If there is anything I can do for you during the coming year, please do not hesitate to contact me. This funding level would allow NSF to increase grant size and duration, one of the fundamental goals of the NSF Director, Dr. Rita Colwell. NSF experienced an extended period of relatively flat funding levels during the 1980's and 1990's, which has effectively shrunk the agency's budget in real terms. This cannot continue. NSF provides basic research results used by industry, other government agencies such as NIH, and the broader scientific community.
Science is interdisciplinary in nature.
Results in a variety of disciplines are combined to produce strides forward in any specific discipline. A striking example of this is the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging devices, now commonly used in medicine. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics and Engineering all played a role in perfecting this particular life-saving tool. By increasing NSF's budget you will help to maintain a balanced research portfolio, which will ultimately produce long-term economic growth through new technology, new knowledge and a steady supply of trained scientists and engineers. If there is anything I can do to help you during this Congressional session, please do not hesitate to contact me.