University Funding: Patterns of Distribution of Federal Research Funds to Universities

摘要

The report examines the patterns of distribution of federal research funds to universities and colleges. It expressed concern that these funds were excessively concentrated in certain institutions and regions of the country while other institutions and regions received very limited federal support for the scientific research undertaken on their campuses and that the system of using external peer reviewers might unfairly contribute to that concentration. The study aims to (1) determine the distribution of federal research funds to universities and colleges by institution, state, agency, and field of science, (2) analyze the extent to which patterns of distribution are accounted for by historical trends, direct congressional action, field of science, demographic and socioeconomic factors, and the use and distribution of peer reviewers, (3) review previous studies of the relationship between the award process and distribution of federal research funds, and (4) describe award procedures at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The report addresses points one and two; a subsequent report will examine points three and four.