development of scientific manpower are implemented through the programs of the Foundation. The Board also assists in the formulation of major national science policies, particularly as they relate to the general state of science in the Nation. It initiates studies to identify promising areas of research to add to the fund of knowledge, to improve the quality of life, and to assist in the solution of national societal problems. It assesses and reports on the status and health of science and its various disciplines. The National Science Board includes twenty-four part-time Members, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the U. S. Senate, and the Director of the Foundation ex officio. The term of office of Members is six years, expiring on May 10 of the even years. Thus, terms of eight Members will expire this year. The current membership of the Board is shown in Appendix I. Recommendations for membership on the Board are sought, on behalf of the President, from the major scientific, engineering, and educational societies and associations as specified in the Act. All recommendations received from all sources are forwarded to the White House for consideration together with the joint recommendations of the Board and Director. In formulating its recommendations, the Board considers those factors stated in Section 4(c) of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. Professional qualifications are the primary consideration, as well as public service, geographical distribution, and balance among professional fields (including science education, law, and public affairs). Also weighed are management capability, representation of women and minority groups, and representation of various types and sizes of educational and research organizations and industry. In addition to the recommendations made via the Board, and the joint recommendations of the Board and the Director, the President receives recommendations from members of the Congress and from many other interested individuals and organizations. this array the President then makes a selection and submits nominations to the Senate for consideration by the usual nomina tion procedure. From The Board is thus constituted of a wide variety of people interested in science, engineering, and science education, with a breadth of backgrounds and differences in opinion. The Members have a continuing interest in undergraduate education, since graduate education would deteriorate without good undergraduate systems. Seven former NSB Members have been from predominantly undergraduate institutions. Nonacademic institutions are repre sented by seven present NSB Members. The Board meets its policymaking responsibilities in a number of ways, depending largely on its committees, listed in Appendix II. As noted earlier, it is extensively involved in long-range planning, the determination of priorities, budgeting, and the development of new programs. One aspect of the process is identification by the Board and staff of longer term concerns which may affect many fields of science. Background information on these issues and on the anticipated future environment is prepared by NSF staff. At the June planning environment review, held under the aegis of the Planning and Policy Committee, the Board discusses such topics, formulates recommendations, and considers possible actions. The topics considered by the Board last year included the support of young investigators and young faculty. Several possible programs were described, and the positive and negative aspects of each were discussed. The Committee on Role of NSF in Basic Research, chaired by Dr. Alexander Rich, who is present today, was asked to examine further these possible programs; it will provide recommendations to the Board some time in the near future. A second topic explored in June 1979--reevaluation of NSF research funding mechanisms--has led to further study of new methods of financing research equipment and mechanisms for making small grants to scientists primarily at four-year colleges. The Ad Hoc Committee on Big and Little Science will bring recommendations on these items to the Board. Another component of the Board's planning activities is the examination of the scientific and program priorities of the Foundation's long-range plans. Guidance is provided through the Committee on Budget, in the preparation of the multi-year cost estimates. As the Foundation's input to the President's proposed budget develops, the Board keeps in close touch with events. Status of Science Reviews--1980 provides background for the Board in its planning and budgeting activities and may also be of interest to the Congress and others considering the future of the scientific enterprise. Developed by the Board and Foundation staff, these reviews are an annual series of reports summarizing the judgments of the individual NSF program directors about the current directions and opportunities in the fields of science supported through each directorate. Continuing attention is given to describing the role of the Foundation vis-a-vis other sources of support for research and science education in the Nation. Oversight of the activities of the Foundation is a major NSB responsibility. It is carried out by individual Members' activities, through the Programs Committee, and through the Committee on Audit and Oversight. Within the past year the latter Committee has noted that it is becoming of increasing importance to examine completed projects to determine if the results are consistent with the objectives of the programs under which the awards are funded. Experimentation with measures and mechanisms to determine the nature and quality of work accomplished with NSF support is also underway within the Foundation. Other means by which the Board discharges its oversight responsibilities include receipt of program reviews at NSB meetings, participation by the Members in site visits to the National Centers and other NSF-supported facilities and activities, and attending and reporting upon meetings of the NSF Advisory Council and other Foundation advisory committees. The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, requires that the Board assess the status and health of science and its various disciplines, including such matters as national resources and manpower, in reports rendered annually to the President for submission to the Congress. The first report, Toward a Public Policy for Graduate Education in the Sciences, was published in 1969. The Eleventh NSB Report, Science Indicators--1978, was transmitted by the President to the Congress on November 19, 1979. From this latest report some conclusions can be drawn about the current state of science and technology in this country. Certainly there are some areas that must be watched carefully, but, overall, our scientific enterprise remains sturdy. Some highlights of the report are listed below. The U. S. investment in research and development (R&D) is much greater than in most countries, both in terms of expenditure and in scientific and technical personnel. However, Japan and West Germany have been increasing their R&D investments more rapidly than has the United States. U. S. universities and colleges have made a significant contribution to the building of world scientific and technical capabilities. They have contributed to the development of foreign |