New Mexico
THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)
is the only federal agency whose mission includes support
for all fields of fundamental science and engineering.
“High quality scientific research is critical to our ability to fulfill
our mission as New Mexico's flagship university, from educating
students who will compete in a high-tech global economy to
fueling economic development through innovation and the
creation of knowledge.”
-Dr. David J. Schmidly, President, University of New Mexico
BY THE NUMBERS
New Mexico in FY 2012
$42 Million: NSF funds awarded
31st: National ranking in NSF funds
16: NSF-funded institutions
139: NSF grants awarded
4: NSF research centers/facilities
EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH IN NEW MEXICO
New Mexico’s NSF-funded Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCoR) devised a method for accurately measuring water use with satellite technology. The
method has been implemented in Doña Ana County, where water restrictions necessitate
greater accountability in agricultural water use.
Researchers at the Sevilleta Long Term Ecological Research Site played a central role in
determining the cause of an outbreak of hantavirus in 2003. Their research answered key
questions about the sudden outbreak of the virus and how it spread, helping to save lives.
New Mexico’s Very Large Array is considered the most productive radio telescope ever built.
Astronomers from around the world have used it to observe black holes and planet formation.
Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation
INVESTMENT IN SCIENCE = INVESTMENT IN NEW MEXICO
Over 1,000 high tech companies are located in
New Mexico, supporting 45,000 jobs with an
annual payroll of over $3.0 billion.1
The University of New Mexico and New Mexico
State University jointly generate $300 million in
annual research expenditures.2,3
New Mexico ranks 1st nationally in per capita PhD
scientists and engineers, and 6th in science and
engineering graduate students.1
New Mexico ranks 2nd nationally for venture capital
investment in nanotechnology.1
Federal laboratories located in New Mexico
contribute $6.0 billion annually to the economy.1
The University of New Mexico generated $4 million
in intellectual property revenues in fiscal year
2010.4
Innovation and Technology in the 21st Century, Governor’s Office and New Mexico Joint Economic Development Department
of New Mexico Fact Book 2009-2010
3 New Mexico State University Research-Related Facts
4 University of New Mexico Science and Technology Corporation
1
2 University
Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org
New Mexico
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.
Since 1952, NSF has supported
45,000 graduate students through
research fellowships.
New Mexico received $8 million in
NSF educational funding in FY
2012.
EXAMPLES OF NSF-FUNDED EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO
The NSF-funded Noyce Scholarship Project at Northern New Mexico College will train 31
new science, technology, engineering, and math teachers to teach in rural areas of the state.
Project GUTS, funded by NSF’s Academies for Young Scientists, engaged middle school
students and teachers in hands-on research, computer modeling, and interactive
discussions. Students who completed the program improved their problem-solving skills.
Participants in the NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the New
Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology received mentoring from scientists while working
on an interdisciplinary research project.
NSF funding supports the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship project
at the University of New Mexico, which will produce a new generation of professionals who
will integrate nanotechnology with biological systems.
Courtesy: www.research.gov/seeinnovation
“A strong education system is the key to America’s global competitiveness, our economic future, and
the quality of life for its citizens.”
-Bill Richardson, former Governor of New Mexico
“It’s time to take bold efforts to ensure our children receive a quality education that will prepare them to succeed
in college and the workforce.”
− Hanna Skandera, New Mexico Secretary of Education
Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)  1527 Eighteenth Street, NW  Washington, DC 20036  www.cnsfweb.org