Rochester, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $23,234,000 in federal funding for Cornell University. The funding was allocated through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and will be used to advance next-generation research at the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) to enhance national capabilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and materials research at all levels through an integrated research and education program. Specifically, CCMR will use the funding to educate undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars to become leaders in the field of materials research at industrial, academic, and government organizations, in addition to investing in educational materials for K-12 classrooms to develop young scientists and engineers. Cornell University will receive $3.8 million in the first installment scheduled for this month.
“As our economy continues to transition to the 21st century, we need our students and education system to keep pace, and that’s why this is a smart investment,” said Senator Schumer. “This NSF award will help prepare New York students to meet the demands of today’s specialized STEM industries, in addition to bolstering Cornell University’s world class work educating our future scientists and engineers. I will continue to support programs and federal funding opportunities that help New York students prepare for the future and reach their fullest potential.”
“In order for New York to be competitive in the global economy and keep our skilled workforce in the region, we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That starts with getting more talented students from K-12 to graduate level with diverse backgrounds into the STEM pipeline. These federal funds will provide Cornell University with additional resources to help advance and develop programs that will provide students with the resources they need to succeed in math, science, and engineering.”
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 48,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $626 million in professional and service contracts yearly.