Science Prize

The National Science Foundation today announced $8 million in grants to 19 social scientists as part of the Minerva initiative that defense secretary Robert Gates launched last year improve department's understanding behavioral and dimensions security, conflict cooperation. The NSF awarded an initial batch of Minerva contracts to seven researchers -- including historians, anthropologists and evolutionary psychologists -- to examine issues including Chinese military and technology studies; research that illuminates the perspectives of terrorists; research into possible disciplines required to deal with current and future security challenges; and religious and ideological studies. The total value of those contracts could be as much as $50 million.