EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH IN MAINE

Researchers at Bowdoin College are studying the rapid effects of hormonal steroids on visual processes related to social communication and other aspects of human behavior.

INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE = INVESTMENT IN MAINE

1 http://umaine.edu/businesspage/economic-impact-report/

Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) 1527 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 www.cnsfweb.org

Maine

The University of Maine is working on a project to develop technology for a new robotic prosthetic hand that will substantially improve rehabilitation and quality of life for persons with hand disabilities, including amputees returning from ongoing wars. A partnership project between the University of Maine and the Maine Maritime Academy seeks to accelerate the development of Maine’s deepwater offshore wind energy resources.

The University of Maine, which received $17.65 million from NSF in FY 2010, annually contributes $698 million in total output to the Maine economy and supports 9,818 full- and part-time jobs that provide $296.3 million in income to Maine workers. A single class of graduates focusing on subjects key to Maine’s economy contributes an additional $145.8 million in lifetime earnings.1

The University of Maine's Forest Bioproducts Research Institute has advanced methods of fermenting wood extracts into ethanol. Innovative uses for sustainably processed wood products have the potential to reinvigorate forest management strategies, help landowners conserve forest lands and create new jobs by transforming industrial facilities into bio-refineries that manufacture ethanol and other valuable wood products at one location.

THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)

is the only federal agency whose mission includes support

for all fields of fundamental science and engineering.

BY THE NUMBERSMaine in FY 2012

$29 Million: NSF funds awarded 38th: National ranking in NSF funds

18: NSF-funded institutions86: NSF grants awarded

Maine

Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) 1527 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 www.cnsfweb.org

Since 1952, NSF has supported 45,000 graduate students through research fellowships.

Maine received $8 million in NSF educational funding in FY 2012.

EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN MAINE

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences focuses on research on the biogeochemical processes of the world’s oceans in order to advance understanding of the interactions between marine ecosystems, global climate and the environment through public education and outreach efforts.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute works to address issues related to ocean stewardship and economic growth in the Gulf of Maine bioregion. This includes working to preserve natural resources that also help sustain the commercial and recreational activities that are important to the region and working with fishermen to develop tools to increase productivity and yield.

The Institute for Broadening Participation is a non profit organization that works to increase access to STEM education and careers for diverse underrepresented groups..

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.

Community for Rural Education, Stewardship and Technology (CREST), a comprehensive project for students and teachers, currently networks the Island Institute, University of Maine-Machias, Bowdoin College, and 11 island and coastal schools in a learning community that directly impacts 55 students and 44 teachers, and indirectly impacts 1,700 additional students. CREST reconnects students to their communities and provides insight into applicable IT and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers through local service-learning projects based in the surrounding Gulf of Maine ecosystem.

STORMS (Students and Teachers Observing and Recording Meteorological Systems) is a one-year pilot project at the Island Institute in Rockland, Maine, that advances public Earth system science literacy and promotes the development of a future geoscience workforce. STORMS will strengthen K-8 education on weather, storms, and climate in at least 10 island and rural coastal schools in the Gulf of Maine.

EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED FACILITIES IN MAINE