NSF under fire over perceived focus on applied R&D

Criticism comes as Congress considers major reorganisation and rebranding of the National Science Foundation

The biggest federal funder of basic research in the US, the National Science Foundation, has come under fire for what critics say is its growing focus on applied research, particularly in computer technologies.

The row comes as politicians are considering adding the word ‘technology’ to the foundation’s name in what would be a major reorganisation and rebranding of the prestigious funder.