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Pages 1-6

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From page 1...
... KEY RECOMMENDATIONS On the basis of its deliberations and the fundamental importance of instrumentation to research, the committee recommends that each federal research agency1 establish centralized, transparent, and peer-reviewed programs for advanced research instrumentation and facilities (ARIF) that publicly solicit proposals.2 In particular, the National Science Foundation (NSF)
From page 2...
... To capitalize on federal investments in instrumentation and to ensure that ARIF are effective and productive, each federal research agency should establish career development and support programs for the PhD-level technical research support staff vital to ARIF.6 INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUMENTATION In recent years, the instrumentation needs of the nation's research communi ties have changed and expanded.7 The need for particular instruments has become broader, crossing scientific and engineering disciplines. The growth of inter disciplinary research that focuses on problems defined outside the boundaries of individual disciplines demands more instrumentation.
From page 3...
... Although federal agencies do have instrumentation programs, few allow proposals for instrumentation when the capital cost is greater than $2 million. No federal research agency has an agencywide ARIF program.
From page 4...
... In the case of program establishment and centralization, the committee believes that each federal research agency should create more clear opportunities for researchers to propose ARIF for federal funding by establishing centralized, trans parent ARIF programs. The agencies should determine the appropriate balance between instrumentation and research grants and, in all instrumentation pro grams, determine the appropriate balance between small-, mid-, and large-scale instrumentation and facilities; sustain support for ARIF programs even when agency funding levels are stagnant or declining; and coordinate with ARIF pro grams at other agencies.
From page 5...
... The committee does not believe that there is a need for an interagency program to establish and support fully equipped, state-of-the-art, university-based centers for interdisciplinary research and development of advanced instrumentation. RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC INSTITUTION ACTIONS The committee believes that academic institutions' policies regarding ARIF can be enhanced.12 Academic institutions should review their internal financial support and their planning and budgeting processes for ARIF to ensure that funds are identified to support the instrumentation properly, including operation and maintenance costs, technical staff support, and space.


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