New NSF Funding Opportunities in Science & Technology Studies As the National Science Foundation continues to channel much support for research and training through new cross-disciplinary initiatives -- as opposed to traditional disciplinary-based programs, such as the Science & Technology Studies Program (STS) -- scholars in all fields have learned that these special initiatives often provide unusually rich opportunities. Two recently-announced special competitions seem of great potential interest to those practicing history, philosophy, and social studies of science and technology. The first, "Enhancing Infrastructure for the Social and Behavioral Sciences," was recently announced through a formal Program Announcement issued by the NSF Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (which houses the NSF STS Program). This competition embodies a revision of a competition last held late in 1998 and offers support for a wide range of activities, including those that will "collect data from surveys, experiments, or administrative records; case or historical records; or objects of investigation (archaeological items, for example) [in a form] that will support broad-based investigations into the most important scientific questions facing social and behavioral science in the next decade." Much further information about this competition appears in the formal Program Announcement, most readily available at <http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/infra/start.htm>. Proposals must be submitted to NSF by August 4, 2000. The second, a solicitation for proposals addressing issues relating to the development of an "Information Technology Workforce," was announced recently through a "Dear Colleague Letter" issued by the NSF Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering. Among other topics, this competition especially seeks proposals that revolve around three basic themes -- (1) Environment and Culture; (2) IT Educational Continuum; and (3) IT Workplace -- and that address research questions related to the under-representation of women and minorities in the IT workforce. Multi-disciplinary collaboration among researchers in all fields are encouraged, and proposals must be submitted to NSF by June 22, 2000. The "Dear Colleague Letter" is most readily available at <http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf0077>. Each of these Websites provides the names and e-mail addresses of those overseeing these competitions, from whom additional information may be requested. Potential applicants may also contact the NSF STS Program Officer, Michael M. Sokal, at <[log in to unmask]>.