National Science Foundation (NSF)

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The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing approximately $30 million to establish four new NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR) Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology for research and workforce development in energy, semiconductors, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Montana Technological University will launch the Center for Energy Technologies, focusing on energy systems. Researchers' primary goals are to develop technologies that can be deployed locally to convert biomass, like beetle-killed trees, into biochar and renewable energy, such as heat and electricity. The Center for Advancing Workforce Experience through Semiconductors, Outreach and Mentoring Excellence at Boise State University aims to integrate semiconductor science into classroom experiences, transforming education at the university. At LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, the establishment of the Center for Adaptive Nanomotor Development will combine nanometer research with workforce development, driving innovation in critical technologies in molecular design, energy transduction and motor proteins. Lastly, LSU Health Shreveport will house the Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation to explore the role of RNA molecules and protein modifications in metabolic control, potentially paving the way for biotechnological innovations and translational applications. "These new centers are an important way to enhance research capabilities, strengthen STEM capacity and ensure research opportunities are made available at institutions across the nation," said James L. Moore III, assistant director for NSF STEM Education. https://bit.ly/3Wa1Ctr 📷: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University

Quantum mechanics has captured the interest of scientists for a century for its unique properties and potential to advance technology. Since the 1950s, NSF's support for basic research has laid the foundation for some of today's most impactful quantum technologies, including MRIs, lasers, LEDs and semiconductors. As quantum technology advances, the agency is committed to fostering a quantum ecosystem that will bolster U.S. leadership by investing in fundamental science, tackling emerging engineering challenges and strengthening critical technologies. NSF's continued support in quantum sensing, computing, communication and materials is driving the development of quantum technologies to do what no other technology can. Learn more: https://bit.ly/46l3WE2 📸: Ella Maru Studio

The U.S. National Science Foundation is collaborating with UK Research and Innovation to investigate how quantum information affects chemical reactions and molecular systems, a relatively unexplored scientific field. NSF and UKRI's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are jointly funding eight research projects with the potential to open the door to breakthroughs in quantum computing, ultra-precise navigation and secure communications. "By supporting bold, collaborative science, this partnership lays the foundation for advances that can transform everyday life," said Brian Stone, performing the duties of NSF director. "These projects demonstrate the power of shared investment in tackling real-world challenges, from more powerful computing to next-generation navigation and sensing tools." This collaborative effort will strengthen scientific partnerships between U.S. and U.K. researchers, providing training opportunities for students and early-career scientists. "Through a dynamic partnership, the U.S. National Science Foundation and UKRI are uniting top researchers to unravel the mysteries of quantum in chemical systems," said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios. "Building upon the president's U.S.-U.K. Technology Prosperity Deal, this visionary partnership will reshape our knowledge of quantum mechanics and open new frontiers in quantum computing, sensing and communicating." To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/46y9B8J

The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program announced that 15 finalists are moving on to the next stage of the program's second competition, covering essential technologies and applications, from improving energy grid security to increasing the yield of critical minerals in mining to advancing quantum computing. The finalist teams, many of whom have been building their regional coalitions for a year or more, are led by various organizations, including universities, nonprofits and private industry from across the United States. "Securing America's place at the forefront of science and technology requires growing innovation capacity everywhere so that we can, in turn, aggressively accelerate the pace of development of key technologies," said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. "The NSF Engines finalists have consistently communicated their strong vision for placing their regions on the map as the national and world leaders in key technologies, demonstrating their commitment to advancing U.S. research, innovation and workforce development. We congratulate each team on making it to this stage of the competition." Learn more about NSF Engines: https://bit.ly/4ncHfb6

Last week, NSF leadership met with Chris Malachowsky, co-founder of NVIDIA, along with his team, to discuss collaboration opportunities. As a key partner in the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot, NVIDIA joined NSF in exploring innovative ideas to expand computing capacity for America's research community to drive scientific progress and discovery through AI and train the workforce of the future.

Ten years ago this month, the U.S. National Science Foundation Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NSF LIGO) made the first-ever direct detection of gravitational waves, which came from a pair of remote black holes that had merged about 1.3 billion years ago.   Today, LIGO routinely observes roughly one black hole merger every three days. With detectors in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana, LIGO operates in coordination with two international partners: the Virgo detector in Italy and the KAGRA detector in Japan.   Together, this global gravitational-wave-hunting network, known as LVK (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA), has captured about 300 black hole mergers to date, some confirmed and others awaiting further analysis. The dramatic rise in the number of discoveries over the past decade is owed to several improvements to their detectors — some of which involve cutting-edge quantum precision engineering to achieve greater sensitivity. The LVK detectors remain by far the most precise rulers for making measurements ever created by humans.   Read on to learn more about how LIGO has changed the way humanity sees the cosmos. ⬇️

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Quantum Virtual Laboratory has selected the first four teams that will design high-tech infrastructure to be broadly used across the country. NSF is investing $16 million in the four teams, with each receiving $4 million over two years. The teams will devise practical ways to expand access to the hardware and software necessary for the development of quantum science, engineering and technology that U.S. researchers all over the country can use to test and refine new quantum algorithms. "The NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory is a critical bridge between basic discovery and deployment, specifically focused on turning America's leadership in fundamental quantum science into practical technologies, products, and systems that will strengthen our nation's competitiveness and ensure U.S. dominance in this field for decades to come," said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. Learn more about this bold effort to accelerate the development and access of valuable quantum technologies: https://bit.ly/47sev9l.

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a new solicitation to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC), a critical step in transitioning the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot to a national program that will advance U.S. global leadership in AI. "The NAIRR Operating Center solicitation marks a key step in the transition from the NAIRR Pilot to building a sustainable and scalable NAIRR program," said Katie Antypas, director of the NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure. "We look forward to continued collaboration with private sector and agency partners, whose contributions have been critical in demonstrating the innovation and scientific impact that comes when critical AI resources are made accessible to research and education communities across the country." NAIRR-OC will establish a community-based center to support NAIRR's scaling and growth and grow a national AI research community. https://bit.ly/4lVJi1T

The U.S. National Science Foundation announces two major efforts to advance America's artificial intelligence infrastructure: the launch of the NSF Integrated Data Systems and Services (NSF IDSS) program and the selection of 10 datasets for integration into the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot. The NSF IDSS program will fund the development and operation of powerful national-scale systems and associated services to accelerate innovation, strengthen American competitiveness in AI and bolster the nation's workforce. Awarded systems and services through the program will be integrated into the NAIRR and other NSF-managed programs, allowing the nation's research and education communities to access, use and share scientific data. The new NAIRR Pilot datasets will cover a range of areas to continue to power AI literacy and education. The generation, collection and curation of high-quality datasets are suited to training innovative AI models targeted at specific domains or national challenges. "Data infrastructure and access to high-quality datasets are critical components of a thriving AI innovation ecosystem," said Katie Antypas, director of the NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure. "But these efforts go beyond building data infrastructure — they will sharpen America's competitive edge and lay the foundation for a new era of leadership in science and innovation." https://bit.ly/45VX4LR