NSF s Role in Funding Laboratory Astrophysics

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1 NSF s Role in Funding Laboratory Astrophysics Harshal Gupta hgupta@nsf.gov Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences National Science Foundation NASA Laboratory Astrophysics Workshop, University of Georgia, Athens, GA; 8 11 April 2018

2 To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense... From the National Science Foundation Act of 1950

3 Mathematical and Physical Sciences Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (AD MPS) Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) Division of Chemistry (CHE) Division of Materials Research (DMR) Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) Division of Physics (PHY) Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA)

4 Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) Office of the Division Director Administration Vacant Program Assistant Richard Green D Division Director D Deputy Division Director Individual Investigator Programs and Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Grants IIP Coordinator Extragalactic Astronomy & Cosmology Galactic Astronomy Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships Solar and Planetary Research Grants Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics Advanced Technologies & Instrumentation, Major Research Instrumentation CAREER, Education and Special Programs Matthew Benacquista Program Director Research Experiences for Undergraduates Bevin (Ashley) Zauderer Program Director Kenneth Johnston Expert Facilities, Mid-Scale, & MREFC Projects ESM Vernon Pankonin National Optical Astronomy Observatory Richard Barvainis Mid-Scale Innovations Program Bevin (Ashley) Zauderer Program Director Philip Puxley Atacama Large Millimeter Array Gemini Observatory National Radio Astronomy Observatory National Solar Observatory Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Arecibo Observatory, Long Baseline Observatory Harshal Gupta Green Bank Observatory Jonathan Williams Program Director

5 Funding Distribution in AST Modes of Support FY 2016 Total = $247M 5% 1% Facilities 21% Instrumentation Programs Midscale Innovations 8% 61% Individual Investigators & Small Teams 4% Education and Workforce Development Special Projects

6 AST Division Programs Success rate 1/6 Individual Investigators (Lead: James Neff) AAG Mid-scale (Lead: Rich Barvainis) MSIP Facilities ALMA 1/10 CAREER Research NRAO 1/10 AAPF Gemini ATI MRI Technology/ Instrumentation NOAO NSO REU PAARE Education and Special Programs Arecibo GBO & LBO

7 Laboratory Astrophysics Portfolio Atoms Molecules Astrophysical plasmas Dust & Ices Enabling science Experimental and theoretical studies of properties and processes important to astronomy Serves a critical need Accurate interpretation of astronomical phenomena Optimum exploitation of NSF-AST Facilities

8 AST Division Programs Individual Investigators (Lead: James Neff) Mid-scale (Lead: Rich Barvainis) Facilities AAG MSIP ALMA CAREER Research NRAO Laboratory Astrophysics? AAPF ATI MRI Technology/ Instrumentation Gemini NOAO NSO REU PAARE Education and Special Programs Arecibo GBO & LBO

9 Where does Laboratory Astrophysics fit in? Within AST s research programs AAG (& SPG), CAREER, AAPF as well as other programs, but: The astronomical context must be clearly demonstrated. AAG reviews lab astro projects annually ~2%-3% of total reviewed Funding commensurate with this level Synergy with sister Divisions co-review and co-funding: PHY: AMO (Theory & Experiment); Plasma Physics (incl. NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science & Engineering) CHE: CSDM-A (Physical Chemistry); CSDM-B (Physical Organic and Inorganic Chemistry)

10 Summary & Outlook NSF-AST s mission is to promote the progress of basic research in astronomy Laboratory Astrophysics fits within that mission We don t establish research priorities for the community This workshop: Learn about work being done in support of NASA missions Identify areas in which NSF and NASA could coordinate to support this community

11 Opportunities for Professional Service Temporary Rotator Program Officer 6 yr post-phd experience + permanent position Work at NSF for 2 3 yr Maintain research program - Up to 50 days per year for research - Travel and miscellaneous costs Stewardship of the merit review process Influence science policy Gain experience in public administration Panelist or Ad Hoc reviewer; sign up at:

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