From: rsherme@nswc-wo.nswc.navy.mil (Russel Shermer)
Subject: fyi #136: NSF Director Massey Requests Comments
Keywords: nsf, research, science, physics, massey.
Organization: Naval Surface Warfare Center - White Oak
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1992 21:37:53 GMT

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




NSF Director Massey Requests Comments from Physics Community

FYI No. 136, October 8, 1992

      (NSF Astronomy Meeting Notice - See Last Paragraph)

Our office received the following letter, for distribution to FYI
readers, from Dr. Walter E. Massey, Director of the National
Science Foundation.  In this letter Massey discusses his thinking,
reiterates his support of academic research, and invites comments
from the physics community.  The text of this letter follows:

                           * * * * *

                                             October 2, 1992

An Open Letter to the Physics Community:

I thank the American Physical Society and the American Institute of
Physics for this opportunity to engage the physics community
directly.  I share your concerns for the future health of physics
research and for determining how physicists can contribute to the
changing needs of the country.  I also 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 their
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 NSCCOMM@NSF.GOV (Internet)
or NSFCOMM@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.

                                   Sincerely,

                                   Walter E. Massey
                                   Director
                                   National Science Foundation
                                   Washington, D.C.  20550

                           * * * * *

NOTE TO THE ASTRONOMY COMMUNITY:

On October 22 and 23 the NSF Advisory Committee for Astronomical
Sciences will meet.  Included on the agenda is a discussion of Dr.
Massey's memorandum to the National Science Board (see FYI #115.)
These meetings are open to the public.


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


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