The NSF established the Science and Technology Centers (STC) Program in 1987 to fund important basic research and education activities and to encourage technology transfer and innovative approaches to interdisciplinary problems.

The centers have the opportunity to explore new areas and build bridges among disciplines, institutions, and other sectors. They offer the basic research community a significant mechanism to take a longer-term view of science and explore better and more effective ways to educate students. There are 24 STCs in the United States today.