1. Arkansas
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
Arkansas in FY 2016
$25 Million: NSF funds awarded 13: NSF-funded institutions
59: NSF grants awarded 2: NSF research centers/facilities
“If the U of A continues to grow its research capacity, ranging in initiatives from energy to health, it will ultimately translate to new businesses and job opportunities in Arkansas.”
− Sean W. Mulvenon, University of Arkansas
Director, Research Assessment and Promotion
EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH IN ARKANSAS
Researchers at the University of Central Arkansas are studying interactions between microbes and cereal crops like rice, corn, and wheat in order to develop an alternative to fertilizers. This research could help improve agricultural sustainability, reduce the need for fertilizers, and decrease soil contamination from runoff.
A team at the Arkansas Vertically Integrated Center for Transformative Energy Research developed coatings to apply to the outer surface of solar cells to increase functionality and reduce maintenance requirements of solar panels.
Through the NSF-funded Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, scientists at the Biosciences Institute at Arkansas State University discovered that the roots of the peanut plant can yield a compound known for its anticancer and antioxidant properties. They also manipulated the peanut roots to produce a chemical that reduces cholesterol.
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INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE = INVESTMENT IN ARKANSAS
More than 32,000 Arkansas residents work in science and engineering occupations.1
In 2012, Arkansas had 4,890 high technology businesses that employed nearly 99,000 people.1
Between 2004 and 2014, Arkansas residents were awarded over 1,550 patents for inventions. 1
Arkansas companies received $20 million in venture capital in
In 2013, federal support helped Arkansas colleges and universities invest $278,600 in science and engineering research and development.1
In FY 2014, the University of Arkansas generated $1.2 billion for the state’s economy, provided 4,460 jobs, and contributed $46.7 million in state and local tax revenue.2
1 Science and Engineering Indicators: 2016, NSF
2 The Economic Impact of the University of Arkansas, 2015
Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 

2. Arkansas
Since 1952, NSF has supported nearly 50,000 graduate students through research fellowships.
Arkansas received $6 million in NSF educational funding in FY
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 ARKANSAS
Arkansas teachers and researchers with the Advancing and Supporting Science, Engineering, and Technology – ASSET II project produced interactive STEM education kits for K-12 classrooms. These kits, which have been used by over 1,500 students, help teachers lead hands-on lessons on renewable/alternative energy and DNA analysis.
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at the University of Arkansas began a project to build a network among tribal communities and connect Native American students with STEM profession opportunities. Collaborations with tribal nations have helped recruit students for involvement with REU research and discussions.
The ASSET Initiative and the Environmental and Spatial Technology Initiative sponsored a competition that challenged middle- and high-school students to design and construct greenhouses that are spatially efficient, economical, productive, and Earth-friendly. The greenhouses, representing the students’ innovative ideas for healthy living, will provide community members with food year-round.
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“Students today who get a STEM, or STEAM, education are never going to be unemployed.”
− Rick Webb, former Senior Vice President of Global Business Processes at Wal-Mart
“Preparing students for careers in lucrative [STEM] job fields will provide economic mobility to our students, which translates to increased economic development and, consequently, improved quality of place.”
− Dr. Paul B. Beran, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 