Panel Seeks Input on GSA Position Statement/Public Investment in Earth Science Research

摘要

Overall investment in research funding is a major topic of discussion these days, both within the United States and internationally. For some sectors of the GSA community, funding is increasing, but for most, funding has remained flat or decreased. The multiple and varied reasons for these decreases require that each case where funding is sought be evaluated individually. Generally, however, the problem lies in the need for federal and state funding sources to recognize that earth science research is an important investment in their future well-being and economic vitality. This draft statement comes at a time of growing congressional awareness of the need to increase investment in scientific research and to support the continued efforts of groups like the Coalition for National Science Funding and the USGS Coalition, which encourage such funding increases. The National Academies' recent report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm," and passage of the America COMPETES Act with strong bipartisan support clearly underscore the importance of research investments, yet little has been done to implement proposed solutions to insufficient research funding.