HQ Function

Serves as the central command and administrative hub for the agency, overseeing grant proposal reviews, funding distribution, policy development, and coordination of national science and engineering research and education initiatives.

Notable Features:

LEED Gold certified building, designed for sustainability and collaboration, featuring modern office spaces, conference facilities, and public areas. Located in Alexandria's Eisenhower Valley, a redeveloping area focused on innovation and technology.

Work Culture:

Mission-driven, intellectually stimulating environment focused on advancing scientific discovery and innovation. Emphasis on collaboration, expert review, and public service. Staff includes a mix of permanent federal employees and rotating scientists, engineers, and educators ('rotators') who bring fresh perspectives from academia and industry.

HQ Significance:

As the primary federal agency supporting fundamental research and education across all non-medical fields of science and engineering, the HQ plays a critical role in shaping the nation's scientific and technological trajectory and maintaining U.S. global leadership in innovation.

Values Reflected in HQ: Innovation, collaboration, sustainability, transparency, and commitment to scientific excellence and public service.

Location:

NSF supports U.S. researchers' engagement in international collaborations across the globe. This includes funding joint research projects, facilitating access to international research facilities, and operating its own research infrastructure in critical regions like Antarctica (e.g., McMurdo Station, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station). NSF maintains offices in Brussels and Tokyo to foster partnerships with European and East Asian scientific communities, respectively. These efforts ensure U.S. leadership in science and engineering and address global challenges through international cooperation.

Street Address:

2415 Eisenhower Avenue

City:

Alexandria

State/Province:

VA

Country:

USA