15 USC 278g1 - Research fellowships and other financial assistance to students at institutes of higher education

(a) In general
The Director is authorized to expend up to 1.5 percent of the funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal year, as the Director may deem desirable, for awards of research fellowships and other forms of financial assistance to students at institutions of higher learning within the United States who show promise as present or future contributors to the mission of the Institute, and to United States citizens for research and technical activities on Institute programs. The selection of persons to receive such fellowships and assistance shall be made on the basis of ability and of the relevance of the proposed work to the mission and programs of the Institute.

(b) Manufacturing fellowship program

(1) Establishment
To promote the development of a robust research community working at the leading edge of manufacturing sciences, the Director shall establish a program to award

(A) postdoctoral research fellowships at the Institute for research activities related to manufacturing sciences; and

(B) senior research fellowships to established researchers in industry or at institutions of higher education who wish to pursue studies related to the manufacturing sciences at the Institute.

(2) Applications
To be eligible for an award under this subsection, an individual shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.

(3) Stipend levels
Under this subsection, the Director shall provide stipends for postdoctoral research fellowships at a level consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, and senior research fellowships at levels consistent with support for a faculty member in a sabbatical position.