About OIA

The Office of Integrative Activities (OIA) catalyzes excellence in research and education across the National Science Foundation. OIA develops, oversees and leads cross-cutting activities, working across organizational boundaries and developing partnerships to promote the NSF mission, and it coordinates various initiatives stemming from strategic planning undertaken by senior management. For example, OIA administers major NSF-wide programs including the Science and Technology Centers, Major Research Instrumentation, and EPSCoR-the Experimental Program for Stimulation of Competitive Research, and administers prestigious honorary award programs-including the National Medal of Science and the Alan T. Waterman Award-as well as professional internships for aspiring scientists and engineers. OIA 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.