Dr. Madeleine Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the American Chemical Society (ACS), recently told a House Appropriations subcommittee that it is critical for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to have stable, predictable levels of funding. This would ensure the continued health and vitality of the US' research enterprise, she emphasised. Continuity of funding is just as important as the level of funding, she pointed out, adding that irregular funding undermines long-term research investments and creates real disincentives to young people considering careers in science and technology.
Dr. Jacobs was joined at the hearing by colleagues from the science community including Dr. Judy Franz, Executive Officer of the American Physical Society; Dr. James Glimm, Past President of the American Mathematical Society; and Dr. Richard Marchase, President of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
Colleagues from other scientific societies were united in support for appropriating $7 billion to NSF for fiscal 2010, Dr. Jacobs observed. In addition to supporting funding for NSF, she said the ACS strongly supported NSF's educational mission. She also called on the subcommittee to fund the Partnership for Access to Laboratory Science Pilot Program that provides children with 'high-quality, hands-on science learning opportunities in a safe laboratory setting.'
