02-4391. Notice of Intent of Seek Approval to Extend without Revision a Current Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

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 April 26, 2002, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date witll be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wison Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlingon, Virginia 22230; telephone [phone]; or send email ot [e-mail]. 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, 2002.

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

Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowships and Supporting Engineering

Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Supporting Activities

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Microbial Biology

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biological Informatics

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; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Dated: February 20, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.