Program Overview and Goals
Science and technology have always been key drivers of progress and improvements in the quality of life. The methods and approaches of science, engineering and technology are rapidly changing and traditional boundaries of disciplines are blurring. Increasingly inventive and exciting discoveries are occurring in previously unexplored territories where different fields converge. Some of these emerging, important fields are so innovative that they are overlooked or under-funded by traditional federal grant sources.
The Foundation’s Science program seeks to make a significant impact on the development of provocative, transformative scientific research, and increase knowledge in emerging fields through investment in the work of researchers and organizations at the frontiers of science. In addition to funding long-term initiatives and commitments, grant dollars are allocated to special and opportunistic science projects with the potential for high impact. The Science program employs a Guiding Framework to achieve its goals and guide its decisions on grant and change making efforts.
Initiatives and Commitments
The Science program supports emerging research through the following actions: