National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Post

Between 70 and 100 miles off the coasts of southern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California lies the Cascadia subduction zone: a 600-mile-long strip hosting a “megathrust” fault capable of generating 9.0+ magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis 100 feet high. To bring this hazardous fault into sharper focus, a team of NSF-funded researchers led by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory used seismic instruments to “peer” under the seafloor, characterizing the geometry of the overlying sediments of the subducting Juan de Fuca plate, as well as the structure of the overriding North American plate. The team discovered that the megathrust fault is not one continuous structure but rather four segments, each potentially unaffected by movements from the others. This means that movement on one of the segments could be buffered from movement on another. Insights like this can help scientists forecast probabilities of multiple earthquake scenarios, which in turn helps authorities who design building codes and warning systems minimize natural hazard damage and ultimately save lives. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3RWGAwI 📸: Courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey

There’s a packaging revolution happening now to reduce landfill waste and pollution. ♻🗑 #NSFfunded startup Cruz Foam is working toward a more sustainable future by creating compostable foam packaging made from natural bioproducts like chitin found in crustacean shells. The #greentech company provides an alternative to single-use plastics with eco-friendly, renewable materials. For more information, check out https://bit.ly/3WapJZO. #NSFSBIR 📷: Cruz Foam

Join the "Virtual Office Hours for Student Summer Researchers" series to learn about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (#NSFGRFP). Learn about the eligibility, application process and review criteria. The first part of this session includes an overview presentation, followed by a Q&A. Audience participation is encouraged. Register here: https://bit.ly/45OUAP3.

🎆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