NSF announces a new funding opportunity in bioengineering through NSF X-labs — From Sequence to Function.

Teams working to accelerate breakthroughs in understanding the relationship between biological sequence and function are invited to apply.

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Critical minerals: the elements of innovation 🪨🔋🛰️📲

Naturally occurring minerals like lithium, gallium, and rare earth elements power many of the technologies people rely on every day, including smartphones, microchips, and defense technologies. nsf.gov/science-matter…

NSF invests more than $110 million to improve next-generation wireless technology through the first-ever NSF Verticals-enabling Intelligent Network Systems investment. 🛜 brnw.ch/21x6MBs

Using the NSF-DOE @VRubinObs, scientists have discovered a new dwarf planet candidate orbiting in the outer reaches of the solar system, beyond Pluto. If confirmed, the object would join the five other known dwarf planets. 🪐

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New funding opportunities in support of the Presidential SI Challenge inviting K-12 students and educators to explore super intelligence and apply it to real-world challenges in their communities.

Learn more: brnw.ch/21x6Ic8

NSF is establishing a new Office of Metascience to study existing practices, test new approaches, and translate evidence into improvements in how NSF supports scientific discovery to achieve broad impact.

Learn more: brnw.ch/21x6HUf

The Office of Metascience is initiating a nationwide search for an inaugural Head to build and lead the office. For more details on requirements and how to apply, visit nsf.gov/careers/openin….

When was the last time you used a barcode?

From boarding passes to grocery checkouts, barcodes are everywhere. #NSFfunded research played a crucial role in the development of barcodes, fueling their widespread adoption & transforming the global economy.

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ICYMI 4️⃣ NSF-supported researchers among the 2026 @NobelPrize laureates, recognized for breakthroughs that transformed neuroscience, opened a new way to explore the universe, and deepened understanding of economic stability. brnw.ch/21x6w3X

NSF supports the Presidential SI Challenge, inspiring America’s students and educators to lead the next wave of innovation. By empowering K–12 schools to build SI readiness, we’re investing in the nation’s future STEM talent and scientific leadership. Learn more at SI.gov.

#NSFfunded researchers found that space weather impacts are linked to aurora brightness. At their brightest, auroras can cause major technological disruptions in GPS at certain latitudes. brnw.ch/21x6mVo

📸: Patrick Cullis, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Yesterday, we were excited to announce the Quantum+X Grand Research Challenge: Where quantum possibility becomes quantum reality. Thanks to our industry partners—including @bp_America, Citi, @Mastercard, @moderna_tx, SLB, and @Visa for joining us to tackle real-world challenges finance. Prize challenge launches later this year alongside even more industry partners—get ready! nsfquantumxchallenge.com

➡️ The NextGen Workforce program will help students move from the classroom to the STEM workforce faster than ever, with accelerated bachelor’s to doctoral pathways and innovative, interdisciplinary graduate training designed to meet critical and emerging national needs.

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An exciting new funding opportunity tied to the NSF Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network (NSF PCLNet), announced in July 2026, focuses on developing Super Intelligence-Native Instruments. Awardees will enhance NSF PCLNet by incorporating instruments specifically designed for the modern era of data and super intelligence in their designs and architecture.

nsf.gov/news/nsf-lays-…

Thrilled to announce today that NSF will invest $30 million in National Math Stars—fully supported by additional private philanthropy, including $10 million from @JaneStreetGroup—to pair resources with students who demonstrate extraordinary young mathematical talent.

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Grateful for the founding partners of the NSF X-Labs Consortium! Together, @AsteraInstitute; @Ginkgo; Tom Secunda at the @secundafund, @SloanFoundation, and other national philanthropic partners; and @mattcimaglia with @OccamFoundry and the @FLQuantumCenter will help NSF X-Labs launch a new generation of independent research organizations accelerating the pace of scientific discovery.

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Congratulations to Francis Halzen on winning the 2026 @NobelPrize in physics for his major contributions to the U.S. National Science Foundation IceCube Neutrino Observatory and its discoveries of elusive neutrino particles that come to Earth from distant places in the universe.
des, NSF has invested in the design, construction, and ongoing operations of NSF IceCube, enabling a deeper understanding of astrophysical neutrinos and their origins.

#NSFfunded research just launched into microgravity. 🚀

Utilizing the @Space_Station's unique conditions, @NASA's SpaceX #Crew13 will conduct NSF-supported research to study natural disasters, wound healing, alloys, & bacterial films. brnw.ch/21x67pj

📸: @SpaceX