National Science Foundation (NSF)

🎆Wishing you an ATOM-ic Fourth of July.🎆 Pictured here is a jet of atoms shooting off together like fireworks from a central disc in a new quantum phenomenon discovered by University of Chicago scientists: https://bit.ly/45ScZKI 📸: Courtesy of Cheng, Physics Department, University of Chicago

NSF is pleased to announce the appointment of Micah Cheatham as chief management officer. In this role, Cheatham will serve as principal advisor to the NSF director and deputy director on agency operations, business activities, financial management and strategic initiatives, ensuring effective communication and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. "Micah brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to NSF," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "We are confident that his strategic insights and management acumen will play a crucial role in advancing NSF's goals and achieving sustained success." Cheatham will begin his CMO appointment July 15, 2024. Full statement: https://bit.ly/4cpYm3F

Almost a year ago, one of the deadliest fires in modern U.S. history devastated Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, burning over 2,170 acres and damaging or destroying around 2,200 buildings. Ash, melted plastic and many other contaminants entered the environment, creating a toxic environment that threatens water quality and Maui's precious coral reef ecosystems. Armed with NSF Grants for Rapid Response Research, #NSFfunded teams from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa were on the ground immediately following the fires. One team tested the drinking water and another deployed autosampler sensors off the west coast of Maui to monitor the health of the coral reefs. Discover what they learned in "NSF Science Now: Lahaina Wildfires": https://bit.ly/3zl7vvK #mauifires #lahainafires #wildfire #wildfirerecovery

The NSF Convergence Accelerator is partnering with international research institutions to advance solutions for societal benefit. Linda K Molnar, NSF program director of Track I: Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges, spoke to the U.S. Mission to the European Union about how the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s unique curriculum and collaborative model enables multidisciplinary researchers from diverse groups to develop solutions toward maximum impact. Throughout the entire funded project, the Convergence Accelerator guides the teams toward societally beneficial deliverables and effects a cultural change in the research enterprise to galvanize solving some of the biggest challenges we face today. Learn more about the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s Track I: https://bit.ly/3zth63N

Last week, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced a new class of awards that will enhance artificial intelligence research and education at minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities. Funded through NSF’s Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships (ExpandAI) program, the awards represent an interagency collaboration between the departments of Homeland Security and Defense, the USDA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) . From coast to coast, the seven new awards totaling $10 million will support diverse teams of researchers at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Arizona State University, Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Savannah State University, San Diego State University and Texas A&M International University, whose projects are designed to expand education and workforce opportunities for underrepresented groups, while advancing a key technology area (identified in the "Chips and Science Act of 2022" and the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence). "By fostering a diverse community of AI researchers and cultivating an inclusive workforce, we ensure that the voices of researchers across our country are represented in the development of this transformative technology," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "This is not just about advancing AI; it's about ensuring that AI innovation supports and benefits the entire nation, leaving no one behind. Through these ExpandAI awards, we are taking significant steps toward a future where AI serves the needs of all communities, not just a select few." Learn more: https://bit.ly/3RQD9Yv 📸: NSF

Digital twins are an emerging area of research with the potential for new applications and technologies that can enhance our lives and communities. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development National Coordination Office are seeking public input to create a National Digital Twins Research and Development Strategic Plan. Submit your comments by July 28 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: https://bit.ly/4cCKy5v

Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation announces a $35 million award through the E-RISE RII program to transform research capacity and competitiveness. This initiative will bolster research infrastructure, foster academic and non-academic partnerships, and create valuable workforce development opportunities. The program supports diverse research teams to address critical jurisdictional priorities and includes members from underrepresented groups to broaden participation in STEM fields. Learn more about the awardees and their innovative projects: • Enhancing Maine Forest Economy, Sustainability, and Technology (Maine-FOREST) Ecosystem led by University of Maine • Mississippi Nano-bio and ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC), spearheaded by University of Mississippi • BioNitrogen Economy Research Center (BNERC) led by South Dakota State University • Research Center for Distributed Resilient and Emergent-Intelligence-Based Additive Manufacturing (DREAM) led by New Mexico State University • Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky (DARE-KY) led by Kentucky State University Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XI9nsx. #NSFfunded

🎮🦑 NSF Convergence Accelerator’s Track E: Networked Blue Economy-funded project Ocean Vision AI, led by MBARI, created a fun and relaxing virtual game called FathomVerse, where players explore the ocean and identify marine life using real pictures gathered by ocean researchers. By playing the game, users are helping train an artificial intelligence model to visually process ocean data, which in turn can be deployed by scientists to make the process of analyzing thousands of ocean images more efficient. FathomVerse seeks to transform ocean exploration by engaging a community of ocean enthusiasts to work alongside researchers. Learn about FathomVerse: https://bit.ly/3zm9i3T Download the game and explore the ocean: https://bit.ly/45F97N3 Ocean Vision AI is one of six teams selected to advance to Phase 2 of the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s Track E: Networked Blue Economy receiving up to $5 million in funding. Discover how Track E teams are building upon NSF’s mission of accelerating convergence research across ocean sectors: https://bit.ly/45Fm8WZ For more information on how the Convergence Accelerator teams are accelerating solutions toward societal and economic impact as part of the NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate, visit the official website: https://bit.ly/3L1JbBS.

Attention educators! NSF is seeking qualified candidates for up to 5️⃣ Program Director positions within the Directorate for STEM Education Division of Undergraduate Education. Responsibilities include long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program or program cluster; the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations; the preparation of press releases, feature articles and material describing advances in the research supported; and coordination and liaison with other programs in NSF, other federal agencies and other nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Apply now: https://bit.ly/3xw1trL Open and closing dates: 06/20/2024 to 07/22/2024

Talk about a busy spring for the #NSFfunded Leopard Seal Project. The team saw the graduation of one master's student and four undergraduate students! We want to shout out these awesome students who, thanks to their experience participating in NSF science, are on to amazing futures in science and veterinary medicine. ⭐️ Nicholi Brown, Master of Arts from Baylor University. ⭐️ Azana Best, Bachelor of Science from Baylor University. ⭐️ Samuel Rivera, Bachelor of Science from Baylor University. ⭐️ Jahia Collier, Bachelor of Science from Hampton University. ⭐️ Kiera Ward, Bachelor of Science from Hampton University. NSF remains committed to supporting the next generation of researchers, from activities in K-12 schools to funding students at universities across the country. Learn more about opportunities at https://bit.ly/3KYKOAf. Congrats, grads! 🎓 📸: Sarah Kienle