Nearly 200,000 people are directly involved in NSF programs and activities, receiving salaries, stipends, or participant support. In addition, many millions of people are indirectly impacted by NSF programs. Senior Researchers include scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and educators receiving funding through NSF awards. Other Professionals are individuals who may or may not hold doctoral degrees or its equivalent, who are considered professionals, but are not reported as senior researchers, postdoctoral associates, or students.
Examples are technicians, systems experts, etc.
Postdoctoral Associates are individuals who have received Ph.D., M.D., D.Sc., or equivalent degrees less than five years ago, and who are not members of the faculty of the performing institution. Most of these postdoctoral associates are supported through funds included in research projects, centers or facilities awards. The balance of these, less than five percent, are recipients of postdoctoral fellowships. Graduate Students include students compensated from NSF grant funds. The balance assist senior researchers or postdoctoral associates in performing research, and are supported through funds included in research projects, centers, or facilities awards.