Reauthorizing the National Science Foundation, Part 2

Opening Statement By Chairman Brian Baird

Good afternoon. I want to welcome you to the second of two Research and Science Education Subcommittee hearings on legislation to reauthorize programs at the National Science Foundation.

Last week we heard testimony from agency officials. Today we will hear from an outstanding panel representing diverse interests and expertise in the scientific research and education communities -- including a major research university, a community college with extensive technical education programs, a major scientific society, a recipient of NSF’s prestigious CAREER award for new investigators, and an industry research consortium that partners closely with university researchers through various NSF programs.

Rather than repeating everything I said at our first hearing last week with Dr. Bement and Dr. Beering, I will just outline the main themes that we are seeking input on as we proceed with development of the legislation.

First, how can NSF best exploit and lead the trend toward interdisciplinary research without sacrificing its core strengths in single-investigator disciplinary research?

Second, what can NSF do to help keep talented young investigators in the research pipeline, and in particular, to improve funding success rates for new investigators?

Third, what can NSF do help facilitate industry/university partnerships across the Foundation?

Last, although certainly not least, what is the most appropriate role for NSF in undergraduate STEM education, including at 2-year colleges?

In addition to soliciting the panel’s input on these broad themes, we welcome your comments and suggestions in response to the legislative summary we provided to you along with the invitation to testify. As I stated last week, I want the process of developing the NSF reauthorization bill to be open, transparent and responsive to all concerned parties both within and outside of government. I encourage you to be in touch with me and my staff even outside the formal setting of this hearing.

Before introducing our distinguished panel of witnesses, I yield to my colleague, Ranking Member Ehlers for his opening remarks.

Witnesses

Panel

0 - Dr. Phyllis Wise
Provost University of Washington, Seattle University of Washington, Seattle
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0 - Dr. Catherine Hunt
President American Chemical Society American Chemical Society
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0 - Dr. Carlos Meriles
Professor of Physics City College of New York City College of New York
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0 - Dr. Jeffrey Welser
Director Semiconductor Industry's Nanoelectronics Research Initiative Semiconductor Industry's Nanoelectronics Research Initiative
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0 - Dr. Margaret L. Ford
President Houston Community College System-Northeast Houston Community College System-Northeast
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