and launch of
a satellite telescope that reveals stellar explosions in the deepest
parts of space, projects overseen by Science have broadened our
understanding of the cosmos and of the fundamental components of life
on Earth.
In his fiscal year 2007 budget proposal, the President requested an
increase in Science's annual appropriation, which was part of an
effort to double Science's funding in 10 years under the goals of the
American Competitiveness Initiative and the America COMPETES Act.
[Footnote 4] However, policy decisions made in response to the current
budget environment have since shifted Science's funding trajectory
away from the target of doubling funding by fiscal year 2016. As a
result, Science will be confronted with complex decisions in selecting
research activities that are most worthy of resources.
You asked us to review how Science determines what research to pursue.
Our objectives wereand Space Administration (NASA), the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense (DOD), according to DOE
officials. For example, formal mechanisms include partnerships and
joint projects with other agencies, while informal mechanisms include
interaction among program managers and their counterparts within and
outside of DOE. These formal and informal mechanisms are used by DOE
officials to identify and mitigate areas of duplication, overlap, and
fragmentation in establishing and implementing research efforts.
Background:
DOE's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by
addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through
transformative science and technology solutions. The following four
goals underpin DOE's mission.
Goal 1: Catalyze the timely, material, and efficient transformation of
the nation's energy system and secure U.S. leadership in clean energy
technologies.
Goal 2: Maintain a vibrant U.S. effort in science and engineering as a
cornerstone of our economic prosperity