Recommendations that troubled life scientists and biomedical researchers have been modified by a task force examining the infrastructure and facility needs of the National Science Foundation (NSF). In its final report, the National Science Board's (NSB) science and engineering infrastructure task force has deleted an earlier draft proposal suggesting that funds for instruments and tools be taken from other NSF budget areas, presumably core programs and investigator-initiated research grants. NSF funds much of US nonmedical life sciences research.
The report, "Science and Engineering Infrastructure for the 21st Century: The Role of the National Science Foundation," was released in draft form last December. The NSB report was revised following receipt of comments from the science and engineering communities and was reissued in final form on April 9. The NSB is the governing body of the NSF.
Both versions noted that around 22% of NSF's budget is devoted to infrastructure, but this ...
