BY THE NUMBERS Virginia in FY 2012 $286 Million : NSF funds awarded 6 th : National ranking in NSF funds 70 : NSF-funded

1. 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 2012 $286 Million: NSF funds awarded6th: National ranking in NSF funds70: NSF-funded institutions 621: NSF grants awarded17: NSF research centers/facilities “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.” − 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, 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 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 1Science and Engineering Indicators: 2012, NSF 2 R&D Dashboard Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org

2. Virginia Since 1952, NSF has supported 45,000 graduate students through research fellowships. Virginia received $28 million in NSF educational funding in FY 2012. 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 “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