Funding Smithsonian Scientific Research

This report assesses whether the Smithsonian Institution should continue to receive direct federal appropriations for its scientific research programs or if this funding should be transferred to a peer-reviewed program open to all researchers in another agency. The report concludes that the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoological Park, and the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education in Suitland should remain exempt from having to compete for federal research dollars because they make unique contributions to the scientific and museum communities. Three other Smithsonian research programs should continue to receive federal funding since they are performing science of the highest quality and already compete for much of their government research money.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction and Background2 Description of the Smithsonian Scientific Research Centers3 Findings, Conclusions and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Committee on Smithsonian Scientific Research: Biographical SketchesAppendix B: National Academy of Public Administration: Charge to the Panel on Smithsonian Research and Panel MembershipAppendix C: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory FacilitiesAppendix D: Examples of Long-Term Projects and Data Sets at the Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteAppendix E: Examples of Long-Term Projects and Records at the Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterAppendix F: List of Acronyms

This report assesses whether the Smithsonian Institution should continue to receive direct federal appropriations for its scientific research programs or if this funding should be transferred to a peer-reviewed program open to all researchers in another agency. The report concludes that the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoological Park, and the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education in Suitland should remain exempt from having to compete for federal research dollars because they make unique contributions to the scientific and museum communities. Three other Smithsonian research programs should continue to receive federal funding since they are performing science of the highest quality and already compete for much of their government research money.