SIOP Signs Letter in Support of the National Science Foundation

SIOP recently joined more than 50 organizations voicing their support for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in a letter sent to members of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

The letter highlights the NSF’s mission “to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the national defense.”

“SIOP recognizes the important role the National Science Foundation plays in supporting basic research and education efforts that benefit society,” said SIOP President Scott Tannenbaum. “We have firsthand knowledge of this, as SIOP members have partnered with the NSF on innovative research projects over the years.”

Specific highlights in the letter include fundamental aspects of NSF’s structure and operation:

• NSF works in close partnership with U.S. colleges and universities.
• NSF supports powerful scientific facilities that are beyond the ability of any single institution to build and operate.
• NSF supports research that is driven by curiosity and discovery.
• NSF funding is distributed on the basis of a highly competitive review process.

“Given NSF’s contributions to science, society, and I-O related research, we felt it was important to cosign this letter to Congress in support of NSF, along with a large group of other professional and scientific societies and organizations,” Tannenbaum added.