September 20, 2018
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the launch of the NSF 2026 Idea Machine, a competition to seek the public’s input in setting the U.S. research agenda in fundamental research. The 2026 Idea Machine builds on the agency’s 10 Big Ideas and is part of a systematic effort to identify investment opportunities that are “bold foundational research questions that are large in scope, innovative in character, originate outside of any particular directorate, and require a long-term commitment.” The competition allows participants to earn cash prizes along with public recognition via suggestion of pressing research questions. The deadline to submit ideas is October 26, 2018. Additional information on how to submit a “big idea” is available on the NSF 2026 Idea Machine website.
