The technologies that
improve lives, solve problems, and enhance learning and
performance stem from high-risk, fundamental research in science and
engineering. Research funded by the federal government through NSF has
underpinned many leading U.S. developments such as the Internet, Doppler
radar, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, DNA fingerprinting, and bar codes-to
name a few. In today's global enterprise, however, ideas can be
generated anywhere. They travel quickly, vastly increasing the
competition and accelerating the research and development timeframe.
Partnerships among government, public and private sectors can help to
speed U.S. innovations from concept to laboratory to regional, national
and global application. The Highlights below are examples of NSF funded
projects that have made a difference.