From: rsherme@diamond.nswc.navy.mil (Russel Shermer (R43))
Newsgroups: sci.research
Subject: fyi #122: NSF Director Discusses New Strategy
Date: 8 Sep 92 19:08:30 GMT
Organization: NAVSWC DD White Oak Det.

Posted for:
Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact:  Richard M. Jones
Phone: (202) 332-9661
Email: fyi@aip.org



NSF Director Discusses New Strategy

FYI No. 122,  September 8, 1992


"Many people will undoubtedly jump to the conclusion that NSF is
considering moving in a direction so alien to our traditions that
it would be detrimental to academic research and education.
Nothing could be further from the truth."
   - NSF Director Walter Massey

On August 28, National Science Foundation Director Walter Massey
addressed a NSF General Staff Meeting about the commission which
has been established to study the future of the foundation.
Selected portions of his written 3 1/2 pages of prepared remarks
follow (which NSF notes are "not a transcript of his remarks as
delivered.")  Your attention is called to the last paragraph of
these remarks:

"Today, I would like to say a few words about the status of the
long range planning process and the commission that has been
established to look at the future of the agency.

"To date, the long range planning process has been very productive.
The discussions have focused on what I see as the central challenge
facing the Foundation: maintaining and enhancing America's strength
in fundamental science and engineering in ways that adequately
prepare the nation for the 21st Century."

Massey then discussed the "changing external environment," listing
seven examples.  Among these: "We are also seeing an unsettling
transition in academic research: there is persistent
dissatisfaction with funding, a lack of opportunities for young
researchers, and the appearance that research pressures work at
cross purposes with teaching.  In the end, researchers feel
under-appreciated as taxpayers question the value of their
investment in the research enterprise.

"The purpose of the Commission [on the Future of NSF] is to help us
to examine the role and direction of NSF in light of the markedly
changed external environment.  In this regard, one of the
Commission's priorities is to consider how and if the Foundation
can build upon its role as the premier supporter of fundamental
research while assuming greater responsibility for forging the
links between science and technology.

"I realize that it is easy to misunderstand the role of the
Commission.  Many people will undoubtedly jump to the conclusion
that NSF is considering moving in a direction so alien to our
traditions that it would be detrimental to academic research and
education.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I believe
that we can strengthen and enhance our ability to support the
academic research and education enterprise by broadening our
purview.  In fact, we can do nothing new unless it rests on the
firm foundation of a healthy academic infrastructure.

"At the same time, we must not overlook the opportunities being
presented to us.  We would do irreparable harm to every aspect of
our mission if we stand still while the world changes around us.
Our vitality as an agency depends on our ability to respond, adapt,
build on our strength, and exercise leadership in this time of
change and opportunity.  The Commission can help us shape the
vision we should pursue and directions in which we should go.

"In closing, I would just like to add that when we began the long
range planning process earlier this year, we thought the plan we
developed would guide the agency for the next five years.  It is
now clear that we are working toward a vision that can guide the
National Science Foundation for decades to come."


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Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact:  Richard M. Jones
(202) 332-9661
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