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About the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES)

A New Name. The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), formerly the Division of Science Resources Statistics, was established within the National Science Foundation by Section 505 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (246 KB). The new name signals the central role of NCSES in the collection, interpretation, analysis, and dissemination of objective data on the science and engineering enterprise.

A Broader Mission. The responsibilities of NCSES have been broadened from those of the former Division of Science Resources Statistics. Data collections related to U.S. competitiveness and STEM education are part of these new responsibilities. NCSES is responsible for statistical data on the following:

  • Research and development
  • The science and engineering workforce
  • U.S. competitiveness in science, engineering, technology, and R&D
  • The condition and progress of STEM education in the United States

Our Core Activities. As one of 13 federal statistical agencies, NCSES designs, supports, and directs periodic national surveys and performs a variety of other data collections and research. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act codifies the role of NCSES in supporting research using the data that it collects and its role in research methodologies related to its work. The legislation specifies the responsibilities of NCSES in supporting the education and training of researchers who use large-scale data sets, such as the ones NCSES now collects. The following activities form the core of NCSES work:

  • The collection, acquisition, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of statistical data related to the United States and other nations
  • Support of research that uses NCSES data
  • Methodological research in areas related to its work
  • Education and training of researchers in the use of large-scale nationally representative data sets

Our Products and Services. As part of its mandate to provide information useful to practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public, NCSES prepares about 30 reports a year, including Science and Engineering Indicators for the National Science Board and Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering. NCSES also makes data available to the public through data tools and other data resources.

Our Community. Many of the activities of NCSES involve collaboration with other federal agencies or with international organizations. NCSES participates actively in the federal statistical community, serving on interagency committees and funding joint activities. NCSES works collaboratively with international organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to improve the extent and comparability of data on the science and engineering enterprise across countries.

National Science Foundation
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 965, Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 292-8780 Fax: (703) 292-9092

Last Updated: February 01, 2011

 

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