Science in the National Interest, the President's recent statement on science policy, lays out a series of goals and actions required to implement them. The Committee on Fundamental Science Research (CFS), working with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), the scientific community, and the public, is committed to carrying out the actions that will permit the vision of Science in the National Interest to be realized.
The table that forms the bulk of this appendix provides a listing of the actions promised in Science in the National Interest and the CFS approach to accomplishing the actions. It lays out an ambitious agenda of CFS activity that will provide substantive input for a government-wide approach to fundamental science. Most of the products are white papers, plans, or frameworks that will provide options for and help inform policy decisions.
Develop a plan to strengthen the federal investment in fundamental science.
First stage of implementation complete by September, 1995.
Measure will be agency requests for fundamental science in FY 1997 OMB submission.
Action 2: The NSTC will provide ongoing evaluation of America's position in fundamental science, mathematics, and engineering and recommend actions to assure world leadership in all major fields.
Establish criteria for assessing the state of fundamental science. Establish panels to evaluate the world-wide state of particular areas and of fundamental science as a whole and the relative state of US work.
The CFS Subcommittee on Research will have responsibility for these efforts. They will be carried out in cooperation with agencies, OSTP, professional societies, and the National Research Council, among others.
Criteria should be established by September, 1995. Process for assessment should be established by September, 1995. Assessments to begin in January, 1996.
A process to provide periodic assessments will be established.
Action 3: Our investment in fundamental science must be accompanied by careful attention to support for international collaborations. The NSTC, with advice from PCAST, will recommend policies for long-term multinational agreements for the support of large scientific projects.
CFS will create a joint Subcommittee with CISET to address this issue.
Action 4: We will work with Congress to find mechanisms for long-term authorization and budgeting commitments for large projects whether conducted exclusively by American scientists or in partnerships with other countries.
Plan for working with Congress should be ready for implementation by February, 1996.
Establish mechanisms for exchange of information regarding new initiatives that can involve fundamental science.
Explore new approaches for facilitating and streamlining interagency collaborations.
CFS will establish working groups to carry out these efforts.
Working groups will be established in January, 1995.
Mechanisms and approaches to be established in spring of 1995.
Action 6: Each agency that depends on or contributes to our science and technology base will, with involvement of the scientific community, delineate its fundamental research and education missions with respect to the national goals; develop long-range plans for its fundamental science, mathematics and engineering investment; and develop measures to evaluate its contributions.
CFS will develop and recommend policies for implementing GPRA's planning and performance assessment requirements as they pertain to the unique characteristics of fundamental science. Subcommittee on Research to have primary responsibility.
April policy colloquium will set the stage for a white paper in summer, 1995.
Product is a white paper that will provide options and approaches for the agencies.
Action 7: A cross-agency review of Federal laboratories will give particular attention to their role in support of national goals and their effectiveness in performance and support of fundamental science, mathematics, and engineering.
CFS will explore mechanisms to establish periodic external peer review of federal laboratories to evaluate performance and insure that the programs are appropriate to national and agency goals in support of fundamental science.
Follow-up to review now underway; in conjunction with Action 6.
Product is framework for periodic external review of federal laboratories.
They will focus on:
- allowances for use of facilities and equipment;
- developing options for an interagency plan for academic infrastructure renewal;
- articulating priorities for fundamental science infrastructure and efficient use of existing facilities.
January, 1995.
March, 1995.
Summer, 1995
Action 9: The NSTC, with advice from PCAST and the broader scientific community, will advise on impediments to industry investment in fundamental research and recommend policies to encourage industry investment. The Clinton Administration has supported and proposed making the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit permanent.
Action 10: The unique assets of the Federal research enterprise will be viewed as a national resource not only for research and post-graduate education but also for enriching the full educational continuum. Federal agencies and their technical facilities will strengthen programs offering research experiences for pre-college and undergraduate college teachers and technical training and apprenticeships for the school-to-work transition and for displaced workers.
CFS will develop integrated plan and recommend adjustments as appropriate.
Fall, 1995
Action 11: The Clinton Administration will maintain a strong commitment to Federal-state-industry partnerships for forging stronger links between the educational community and the workplace and for seeding merit-reviewed research programs across the nation as important investments in developing research capabilities and associated educational benefits.
Provide policy options that address the implications of projected changes in demographics for the U.S. in the 21st century.
Action 13: Every Federal agency's educational programs in science, mathematics, and engineering will have, as one measure of success, its impact on increased participation by underrepresented groups.
Provide framework for addressing impact.
Agencies to incorporate in planning related to Action 6.
CFS to review plans to assure action has been taken in all agencies.
January, 1995
Summer, 1995
Fall, 1995
Action 14: The NSTC will develop a new program of Presidential awards for individuals and institutions that have outstanding records in mentoring students from underrepresented groups toward significant achievement in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Develop program.
January, 1995
Action 16: We must involve teachers in career-long professional development where researchers work in partnership with practicing teachers to bring the excitement of research and its discoveries into the classroom.
Develop plan for such partnerships.
January, 1995
Action 17: Federal agencies will encourage research scientists to use their research experiences in support of public understanding and appreciation of science.
Tie to Action 15.
Action 18: This Administration will encourage the development of industry-state-local government consortia and regional alliances to bring telecommunications and other information resources to elementary and secondary schools, two and four-year colleges, and universities. The National Information Infrastructure will play a central role. We must educate our children for the twenty-first century workplace in a twenty-first century setting.
Fundamental Science - Table of Contents
II. Elements of the CFS Strategy
III. Current Federal Portfolio
Appendix 1
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