SPIE Applauds President Bush for Requesting Budget Increases for Basic Research in the Physical Sciences & Engineering at Key Agencies
SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, today praised President Bush for his request for increased funding for basic research in the physical sciences and engineering at three key science agencies in his Budget Message to Congress.
Bellingham, WA (PRWEB) February 14, 2006 -- SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, today praised President Bush for his request for increased funding for basic research in the physical sciences and engineering at three key science agencies in his Budget Message to Congress.
Dr. Paul McManamon, 2006 President of SPIE, said that “President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget focuses on increasing funding for basic research for the physical and engineering sciences at three key agencies: the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — agencies which are in great need of increased funding if the U.S. is to maintain its current level of innovation, competitive strength and a skilled workforce.” McManamon added “the President’s determination to increase basic research funding comes at a time of severe fiscal restraint — including the elimination of 141 programs and budget cuts for more than 150 federal programs. We are encouraged that the efforts of our community to communicate the need for increased funding have begun to take hold. Not all agencies will receive robust funding — for example, SPIE continues to be concerned about Department of Defense Basic Research (6.1 research) — but it is gratifying that we have finally changed course and are moving forward, not stagnating or declining.
“SPIE is pleased with the President’s robust funding and renewed emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (STEM Education) as well as tax policies that encourage industry, universities and our national laboratories to innovate as major goals of his presidency.”
McManamon concluded, “today’s action by the President is one of several recent steps that will help to change 30 years of flat or declining funding in the physical sciences and engineering coupled with the recent introduction of the National Innovation Act and the PACE (Promoting America’s Competitive Edge) legislative package in Congress. SPIE is dedicated to helping press for changes at the federal level.
Dr. McManamon is the chief scientist for the Sensors Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, and currently serves as the 2006 SPIE President. Prior to his position with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. McManamon was a senior scientist for Infrared Sensors and acting chief scientist for Avionics.
SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering is a not-for-profit technical society with a membership of more than 17,000 optical engineers and scientists. SPIE is dedicated to advancing scientific research and engineering applications of optical, photonic, imaging, and optoelectronic technologies through its meetings, education programs, and publications.
Contact: Stacey Crockett
360-676-3290
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