manager.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals(AR)
Contact Information(AR)

LEVEL 3

Other Arctic Support

Arctic Research and Policy

OPP supports the management of Arctic data and information, including
development of the Arctic Data Directory (ADD). ADD contains information
on several hundred Arctic data sets. The objective is to make Arctic
data and information more readily available to researchers. Proposals to
integrate data and information management are encouraged. For more
information, visit the ADD Home Page
(http://www-ak.wr.usgs.gov/aedd/history.html).

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)

Arctic Logistics

An Arctic logistics component has been established in OPP to address
field requirements beyond those commonly included in proposals from an
individual or small group of investigators. Examples of the type of
logistics and research support that may be provided through the separate
logistics component, depending on the site, include ski-equipped
heavy-lift aircraft; research vessels; multi-investigator helicopter or
aircraft use; large remote field camps; day-use fees at major Arctic
research sites where NSF has established a support structure (currently
Toolik Field Station, Barrow, and Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse, Alaska; and
Kangerlussuaq and Thule, Greenland); and special transportation that is
required for Arctic research or is available at the sites listed above.

There are two types of logistics support. Type 1 is support for routine
requirements typically included in proposals from an individual or a
small group that are dealt with by the principal investigator and
included in the cost budget. Type 2 is support for coordinated
requirements such as those listed above and supplied by an OPP
contractor or cooperating agency. These and their logistics are arranged
in cooperation with the NSF program manager; costs are not included in
the individual investigator's proposal budget. All investigators
proposing research projects that may require support are encouraged to
contact the program manager or the NSF Arctic Logistics Coordination
Specialist to determine which type would apply to their project. Type 2
support will require completion of the Logistics Coordination Form (NSF
Form 1370).

Greenland has special requirements for fieldwork. Principal
investigators contemplating work in Greenland should obtain the Danish
Polar Center's application form for research in Greenland. Visit the
Danish Polar Center's Home Page (http://www.dpc.dk/) for more
information. A copy of the application must be included when the
proposal is submitted to OPP.

Deadline/Target Dates (AR)
Submission of Proposals (AR)
Contact Information (AR)


SOCIAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ECONOMIC SCIENCES

The goals of the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE)
Directorate 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 SBE Directorate comprises the following Divisions and Activities:

* Crosscutting Activities
* Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (SBER)
* Division of Science Resources Studies (SRS)
* Division of International Programs (INT)

For further information beyond what appears in this Guide, visit the SBE
Directorate Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe).

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS (INT)

Submission of Proposals to the INT Division

The Division of International Programs (INT) 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 of the activity.
Further information such as special considerations and funding
provisions for certain geographical regions or countries can be found on
the Division of International Programs Home Page
(http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/int/), and in the program announcement
International Opportunities for Scientists and Engineers (NSF 96-14).

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
an U.S. institution, with the exception of International Research Fellow
awards and the Japan and Korea Summer Programs, which accept
applications from individuals. Individual applicants for the fellowships
or summer programs must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

For More Information on INT Programs and Activities

Proposals submitted to the INT Division normally compete in one of six
regional groupings. Proposals for International Research Fellow awards
are in a separate competition. Detailed information on activities
supported by the INT Division can be obtained by contacting the relevant
program office listed below. Individuals' e-mail addresses are available
on the INT Division Home Page.

* International Research Fellow Awards (worldwide) (703) 306-1706
* Africa, Near East, and South Asia (703) 306-1707
* The Americas (703) 306-1706
* Central and Eastern Europe (703) 306-1703
* East Asia and the Pacific (703) 306-1704
* Japan and Korea (703) 306-1701
* Western Europe (703) 306-1702

For further information, write to the Division of International
Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 935,
Arlington, VA 22230; or contact the division by e-mail, intpubs@nsf.gov,
or by telephone, 1-800-437-7408.

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF SOCIAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH (SBER)

Research support is available in the Division of Social, Behavioral, and
Economic Research (SBER) through the following clusters of programs:

* Anthropological and Geographic Sciences Cluster
* Cognitive, Psychological, and Language Sciences Cluster
* Economic, Decision, and Management Sciences Cluster
* Methods, Cross-Directorate, and Science and Society Cluster
* Social and Political Sciences Cluster

Submission of Proposals to the SBER Division

All programs in the SBER 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. SBER conducts special initiatives and competitions on a
number of topics such as human dimensions of global change, learning and
intelligent systems, and human capital.

For More Information on SBER Programs and Activities

For further information, write to the responsible program director,
Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 995, Arlington, VA 22230; or
visit the SBER Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/).

LEVEL 3

ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Research (SBER) and comprises the following programs:

* Archaeology, Archaeometry, and Systematic Anthropological Collections
* Cultural Anthropology
* Geography and Regional Science
* Physical Anthropology

See the SBER Division page for submission of proposal and contact
information.

The following information briefly describes the types of research
supported in each of the programs in the Anthropological and Geographic
Sciences Cluster. For more complete information, visit the SBER Division
Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/start.htm).


LEVEL 4

Archaeology, Archaeometry, and Systematic Anthropological Collections

This program supports archaeological research that contributes to an
anthropological understanding of the past. Both fieldwork and
nonfieldwork are eligible for support. Through a special archeometry
competition, the program provides support for projects that conduct
archaeometric work of anthropological significance and that develop
archaeometric techniques. Support is also provided for preserving and
increasing research accessibility of systematic anthropological
collections and for archaeometric laboratories.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Cultural Anthropology

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Geography and Regional Science

This program 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 and its applications qualify for support.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Physical Anthropology

This program supports basic research in areas that relate to human
evolution and contemporary human variation. Research areas supported by
the program include, but are not limited to, human genetic variation,
human adaptation, human osteology, human paleontology, primate
functional anatomy, and primate behavior.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

LEVEL 3

COGNITIVE, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND LANGUAGE SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Research (SBER) and comprises the following programs:

* Human Cognition and Perception
* Linguistics
* Social Psychology

See the SBER Division page for submission of proposal and contact
information.

The following information briefly describes the types of research
supported in each of the programs in the Cognitive, Psychological, and
Language Sciences Cluster. For more complete information, visit the SBER
Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/start.htm).


LEVEL 4

Human Cognition and Perception

This program supports research on human perceptual and cognitive
processes, including the development of these processes. Emphasis is
placed 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.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Linguistics

This program supports scientific research of all types that focus on
natural human language as an object of investigation. The program
supports research on the syntactic, semantic, phonetic, and phonological
properties of individual languages and of language in general; the
psychological processes involved in the use of language; the development
of linguistic capacities in children; social and cultural factors in
language use, variation, and change; the acoustics of speech and the
physiological and psychological processes involved in the production and
perception of speech; and the biological bases of language in the
central nervous system.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Social Psychology

This program 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.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

LEVEL 3

ECONOMIC, DECISION, AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Research (SBER) and comprises the following programs:

* Decision, Risk, and Management Science
* Economics
* Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC)

See the SBER Division page for submission of proposal and contact
information.

The following information briefly describes the types of research
supported in each of the programs in the Economic, Decision, and
Management Sciences Cluster. For more complete information, visit the
SBER Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/start.htm).


LEVEL 4

Decision, Risk, and Management Science

This program 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 problem-solving, information
processing, and 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.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Economics

This program 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. Emphasis is placed on
strengthening both empirical and theoretical economic analysis and on
the methods for rigorous research on economic behavior. The program also
supports research and 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.

Topics of current interest are computational economics; the
transformation of command economies; human resource-related issues such
as poverty, labor productivity, the family, gender, and racial
discrimination; and the economic impact of global environmental change.
The program also supports conferences and interdisciplinary research
that strengthen the connection between economics and other social and
behavioral sciences, mathematics, and statistics. The program funds
research in almost every subfield of economics, including econometrics,
economic history, finance, industrial organization, international
economics, labor economics, public finance, macroeconomics, and
mathematical economics.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Innovation and Organizational Change (IOC)

This program 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, Behavioral,
and Economic Sciences (SBE); Engineering (ENG); and Education and Human
Resources (EHR). The IOC Program supersedes and extends the scope of two
previous NSF programs: Management of Technological Innovation (MOTI) and
Transformations to Quality Organizations (TQO).

For More Information on IOC

For more complete program information, see the program announcement
Innovation and Organizational Change (in progress), or visit the SBER
Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/).

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

LEVEL 3

METHODS, CROSS-DIRECTORATE, AND SCIENCE AND SOCIETY CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Research (SBER), and comprises the following programs:

* Cross-Directorate Activities (CDA)
* Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS)
* Science and Technology Studies (STS)
* Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and Technology: Ethics
and Values Studies, Research on Science and Technology (SDEST)

See the SBER Division page for submission of proposal and contact
information.

The following information briefly describes the types of research
supported in each of the programs in the Methods, Cross-Directorate, and
Science and Society Cluster. For more complete information, visit the
SBER Division Home Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/start.htm).


LEVEL 4

Cross-Directorate Activities (CDA)

This program houses and provides information about various
cross-Directorate programs in which the SBER Division participates. For
activities related to the social and behavioral sciences, the program
administers the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)--Sites and
Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Programs, and coordinates the
Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER), Presidential Early Career
Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), Professional Opportunities
for Women in Research and Education (POWRE), and Small Business for
Innovative Research (SBIR) Programs. Also in the areas of social and
behavioral sciences, the program officer for CDA 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 Areas of Research and Education
chapter of this Guide.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)


LEVEL 4

Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS)

This program 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 databases and data collection procedures; the
collection of unique databases with cross-disciplinary implications,
especially when paired with developments in measurement or methodology;
and the methodological infrastructure of social and behavioral research.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)


LEVEL 4

Science and Technology Studies (STS)

This program supports historical, philosophical, 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.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)


LEVEL 4

Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and Technology: Ethics and
Values Studies, Research on Science and Technology (SDEST)

This program combines two former programs in the SBE Directorate: Ethics
and Values Studies (EVS) and Research on Science and Technology (RST).
The EVS component of the SDEST Program focuses on developing and
transmitting knowledge about ethical and value dimensions associated
with science, engineering, and technology. The RST component focuses on
improving approaches and information for decision-making about the
management and direction of science, engineering, and technology.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

LEVEL 3

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES CLUSTER

This cluster is within the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Research (SBER) and comprises the following programs:

* Law and Social Science
* Political Science
* Sociology

See the SBER Division for submission of proposal and contact
information.

The following information briefly describes the types of research
supported in each of the programs in the Social and Political Sciences
Cluster. For more complete information, visit the SBER Division Home
Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/sber/start.htm).


LEVEL 4

Law and Social Science

This program supports scientific research on law and lawlike systems of
rules. This program encourages theoretically focused empirical studies
aimed at advancing scientific knowledge about the impact of law; the
nature, sources, and consequences of variations and changes in legal
institutions and legal decision-making; and the dynamics of normative
ordering in society. Included are studies of dispute processing,
administrative and judicial decision-making, social control, compliance
and deterrence, the regulatory role of law, legal and social change, and
related inquiries on the relationship between legal processes and other
social processes. The program supports cross-cultural research through
its Global Perspectives on Sociolegal Studies initiative.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

LEVEL 4

Political Science

This program supports social scientific research to improve the
understanding of politics, political behavior, and political
institutions and processes. This program supports rigorous empirical
research of theoretical importance in American politics, political
behavior, comparative politics, international relations, public choice
and political economy, and other fields of political science. Research
areas that have been supported recently include studies of activists in
American political parties, information and issues in voting,
congressional elections and campaigns, divided government, support for
political institutions, electoral systems, nationalism and its
relationship to ethnicity and language, the process of democratization,
international political economy, and international conflict.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

Sociology

This program supports research on problems of human social organization,
demography, and processes of individual and institutional change. This
program encourages theoretically focused empirical investigations aimed
at improving the explanation of fundamental social processes. Included
is research on organizations and organizational behavior, migration and
immigration, social movements, race/ethnicity/minority relations, work
and labor markets, stratification and mobility, family, education, crime
and delinquency, social networks, gender roles, population dynamics,
group processes, and the sociology of science and technology.

Submission of Proposals (SBER)
Contact Information (SBER)

LEVEL 2

DIVISION OF SCIENCE RESOURCES STUDIES (SRS)

The Division of Science Resources Studies (SRS) provides policy-makers,
researchers, and the public with high-quality data and analyses for
making informed decisions about the Nation's science, engineering, and
technology enterprise. Most of the Division's work is performed
internally and through contractual agreements with other Federal
agencies and appropriate non-Federal organizations. Extramural analyses
of the Division's extensive databases and other special studies are
occasionally supported through external grant awards.

Using data from its surveys, SRS produces numerous reports on important
topics in science, engineering, and technology. Some examples of widely
referenced SRS publications include Science and Engineering Indicators
(NSB 98-1); Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science
and Engineering (NSF 96-311)*; National Patterns of R&D Resources (NSF
96-333)*; Science and Engineering Degrees, by Race/Ethnicity of
Recipients (NSF 97-334); and Science and Engineering Research Facilities
at Colleges and Universities (NSF 96-326)*. Additional data products
such as microdata files are also made available to the research
community.

*These publications are being updated. The new versions will be
available soon.

For More information on SRS Programs and Activities

For further information on programs and activities in the SRS Division,
or to obtain copies of SRS publications, visit the SRS Division Home
Page (http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/), or write to the Division of Science
Resources Studies, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 965, Arlington, VA 22230.

LEVEL 2

CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES

The SBE Directorate takes an active role in several areas of
crosscutting research. The following is a list of these activities.

* Biotechnology
* Manufacturing (MAN)

For information on other crosscutting programs and activities at NSF,
see Crosscutting Areas of Research and Education.