Science funding in the U.S. literature review

This page is a literature review of the funding of science in the U.S.

Background

Specific facts:

Funding per year, over time

NSF, “NSF Funding History - Sides,” Budget Internet Information System. [Online]. Available: http://dellweb.bfa.nsf.gov/nsffundhist_files/frame.htm. [Accessed: 15-Aug-2013].

Funding by agency & discipline & state (includes success rates as %)

NSF, “NSF Funding Rate by State and Organization and Discipline.” [Online]. Available: http://dellweb.bfa.nsf.gov/awdfr3/default.asp. [Accessed: 15-Aug-2013].

Hardware design funding

History
Methods
- NSF funds major equipment

R. Phelps and K. McCloud, “National Science Foundation - Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Webcast - Program Summary and 2013 Completition Overview,” 14-Dec-2012.

Summary:

pg. 10 - outlines strategic goals. #2 - foster development of next generation instrumentation, resulting in more widespread use and open up new areas of research/research training. #3 integrate research w. education

pg. 11 - development effort is: (1)adding capabilities not available from vendors (2)requires design work and (3) a cross-functional team (4) work (5) over an extended period of time (6) may require component fabrication (7)may involve risk

pg. 15 - will not fund: general purpose lab equipment (i.e computers) or platforms (i.e vehicles), instruments used for science/engineering education, multiple instruments (unless they act as an integrated system)

Office of Integrative Activities, “Major Research Instrumentation Brochure.” National Science Foundation.

MRI Goals - catalyzing knowledge and discoveries, empowering the nations scientists & engineers, building capacity for a diverse workforce, develop next generation instrumentation, promote academic & private sector partnerships

The MRI program does not support requests for general purpose ancillary laboratory equipment or multiple instruments that serve to outfit a laboratory or research environment. The MRI program also does not support the acquisition or development of instrumentation used primarily for science and engineering education courses

- Funding of development of scientific equipment through an SBIR program
- Specific calls -- e.g. engineering type work to design equipment like this:

Bayh-Dole

Summary - initial law
any updates

Critical literature of Bayh-Dole

Joshua M. Pearce "Make nanotechnology research open-source", Nature 491, pp. 519–521(2012). and Joshua M. Pearce, Open-source nanotechnology: Solutions to a modern intellectual property tragedy,Nano Today, Available online 29 May 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2013.04.001 (open access coming soon).
- Nanotech thicket created by BD encouraging patenting of basic science - stalls innovation

How does the NSF decide on what is funded?

How they work - http://www.nsf.gov/about/how.jsp
Merit Review - http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/
Interview NSF on the phone how choices are made for what to make CFP on?

Critical literature on the NSF

How does the NSF determine return on investment?

quantifiable metrics, what are their results

Science equipment spending

How big is the scientific equipment industry?
- How profitable is it?
How much money do US scientists spend on equipment per year?
What are the big volume items - e.g. stuff that everyone of one type has in their lab?
What are the big $ total items (e.g. sure everyone has test-tubes but if every school needs an SEM...)

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Created	August 13, 2013 by Joshua M. Pearce
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Cite as	AGlover (2013–2025). "Science funding in the U.S. literature review". Appropedia. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
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