Transcript Virginia THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) is the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering. “We.

Virginia
THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)
is the only federal agency whose mission includes support
for all fields of fundamental science and engineering.
“We must ensure for future generations that America
continues to be the innovation leader of the world. Investing
in research and development is a critical part of optimizing
our nation for innovation.”
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia in FY 2012
$286 Million: NSF funds awarded
6th: National ranking in NSF funds
70: NSF-funded institutions
621: NSF grants awarded
17: NSF research centers/facilities
− Congressman Frank Wolf
EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH IN VIRGINIA
NSF-funded researchers at Virginia Tech developed a quicker and less expensive technique of
detecting dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The new method, which uses nanoparticles,
holds promise as the first low-cost process that is able to differentiate among types of viruses.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University used NSF funding to investigate the impact
of surface patterning on water resistance, which may lead to new water-resistant textiles, nonstick surfaces, adhesives, and paints.
A team of NSF-funded scientists at Virginia Tech has identified the infection mechanism –
and potential methods of prevention – for common microorganisms responsible for
disasters such as Sudden Oak Death, the Irish potato famine, and human infection.
Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation
INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE = INVESTMENT IN VIRGINIA
Virginia ranks third in the nation for federal R&D
obligations.1
6.6 percent of Virginians work in science and
engineering occupations.1
NSF-funded research contributed to the
generation of 9,301 patent awards in Virginia
between 2000 and 2009.2
Virginia companies received $375 million in
venture capital in 2010.1
Virginia Tech and University of Virginia rank in the
top 75 academic institutions nationally in research
and development expenditures.1
Virginia has about 22,500 high technology
businesses that employ 508,000 people.
Virginia universities awarded 800 PhDs in science
and engineering fields in 2010.1
1
2
Science and Engineering Indicators: 2012, NSF
R&D Dashboard
Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org
Virginia
THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
(NSF) not only funds cutting-edge research at
institutions across the country; NSF’s education
initiatives ensure the U.S. will remain a global
leader in innovation for generations to come.
Since 1952, NSF has supported
45,000 graduate students through
research fellowships.
Virginia received $28 million in
NSF educational funding in FY
2012.
EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA
Virginia Union University’s Coaching for Academic and Professional Success in STEM
program aims to reinvigorate STEM education, increasing the number of graduates that
continue on to STEM graduate programs or enter the STEM workforce.
Virginia Military Institute is establishing a scholarship program to mentor financially needy
students majoring in STEM degree programs.
A project at the College of William and Mary Virginia Institute of Marine Science will allow
graduate fellows and faculty to team with in-service teachers, incorporating state-of-the-art
science and technology into K-12 STEM education in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The Virginia State University Broadening Participation Research in STEM Education project
is determining ways to examine and enhance the impact of the current elementary education
program on pre-service teachers’ interest, motivation, and confidence to teach science.
Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation
“It is [STEM] programs like these that will expand the options of the general population of students
and prepare them for the high demand, high wage, and high skill careers in Virginia.”
− US Senator Tim Kaine
“To compete in this global economy every young Virginian must have the opportunity of a
world-class education from pre-school to college.”
− Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org