National Science Foundation FY 1999 Budget Request
National Science Foundation Director Neal Lane was clearly upbeat as he outlined his agency’s $3.77 billion budget request for FY 1999. As explained at this Monday’s briefing, the historic 10.0 percent, $344 million, overall increase in the budget request was the underpinning for raises in most NSF accounts.
For perspective, consider that a year ago the foundation requested a 3.0 percent increase, the year before, a 4.6 percent boost, and in 1995, a 3.0 percent increase. Lane, commenting on this change, stated, “two years ago, we were worried about the projected major cuts in R&D. Today, we celebrate recognition of the critical role of science and technology in this society’s future. This turnabout owes much to the research community’s efforts to build public awareness.”This budget, Lane said, was a vote of confidence in the value of research.
NSF requested the following (future FYIs will provide additional details for some budgets):
Overall budget: Up 10.0 percent
Research and Related Activities budget: Up 11.8 percent
Mathematical and Physical Sciences budget: Up 10.7 percent
Geosciences budget: Up 11.5 percent
Engineering budget: Up 11.9 percent
U.S. Polar Research Programs budget: Up 9.9 percent
Education and Human Resources budget: Up 7.9 percent
Major Research Equipment: Down 13.8 percent
Congress may, Lane said, decide on a different set of numbers for NSF’s 1999 budget. Congress usually follows the administration’s lead on NSF (and in fact, for most research budgets.) Last fall, Congress gave the foundation slightly more than it requested, the year before, slightly less. Asked how NSF can justify its budget request, Lane made two major points. One, the foundation will invest as it has in the past, through the competitive, merit review process. Two, the foundation is investing in the most cost-effective manner. Lane wants to make the proposal process - for both those writing and reviewing them - more rewarding. With the budget increase, NSF anticipates it will make 10,620 awards in FY 1999 -- up 5.6 percent. The “average annualized award size” would increase 6.9 percent to $88,990, with the average duration increasing from 2.4 years to 2.7 years.
Commenting on the President’s proposed budget, National Science Board Chairman Richard Zare stated: “This proposed NSF budget would help keep America at the cutting edge of science. It would enable new discovery and educate the world’s best scientists and engineers -- setting the stage for the next millennium. It’s good for the country, good for science and good for economic growth. But most importantly, it’s also good for people.”
