From: rsherme@diamond.nswc.navy.mil (Russel Shermer (R43))
Newsgroups: sci.research
Subject: fyi #154: NSF Director Massey Comments on Commission's Report
Keywords: science, research, legislation, nsf.
Date: 11 Dec 92 20:43:51 GMT
Reply-To: rsherme@chaos.nswc.navy.mil
Organization: NAVSWC DD White Oak Det. R43

Posted for:
FYI No. 154, December 10, 1992
Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact: Richard M. Jones
Phone: (202) 332-9661
Email: fyi@aip.org



NSF Director Massey Comments on Commission's Report


National Science Foundation Director Walter Massey, in a November
24 "Dear Colleague" letter, comments on the recent report by the
NSB Commission on the Future of the NSF (see FYI #151.)  Selected
portions of this (just received) letter follow:

"I am writing to share my thoughts with you on the report of the
Commission on the Future of the National Science Foundation, which
was presented to the National Science Board on November 20,
1992....

"The recommendations contained in the report outline many ways to
improve the contributions of science and engineering to society,
while ensuring continuation of the excellence that characterizes
the U.S. academic research and education enterprise.

"The Commission's assessment of the environment for science and
engineering is in keeping with the observations I presented to the
National Science Board in August.  Recent changes in world
political and economic forces -- as well as changes in the nature
of scientific research, technology development, education, and
national priorities -- require a reassessment of many of the
policies that have guided research support for the last half
century.  Because of the broad scope and dimension of these
changes, the Commission called upon NSF, with the research and
education community, `to help create a new vision of...the role of
science and engineering for society.'

"The Commission's report will be of great assistance to the
Foundation in our efforts to build on our strengths and pursue new
and challenging opportunities.  It endorsed the importance of
fundamental and strategic research and of NSF's role in
mathematics, science, and engineering education.  The Commission
also delivered a strong, clear message on national policy,
advocating `a broad national policy going beyond science and
engineering and including technology and its applications.'

"A prominent theme stands out.  Linkages, partnerships, and
collaboration should be touchstones for all NSF programs.  The
report calls for:

     Support for research that crosses traditional disciplinary
     boundaries and links science and technology;

     More active use of partnerships, especially with industry and
     other government agencies in strategic research areas;

     Integration of science and technology into our educational
     curriculum at all levels and for all students; and

     A greater integration of science and engineering research into
     society, consistent with the public's increasing expectation
     for the results of this research.

"Specific recommendations encourage NSF to explore more flexible
graduate fellowships and traineeships, examine the adequacy of
average grant sizes, and involve private industry more fully in
decisions on resource allocation.  While NSF is already taking
steps in many of these directions, there is clearly a need for a
more comprehensive effort.  In keeping with the spirit of change
that is on the national agenda, all of us should work towards a
role for science and engineering in our society that moves beyond
the status quo.

"An extremely gratifying aspect of the Commission's work has been
the overwhelming interest of the research and education community,
notably through the hundreds of letters received.  Many original
and valuable ideas were presented in these letters.  In fact, while
some of the specific suggestions were too detailed for the
Commission's purposes, they are proving to be useful in other
aspects of the Foundation's planning and management.  I am certain
that their value will only increase as this process proceeds.

"The members of the Commission are owed many thanks for completing
a very challenging task in a very short time.  They approached
their responsibility with diligence and commitment, and have
provided a superb report.

"Now, the hard work begins for the rest of us.  The Commission's
report provides an outstanding set of ideas around which to built
a discussion.  With it in hand, the planning for the future of the
National Science Foundation enters a new stage.  The National
Science Board and I intend to initiate a broad discussion with the
community to determine how best to transform the vision put forward
by the Commission into reality.

"I hope you will join in the effort."

                                  Sincerely,

                                  Walter E. Massey
                                  Director




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