Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend Without Revision a Current Information Collection

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend Without Revision a

Current Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to

request renewal of this collection. In accordance with the requirement

of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub.

L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this

action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will

prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this

collection for no longer than 3 years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by June 14,

1999 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date

will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson

Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 306-

1125 x 2017; or send email to [email protected]. You also may obtain a

copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms.

Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Fellowship Applications and Award Forms.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0023.

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 1999.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend without revision

an information collection for three years.

Abstract: Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950

(42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), as amended, states that ``The Foundation is

authorized to award, within the limits of funds made available * * *

scholarships and graduate fellowships for scientific study or

scientific work in the mathematical, physical, medical, biological,

engineering, social, and other sciences at appropriate nonprofit

American or nonprofit foreign institutions selected by the recipient of

such aid, for stated periods of time.''

The Foundation Fellowship Programs are designed to meet the

following objectives:

To assure that some of the Nation's most talented students

in the sciences obtain the education necessary to become creative and

productive scientific researchers.

To train or upgrade advanced scientific personnel to

enhance their abilities as teachers and researchers.

To promote graduate education in the sciences,

mathematics, and engineering at institutions that have traditionally

served ethnic minorities.

To encourage pursuit of advanced science degrees by

students who are members of ethnic groups traditionally under-

represented in the Nation's advanced science personnel pool.

The list of fellowship award programs sponsored by the Foundation

includes, but may not be limited to, the following:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Graduate Fellowships

Minority Graduate Fellowships

Women in Engineering and Computer & Information Science

Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Chemistry

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Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships and Supporting Engineering

Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Supporting Activities

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biosciences Related to the

Environment

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Molecular Evolution

Ridge Inter-Disciplinary Global Experiments

Advanced Study Institute Travel Awards

International Opportunities for Scientists and Engineers

Japan Research Fellows

North American Research Fellows

International Research Fellows

Ethics and Values Fellowship Awards

Estimate of Burden: These are annual award programs with

application deadlines varying according to the fellowship program.

Public burden may also vary according to program, however it is

estimated that each submission is averaged to be 12 hours per

respondent.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses: 13,000.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 156,000 hours.

Frequency of Responses: Annually.

Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed

collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of

the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall

have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of

the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to

enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on

respondents, including through the use of automated collection

techniques or other forms of information technology.

Dated: April 9, 1999.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 99-9386 Filed 4-14-99; 8:45 am]

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