What does Congress want from the National Science Foundation? A content analysis of remarks from 1995 to 2018 | Science Advances

What does Congress want from the National Science Foundation? A content analysis of remarks from 1995 to 2018 | Science Advances

Lawmakers’ priorities for the National Science Foundation vary by political party

An analysis of more than 8,000 statements made about the National Science Foundation by members of the U.S. Congress between 1995 and early 2018 revealed that Democrats’ attitudes towards the agency were more focused on education and innovation than statements by Republican lawmakers, who were more fiscally minded. The foundation, an independent agency that funds 25% of federally-supported scientific research in the U.S., has seen its budget grow over the past 25 years, though the Trump administration has tried (unsuccessfully) to slash it. Here’s more:

• Democrats: Statements tended to use words like “students” and “teacher,” as well as “technology,” “engineering,” and “innovation.” The focus on education and innovation grew stronger over the 22-year study period.
• Republicans: Statements tended to reflect fiscal concerns, with words like “expenses.” Accountability became a major theme over time, marked by terms like “taxpayer” and “spending.”
• Takeaways: Researchers seeking funding from the NSF may benefit from an understanding of Congress’s priorities for the agency — and how those priorities differ across party lines.