NASA, NSF Re-Affirm Agreement to Conduct Joint Research

NASA and the National Science Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding to continue their partnership in conducting mutually beneficial scientific research. 

The agreement covers engineering and education activities advancing space, Earth, biological and physical sciences. Research work under the partnership will support U.S. national space policy and promote scientific progress, NASA said Thursday.

“When you look at the vast array of disciplines that make up NASA’s mission, there isn’t a single one that isn’t somehow informed by our partnership with NSF," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, a 2019 Wash100 awardee. 

Formed in 1950, the NSF is an independent federal agency that supports research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering.

NASA and the NSF have long been supporting each other in conducting research activities related to astrophysics, astrochemistry, planetary science, astrobiology and heliophysics.

Through their agreement, NASA and the NSF will advance each others' sponsored programs with an emphasis on activities that make use of NSF facilities, including those in the Antarctic. 

NASA said its Office of STEM Engagement will work with the NSF's Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science Initiative. 

NSD Director Sethuraman Panchanatha said that sharing resources with NASA increases the likelihood of producing breakthrough discoveries. Giving an example, he said that Antarctic research informs NASA's space science, while microgravity research supports life science research. 

“NASA has been a crucial partner for decades, and this interagency collaboration will ensure we can continue and expand our cooperative efforts, including building a strong and diverse scientific workforce,” Panchanathan added.