The United States has led the world in scientific discovery and innovation for more than 60 years. It has attracted the best scientists and engineers to its educational institutions and industries from around the world. In today’s rapidly evolving competitive world, the United States can no longer take its supremacy for granted. Nations in Europe and Asia are on a fast track to challenge the United States in scientific excellence and technological innovation. Over the last 60 years, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has played an important part in keeping the United States competitive on the global stage, by ensuring that the nation remains vigorous, healthy, and competitive in research, education, the technical work force, scientific discovery, and innovation. The maintenance of a competitive and healthy scientific enterprise requires sustained investments and informed policies. The current challenges in science will undoubtedly affect NSF’s future structure, the composition of NSF’s programs, and the size of future investments in those programs. The panel, comprised of the current NSF director and the four previous directors of the NSF, will present their perspectives and advice on what they believe is required for NSF to maintain its global leadership in science and engineering as they draw on their previous experiences at NSF and discuss the future challenges that are likely to occur.