The Office of Integrative Activities (OIA) works across disciplinary boundaries to lead and coordinate strategic programs and opportunities that: advance research excellence and innovation; develop human and infrastructure capacity critical to the U.S. science and engineering enterprise; and promote engagement of scientists and engineers at all career stages.
As a change agent, OIA catalyzes and incubates initiatives that capitalize on new interdisciplinary scientific and engineering concepts and generate technology-based solutions for economic and societal benefit. OIA strengthens the nation as a knowledge-based society by fostering the development of a diverse and engaged next generation of research leaders. Additionally, OIA administers prestigious honorary award programs and professional internships for aspiring scientists and engineers. OIA provides policy and programmatic analytical support to the NSF Director and Deputy Director and working in partnership with NSF directorates and offices, plays a leadership role in shaping agency-wide policies and new strategic directions that promote cross-Foundational programmatic and operational unity and alignment.
OIA includes:
Integrative Activities (IA) Section
OIA's Integrative Activities (IA) section administers major NSF-wide programs such as Science and Technology Centers (STC), Major Research Instrumentation (MRI), Mid-scale Research Infrastructure – Track 1 (MSRI-1), Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Excellence in Research (HBCU-EiR), Growing Convergence Research, and NSF 2026.
Activities administered by IA include prestigious honorary award programs-the National Medal of Science and the Alan T. Waterman Award, as well as professional internships for aspiring scientists and engineers. Broadening Participation activities include the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE).
IA supports the NSF Director's Office through policy analysis and special projects to address Foundation priorities, and plays a leadership role, in close partnership with other NSF Directorates and Offices, to improve NSF's management practices and promote unity and alignment in support of the Foundation's mission.
IA coordinates NSF’s reporting on its merit review process to the National Science Board and the agency’s use of Committees of Visitors. It also develops and prototypes tools and dashboards that provide NSF staff greater visibility.
Mission:
IA catalyzes and incubates NSF-wide initiatives; promotes STEM talent; and advances agency policies and research infrastructure.
Vision:
IA envisions a robust research enterprise that transcends scientific disciplines, cultivates collaboration and uses innovative approaches to achieve scientific breakthroughs.
Goals:
- Lead strategic planning for the agency;
- Develop novel analysis and tools to drive policy and practices;
- Administer high profile recognition programs;
- Provide leadership on Agency BP Activities; and
- Prototype and coordinate large-scale cross-directorate initiatives.
To learn more about OIA's Integrative Programs and Activities please click here.
Research Capacity and Competitive (RCC) Section
OIA's Research Capacity and Competitiveness (RCC) section supports the development and enhancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research capacity by helping individuals and teams develop abilities to perform research effectively, efficiently and in a sustainable manner.
Mission:
To support the development and enhancement of STEM research capacity and competitiveness of individuals, institutions, states, territories, and regions historically underserved by NSF research and development funding
Vision:
RCC envisions its targeted institutions, jurisdictions, and communities as being recognized as strong contributors to the national and global STEM research enterprise
Goals:
- Advancing progress in broadening participation and developing capacity for creation of a more integrated and engaged research enterprise.
- Supporting research and innovation capacity in U.S. states and territories through the building of intellectual bridges within and across institutions and organizations of all types.
- Providing pathways for the exploration of ideas that are intellectually risky and potentially transformative in scientific and societal impact.
- Facilitating education and training programs at all levels to ensure the availability of an inclusive and capable STEM workforce.
- Supporting development and facilitation of multi-institutional sector and community partnerships.
To learn more about OIA's RCC Section please click here.
Evaluation and Assessment Capability (EAC) Section
OIA's Evaluation and Assessment Capability (EAC) Section provides centralized support and resources for data collection, analytics, and the design of evaluation studies and surveys. These activities enable NSF to more consistently evaluate the impacts of its investments, to make more data-driven decisions, and to establish a culture of evidence-based planning and policy-making.
EAC develops a coordinated, agency-wide capacity to:
- 1) harness high-quality data to improve agency results;
- 2) introduce and use timely, low-cost evaluations; and
- 3) strengthen agency-wide use of evidence for program and policy decision making and action.
Mission:
EAC develops a coordinated, agency-wide capacity to 1) harness high-quality data to improve agency results; 2) introduce and use timely, low-cost evaluations; and 3) strengthen agency-wide use of evidence for program and policy decision making and action.
Vision:
EAC envisions NSF as becoming a leader in evaluation and assessment of research and education investment in science and engineering.
Goals:
- Create innovative approaches to assessing and improving program investment performance;
- Create and implement novel tools and measures;
- Catalyze access to and the analysis and application of qualitative and qualitative data;
- Consult and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and meet assessment and evaluation needs; and
- Connect an array of resources needed to support the NSF evidence-based culture.
To Learn more about OIA's Evaluation and Assessment Capability Section please click here.