NSB Statement Cites Issues of Concern in Science and Technology

As chairman of the National Science Board (NSB), James Duderstadt appeared before Barbara Mikulski’s Senate VA/HUD appropriations subcommittee on March 17 to offer the Board’s support for the National Science Foundation’s fiscal year 1995 budget request. The NSB, the policy-making body of NSF, is charged with focusing national attention on major issues in science and engineering research and education. Last May, the Board reaffirmed the importance of NSF’s role in maintaining U.S. leadership in fundamental research. At this hearing, Duderstadt presented a statement by the Board highlighting what he called “three critical issues that we feel must be addressed if this Nation is to maintain its leadership in science and technology and assure the productivity of its research and education systems.”

The three issues are: a strong, long-term commitment to Federal investment in science, engineering and education; a scientifically and technically literate workforce; and a stronger focus on both national and international cooperative activities. In the five-page statement, entitled “Toward the Next Century: The State of U.S. Science and Engineering,” the Board makes the following recommendations to address those issues:

To support the Federal investment in science and engineering:

-Redirect an increased fraction of savings from defense R&D cuts to dual-use and civilian research in strategic areas; and

-Establish a national initiative for renovation and modernization of university research facilities and major research equipment.

To produce a scientifically and technically competent workforce:

-Evaluate the math, science, and engineering curricula at all levels, and make it responsive to the needs of industry and the workplace as well as universities;

-Increase cooperation between federal and state governments, educational institutions, and other groups involved in educational reforms; and

-Increase efforts to improve the participation of women and minorities.

To encourage new partnerships:

-Pursue international cooperation in science, math, and engineering research;

-Set guidelines for conflict of interest and intellectual property issues; and

-Improve relationships between federal and state governments and academic institutions.

In addition, the Board included the following general recommendations:

-Assess and coordinate the contributions of all federal agencies to the nation’s R&D capacity;

-Communicate to the government and public the linkages between scientific activities and national goals; and

-Seek more input from other sectors in federal science and technology policies.