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A Space Physics Paradox Why Has Increased Funding Been Accompanied by Decreased Effectiveness in the Conduct of Space Physics Research? (1994) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-6

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From page 1...
... However, rumblings of dissatisfaction have been building, and periodic reports have surfaced indicating that the huge investments have not produced the desired outpouring of new experimental results. To move beyond anecdotes and perceptions, this report seeks to first substantiate, and then unravel, this seeming paradox by asking: Why has increased research funding been accompanied by decreased effectiveness in the conduct of space physics research?
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From page 2...
... DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE RESEARCH COMMUNITY An examination of data from relevant professional associations, and an intriguing though limited NASA survey, reveal a growth in the space physics research community of roughly 40 to 50 percent from 1980 to 1990. The median age of academic researchers is rising significantly and most dramatically among those who describe themselves as experimentalists.
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From page 3...
... TRENDS IN THE CONDUCT OF SPACE PHYSICS A detailed examination of the history of satellite launches, solar observatories, rockets, ballooning, theoretical modeling, and data analysis reveals several important trends relevant to our understanding of the space physics paradox. For each type of experimental or analytical activity, this report considers trends in technical complexity, implementation times, amounts and sources of funding, ~ .
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From page 4...
... RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the conclusions described above, the committee makes four interrelated recommendations aimed at policymakers, funders, and the space physics research community. The committee believes that implementation of these recommendations could greatly increase the amount of productive research accom
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From page 5...
... Priority setting will enable the few most critical big science projects to be pursued without jeopardizing ongoing research. Taken together, we believe these recommendations provide a blueprint for a stronger, more productive space physics research community.
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  • stabilized core
  • physics paradox
  • ranked priorities
  • management processes
  • increased implementation

  • decrease stems
  • ballooning experiment
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  • individual researchers
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  • management characteristics
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