National Science Board 2020 Vision for the National Science Foundation

Dear Colleague,

The National Science Board (NSB, the Board) invites your comments on the
attached draft document, National Science Board 2020 Vision for the National
Science Foundation (NSB-05-142). It is also available on the NSB Web site
( http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/documents/2005/nsb05142/nsb05142.pdf).

During Senate budget hearings in February 2005, Congress requested that the
Board, in its role as policy making and oversight body for the National
Science Foundation (NSF), prepare a report on the future of NSF.

Given the constrained funding environment, it is even more
critical that the National Science Board develop a long-term vision for NSF.
In other words, we need a strategy that outlines how we can get the biggest
bang for our buck through programs and activities supported by NSF ... This
means articulating a vision for the future of science and technology,
including the next bold cutting-edge areas of research.
(Chairman Kit Bond, Senate VA, HUD Appropriations Hearing,
February 17, 2005)

The attached draft provides a concise vision statement for NSF and includes
strategic priorities, investment principles, near-term goals, and enabling
strategies for achieving the vision.

Three years ago, in an environment of increasing budgets and congressional
authorization for a doubling of the NSF budget, the Board responded to a
similar congressional request and described how NSF should invest an
expected doubling of the NSF budget. That document, Fulfilling the Promise:
A Report to Congress on the Budgetary and Programmatic Expansion of the
National Science Foundation (NSB-03-151), is also available on the NSB Web
site < http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/documents/2003/nsb03151/coverlink.pdf> .

The Board recognizes the importance of its "2020 Vision for NSF" document in
setting the course of research and science education in our Nation. Your
comments on this draft vision document will help the Board meet its
legislative mandates to advise Congress on science and engineering research
and education policy issues, and to establish policies and provide oversight
for NSF.

Comments should be addressed to by November 18,
2005.

Sincerely,

Warren M. Washington
Chairman

Posted on November 08, 2005