~ y? fy pave r cag Wow of.* at oe Seiten Tenerie mee Ee ra) ce en ee ee ee ee nee at re ete it ee en mee ee mn ee Dt ne cae a ae a me ie ae ee me ee Oe mee oe ae Oe mm ee oo THE WHITE HOUSE The President today issued an Executive Order designedto strengthen the conduct and adntinistration of the seientific résarch and development programs of the various departments and agencies of the Federal Government, “Ff i) } neeis WELcaaes aca se policies to strengthen the research effort and define the Federal Government's role in it, “ar w Ue The order directs the National Science Foundation to make studies of the scientific activities of the Nation and to reeommend to the President ee nw RF research carried on in universities and other nonprofit institutions. Other Federal agencies, however, will continue to carry on basic research which is closely related to their statutory missions. eo: The Foundation will also study the effects of Federal research support on the Nation's educational institutions and recommend policies and procedures to promote the attainment of the Federal research eteana ° va The Foundation, over a period of time, is expected to become increasingly responsible for providing Federal support for basic ; objectives while safeguarding the strength and independence of the educa- "4 tional institutions, : The order also directs the head of each agency engaged in research to make sure that such research programs refleet urgent needs and are carried on economically and with regard to the efficient use of scientific manpower, In this connection the order provides a new method to facilitate the exchange of scientific equipment and facilities among the Federal agencies so as to avoid buying new equipment or building new facilities when another agency has unused equipment or facilities available. Ms x : In connection with his approval of the order, the President made ‘ the following statement: ERO "Science hag a vital role in our Nation's seeurity and growth. During the past half-century, it has brought about a vast transformation in industry, in agriculture, in medicine, in transportation, and in communications, Military scienee has been revolutionized by techno~» logical development, The impact of scienee is inereasingly felt in every field of public policy including foreign affaiys, All this has been brought about through a combination of vision, initiative, business enter- 3 prise, a strong educational system, and the dedieated enthusiasm ofthe scientific community, "The responsibilities of the Federal Government toward science have likewise changed greatly, In 1940, the Federal Government spent about one hundred million dollars in supporting research and development, The budget which I have just transmitted to the Congresa calls for expenditures for these purposes in the next fiseal year of over two billion dollars. This is convincing evidence of the important yole of science and technology in our national affairs. . mTo™, MO}, is ots 4, i . more BEST COPYAVAILABLE . Q4AT 68 ETE Te James C, Hagerty, Press Secretary to the Pyesident * ae <5 , March 17, 1954 em as IMMEDIATE RELEASE