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TWENTY-SEVEN ENGINEERING ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED AT THE "6TH ANNUAL R&D SYMPOSIUM"
Twenty-seven engineering organizations, representing more than 1 million engineers, sponsored the 6th Annual Engineering R&D Symposium in Washington, D.C. The event was convened to bring together society leaders from the various engineering organizations to learn about the federal government's current and future investment in research and development (R&D) and its impact on engineering research. ASME was the lead organizer for the event, which was convened in conjunction with the annual "National Academy of Engineering Convocation."
Speakers provided their perspectives on the outlook for research and development in the coming fiscal year. Dr. John Marburger III, Science Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Science and Technology in the Executive Office of the President, provided an overview of the Administration's Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 budget for research and development within the federal agencies. Dr. Marburger spoke about the Administration's disappointment in the final FY 2008 appropriations for science and engineering, and its commitment to President's American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), which authorized the gradual doubling of R&D funding for physical sciences and engineering at the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Kei Koizumi of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) provided an in-depth analysis on the overall FY 2009 budget request, emphasizing investments in engineering research in specific federal agencies. His figures showed that the Administration was again proposing large increases for DOE Office of Science, NIST and NSF consistent with the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-69). Signed into law last year, this bill authorized the gradual doubling of funding for basic research within these agencies.
Mr. Koizumi also noted to attendees the difficulties involved with passing a discretionary spending budget in time for the start of the next fiscal year the same year as a national election is taking place. He revealed that Congress was already strongly considering suspending the traditional appropriations process and forgoing budget negotiations until a new administration is brought into office. (presentation)
Michael Holland, Program Examiner for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) spoke at length about the challenges associated with a tight budgetary environment. Mr. Holland spoke candidly regarding some of the more subtle nuances required for effective advocacy. These included tailoring individual visits with messages to more effectively captivate your audience as well as outline the benefits to be had locally and nationally. Mr. Holland concluded his talk by challenging the audience to heed his guidelines in future communications with policymakers. (presentation)
Several members of Congress also offered their perspectives on federal R&D priorities as well. Congressman David Wu (D-OR), Chair of the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Subcommittee discussed the recent House passage of the small business innovation legislation. "Congress passed the America COMPETES Act last year, which will invest substantially in STEM education to train our future scientists and engineers and provide the seed corn for our future economy," said Congressman Wu. "As Congress works on appropriations bills, we need you to tell lawmakers that full funding for COMPETES should be a national priority." Rep. Wu also urged attendees to continue to host events and raise awareness regarding the critical funding necessary to sustain American competitiveness.
Of similar sentiment, House Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) explained that although he harbored some reservations about the veracity of climate based challenges, he was emboldened and excited to see the intellectual and technological breakthroughs that could come about from these issues.
The R&D Symposium adjourned with a reception honoring the 50th Anniversary of the House Science and Technology Committee. At the event, Jon Nelson, Chair of the American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES), presented a plaque to commemorate this event to both Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) on behalf of the engineering community. Other Members of Congress in attendance included Representative Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) and Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI).
By partnering and collaborating with other engineering and scientific organizations through events such as this Symposium, the engineering community is increasing its educational and public policy effectiveness on Capitol Hill.
Funding for the Symposium was provided by a grant from the United Engineering Foundation, which is comprised of five Founder Societies:
ASME; American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE); American Institute
of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME); American Society
of Civil Engineers (ASCE); and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers – USA (IEEE-USA).
For more information about the 6th Annual Engineering R&D Symposium, please contact:
Kathryn Holmes
Director, ASME Government Relations
E: holmesk@asme.org
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