BY THE NUMBERS Minnesota in FY 2012 $102 Million : NSF funds awarded 20 th : National ranking in NSF funds 30 : NSF-fund

1. Minnesota THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)is the only federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering. BY THE NUMBERS Minnesota in FY 2012 $102 Million: NSF funds awarded20th: National ranking in NSF funds30: NSF-funded institutions 368: NSF grants awarded7: NSF research centers/facilities “We are the engine of Minnesota's innovation economy. We create the future. We transform our curiosity and discoveries into new products, new processes, and new ways of looking at the world. Our investments in our research enterprise drive a high return.” − Dr. Eric Kaler, President of the University of Minnesota EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH IN MINNESOTA Research from the Cedar Creek Long Term Ecological Research site has shown that mixed prairie grasses grown on degraded land may be a better source of biofuel than corn or soybeans. It yields more energy per acre and the plant roots store carbon. Mathematicians at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities have developed a breakthrough algorithm that has the potential to radically improve auto safety. Their method takes into account sensor readings from the car to optimally activate controlling mechanisms. A University of Minnesota research team has developed a unique brain-computer interface that allows people to use thoughts to control the flight of a virtual helicopter in real time. The system uses electrical signals from the scalp to control the computer. Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE = INVESTMENT IN MINNESOTA 4.6 percent of Minnesotans work in science and engineering occupations.1 NSF-funded research contributed to the generation of 3,033 patent awards in Minnesota between 2000 and 2009.2 Minnesota companies received $140 million in venture capital in 2010.1 • University of Minnesota ranks 10th in the nation among academic institutions for research and development expenditures.1 • Minnesota has about 13,250 high technology businesses that employ 318,200 people. 1 • Since 2006, 38 startup companies have been launched by discoveries made at the University of Minnesota.3 1Science and Engineering Indicators: 2012, NSF 2 R&D Dashboard 3 University of Minnesota Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org

2. Minnesota Since 1952, NSF has supported 45,000 graduate students through research fellowships. Minnesota received $16 million in NSF educational funding in FY 2012. 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. EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA Native American students in Minnesota are learning physics and developing critical skills in mathematical thinking, problem solving, and computer programming as part of University of Minnesota’s Shooting for the Stars robotics education program. The Minnesota Zoo and Educational Web Adventures teamed up to develop the computer game WolfQuest, which brings wolf behavior to life to teach kids ecological concepts and conservation issues. Undergraduates at St. Olaf College discovered a novel protein during their participation in the NSF-funded Gene Stream program. The students experienced hands-on research in the program that is typically available to graduate students. The Improving Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry Teaching program is recruiting, preparing, and retaining highly qualified teachers of physical science and mathematics for Minnesota high schools. Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation “Educations which begin early in life, and continue throughout life; so that all of us can learn the skills, and relearn the new skills, necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing and ever-more-competitive global economy.” − Governor Mark Dayton “Students need a science education well-grounded in the important ideas of science to build their personal capacity to succeed and to contribute to our state’s workforce.” − Nancy Nutting, Executive Director of SciMathMN Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org