Virginia THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) is the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering. BY THE NUMBERS Virginia in FY 2016 $216 Million: NSF funds awarded 10th: National ranking in NSF funds 69: NSF-funded institutions 550: NSF grants awarded 17: NSF research centers/facilities “..technology alone is never a solution because creativity and innovation are fundamentally human achievements. In bringing together our collective strengths in art, knowledge-making, and informative technology..students from every discipline will have the tools and perspectives they need to achieve meaningful solutions to complex human problems.” − Dr. Elizabeth Spiller, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, University of Virginia 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, non-stick 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 seventh in the nation for federal R&D obligations.1 7.5 percent of Virginians work in science and engineering occupations.1 NSF-funded research contributed to the generation of 1,109 patent awards in Virginia between 2000 and 2009.2 Virginia companies received $476 million in venture capital in 2014.1 Virginia Tech and University of Virginia rank in the top 65 academic institutions nationally in research and development expenditures.1 Virginia has about 24,300 high technology businesses that employ 552,700 people. 1 Virginia universities awarded 6,750 masters and doctorates in science and engineering fields in 2013.1 1 Science and Engineering Indicators 2016 NSF 2 R&D Dashboard Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  www.cnsfweb.org

Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  www.cnsfweb.org Virginia Since 1952, NSF has supported nearly 50,000 graduate students through research fellowships. Virginia received $26 million in NSF educational funding in FY 2016. 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. 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 “The link between competitiveness and universities is multifaceted. Universities help drive productivity and innovation. They are sources of new technologies and incubators of new businesses. But they are also magnets of talent that can contribute to creating further economic opportunity.” − Dr. Angel Cabrera, President, George Mason University “You also cannot overlook higher education's role in research, economic development, inventions and moving our technologies to market. In VCU's case, that's a $4 billion impact on Virginia.” − Dr. Michael Rao, President, Virginia Commonwealth University Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  www.cnsfweb.org