The U.S. National Science Foundation's science-loving staff members want to share their passion and knowledge with you.
NSF speakers present to all types of audiences, including K-12 students and teachers, industry, small businesses, universities, science societies and associations, researchers, executives, the federal government, nonprofits, community STEM clubs, science cafes and more.
On this page
How to request an NSF speaker
- Review the Speakers Bureau guidelines.
- Submit a request using the form linked below.
Speakers Bureau requests take six to eight weeks to process, so please submit your request as soon as possible.
An NSF representative will review your request and contact you; if you haven't received a response within 60 days of your original request date, please contact us.
If you'd like to invite the NSF Director to speak at or attend your event, visit the NSF Director Event and Scheduling Requests page.
Speakers Bureau guidelines
Because the demand for speakers is high, we cannot fill all requests for an NSF speaker. Speakers Bureau requests take six to eight weeks to process, so please submit your request as soon as possible.
All incoming requests are assessed to ensure that they:
- Meet the below requirements.
- Will increase public awareness of the agency's programs or provide an important opportunity to disseminate the NSF message.
The following terms must be followed for NSF participation at your event:
- NSF speakers cannot participate in any activity associated with fundraising, promotional activities or endorsements, either directly or indirectly.
- NSF speakers cannot participate in any activity or event that has partisan political affiliation, pursuant to the "Hatch Act."
- NSF speakers cannot participate in any activity in which any group has been unlawfully segregated or unequally treated on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.
- NSF speakers cannot accept honoraria, stipends or fees for speaking.
- Only NSF can pay for NSF speakers to travel.
What presentation topics are available?
The NSF Speakers Bureau will work with you to find the best speakers and presentation type for the topic you have in mind, but if you need some inspiration coming up with a program, here are some examples of topics NSF speakers love to discuss:
- STEM career pathways: Introduce K–12 students to different pathways into societally impactful science and engineering. Hear about the "STEM spark" that ignited meaningful careers. Listen to career stories of scientists from diverse backgrounds, all engaged in rewarding work.
- A history of NSF: Learn about NSF's 75-year history of supporting research that has transformed lives.
- NSF 101: Get to know NSF. Explore topics like science policy, the state of the STEM workforce and improving accessibility and inclusion in STEM. Learn more about how you can connect with NSF.
- Roadmap to funding: Gain insight into NSF's grants and competitive merit review processes. Learn how to identify which programs might be most interested in supporting your work and gain tips for crafting an effective proposal.
- Startups with solutions: Learn how to move your ideas from the lab to market with NSF's technology translation programs.
- The stars within us: Learn how the elements inside you, and in everything else, were forged. Want more inspiration? Check out NSF's focus areas.
Want more inspiration? Check out NSF's focus areas.
Frequently asked questions
Please use the Speakers Bureau form to request an NSF speaker for your event.
If you'd like to invite the NSF Director to speak at or attend your event, visit the NSF Director Event and Scheduling Requests page.
Please submit your request at least six to eight weeks before your event.
Yes. Some Spanish speakers are available.
No. NSF speakers can only reach locations in the United States.
No. We do our best to fill all requests with an in-person or virtual speaker. However, Speakers Bureau participation is optional for NSF staff, and speakers may not be available for all events. Flexibility in your topic and program date helps us immensely in securing an NSF speaker.
No. NSF speakers are prohibited from accepting fees, stipends and honoraria.
Only NSF can pay for NSF speakers to travel.
NSF speakers cannot participate in any fundraising, political activities, promotional activities or endorsements, either directly or indirectly.
NSF speakers also cannot participate in any activity in which any group has been unlawfully segregated or unequally treated based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Please review the guidelines on this page for more details on restrictions.
Contact us
If you have questions about the NSF Speakers Bureau, please contact us at speakersbureau@nsf.gov.
For media inquiries, please email media@nsf.gov or call (703) 292-7090.