At the National Science Foundation, we invest in America's future. Our support of creative people, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge technologies has led to thousands of discoveries vital to our nation's health and prosperity. The National Science Foundation's mission is to advance learning and discovery in all disciplines of science and engineering and to foster connections among them. Our job is to keep science and engineering visionaries focused on the furthest frontier, to recognize and nurture emerging fields, to prepare the next generation of scientific talent, and to ensure that all Americans gain an understanding of what science and technology have to offer. For additional information: www.nsf.gov/oirm/hrm/orientation/start.htm