What type of research does the National Science Foundation (NSF) support?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is primarily focused on advancing science and engineering across a wide array of disciplines, particularly in non-medical fields. This includes areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and various branches of engineering. The NSF aims to promote fundamental research that contributes to the scientific and technological innovation required to address societal challenges.

By supporting non-medical fields, the NSF fosters collaboration and interdisciplinary projects that can lead to breakthroughs in various sectors, including education, environmental science, and technology development. It's important to note that while the NSF does support some research that may intersect with social sciences and health, its major emphasis remains on the core scientific disciplines outside of direct medical research.

This focus is distinct from the missions of organizations that specifically fund medical and health-related studies, underscoring the NSF's role in bolstering the broader scientific community and enhancing the foundation for innovative research in diverse fields.