January 12, 2001
New Report Details Progress in Strengthening the Federal- Academic Research Partnership
The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has issued a report that details actions taken by federal agencies and the administration to implement the NSTC's 1999 recommendations aimed at strengthening the federal-academic research partnership. The NSTC's recommendations were developed as a result of a Presidential Review Directive-4. The NSTC is a Cabinet level council charged with coordinating federal science policy.
The NSTC's 1999 recommendations called for the development of a common set of guiding and operating principles "that articulate the framework for the development of Federal policies related to the government-university research partnership"; to reaffirm the importance of the integration of research and education (i.e., the dual role of students) and the principle of merit review in awarding research funds; and to streamline the administrative requirements for the conduct of research at universities.
The new NSTC report describes a variety of actions, both completed and underway, to strengthen the partnership. Highlights include:
- On Dec. 29, 2000, the president signed an executive order that establishes the basic principles underlying of the partnership.
- The Office of Management and Budget has issued a memorandum that clarifies two contentious issues - tuition remission and voluntary faculty effort (see related story).
- On Dec. 6, 2000, NSTC released a new federal policy on research misconduct.
- The report endorses ongoing efforts to create a common face for electronic administration of federal grants and contracts.
- The report supports ongoing efforts by interagency teams to reduce or streamline requirements to file legal "certifications" or "assurances" with Federal grants and contracts.
- The report recommends that agencies consider adopting practices, such as those adopted by the National Science Foundation, to make cost sharing requirements clear to all prospective recipients before soliciting Federal grants or contracts.
- The report endorses efforts underway through the National Institutes of Health to streamline the associated regulatory burden.
Information: Tony Mazzaschi, AAMC Division of Biomedical and Health Sciences Research, 202-828-0059.
