From: jac@ds8.scri.fsu.edu (Jim Carr)
Newsgroups: sci.physics
Subject: NSF future directions
Summary: open letter from NSF director
Date: 5 Oct 92 15:18:53 GMT
Reply-To: jac@ds8.scri.fsu.edu (Jim Carr)
Distribution: usa
Organization: SCRI, Florida State University

I did not see this "What's New" get posted.  It is clearly important 
and relevant to various discussions here of the role of university 
research and education in strengthening the US economy.

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Date:      Fri,  2 Oct 92 11:36:23 PDT
From:      "Janice Smith" <VP.APS@Forsythe.Stanford.EDU>
Subject: What's New for 10-02-92

WHAT'S NEW, Friday, 2 October 1992                 Washington, DC

An Open Letter to the readers of WHAT'S NEW from the Director of the National
Science Foundation:

I thank the American Physical Society for this opportunity to engage the
physics community directly.  I share your concern for the future health of
physics research and for determining how physicists can contribute to the
changing needs of the country. I understand the apprehensions being expressed
by many members of our community.  All of us need to work together and address
the challenges that lie before us.

It is my hope that the physics community knows my wholehearted commitment to
supporting the academic research and education enterprise.  I am motivated by
the belief that the directions I propose will strengthen research activities. 
With this letter, I am asking the community to engage the issue and express its
thoughts on how the National Science Foundation should proceed.

Let me share with you the process that has brought us to this point.  It has
become clear to me, the National Science Board, and many others that the
significant changes underway, both internal and external to the scientific
community, require an open, thoughtful discussion of the future role and
direction of the NSF.  These changes--changes in the nature of research itself,
new demands on academic institutions, the end of the cold war, the growing
international economic competition--have profound public policy ramifications. 
They are reshaping both the environment for conducting research and what the
public expects from investments in science and technology.

Because of the challenges posed by these changes, the Board has established the
Commission on the Future of NSF.  The Commission will make recommendations to
the Board on what kind of vision and strategy can guide the Foundation and best
meet the research and education needs of the country in the years ahead. 
Keeping NSF and the academic research and education enterprise strong and vital
are its primary goals.  I believe that, by exercising leadership and supporting
a broader spectrum of research and education activities, we can strengthen the
academic enterprise and improve future opportunities for research in all
disciplines.

After I return from Europe next week, I will resume meeting with
representatives of the community.  Comments regarding the Commission should be
sent via e-mail to NSBCOMM@NSF.GOV (Internet) or NSBCOMM@NSF (Bitnet).  If you
would like more information regarding the Commission, please contact NSF's
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at (202) 357-9838.

--
J. A. Carr                                    |  "The New Frontier of which I  
jac@gw.scri.fsu.edu                           |  speak is not a set of promises
Florida State University  B-186               |  -- it is a set of challenges."
Supercomputer Computations Research Institute |   John F. Kennedy (15 July 60)
Newsgroups: sci.physics