Supporting Research and Data Analysis in NASA's Science Programs: Engines for Innovation and Synthesis

develops the tie between R&DA investments and agency strategic goals (Chapter 3); marshals available data that describe current R&DA investments and trends (Chapter 4); explores some specific concerns of scientists vis-à-vis the R&DA programs (Chapter 5); and presents its findings and recommendations (Chapter 6). Many of the points raised are not new. They have been addressed before by the Space Studies Board⁸ and by other advisory bodies.⁹ Finally, the task group emphasizes that this report is not an appeal for an increase in NASA funding. It is an assertion that the activities funded by R&DA programs are essential to NASA's science enterprise, that the recent decreases in R&DA funds as a fraction of NASA's science budget are harmful to the quality and productivity of NASA's investment in science, and that R&DA programs have to be integrated more consciously into NASA's strategic management practices.

⁸	National Research Council, Space Studies Board, Managing the Space Sciences, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1995; letter report sent by Space Studies Board Chair Claude Canizares to NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science Wesley Huntress, "On NASA's Office of Space Science draft strategic plan," August 27, 1997.
⁹	Space and Earth Sciences Advisory Committee of the NASA Advisory Council, The Crisis in Space and Earth Sciences, November 1986; National Commission on Space, Pioneering the Space Frontier, Bantam Books, New York, May 1986; Steven Wofsy, Report of the NASA Earth System Science and Applications Advisory Committee (ESSAAC), February 12, 1997.

Table of Contents

Front Matter R1-R12

Executive Summary 1-6

1 Introduction 7-10

2 Contributions of the Research and Data Analysis Programs 11-33

3 The Role of the Research and Data Analysis Programs 34-44

4 Budget Trends for the Research and Data Analysis Programs 45-57

5 Science Community's Perceptions About the Research and Data Analysis Programs 58-62

6 Findings and Recommendations 63-68

Appendix A: Sources of Data and Method of Development 69-89

Appendix B: Overview of NASA Structure and Budget 90-92

Appendix C: Acronyms and Abbreviations 93-95

Appendix D: Biographical Information for Task Group Members 96-101

Chapter 2 Color Plates 102-105