Truman signs the National Science Foundation Act, creating an independent NSB

President Truman signed the National Science Foundation Act on May 10, 1950, establishing both the National Science Foundation and the National Science Board as its governing body. The statute required Senate confirmation for all 25 NSB members, who serve staggered six-year terms, and gave the Board independent authority to set NSF policy and approve major grants. The law deliberately insulated the Board from direct presidential removal to preserve scientific independence from political influence.