An Evaluation of the System of Central Financial Control of Research in State Governments Bulletin of the National Research Council (1924) / Chapter Skim
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VIII. Some General Observations on the Control of Research
VIII. Some General Observations on the Control of Research
Pages 117-122
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From page 117... ...
It has been impressed on the writer many times that success in obtaining adequate financial support for scientific work depends far less upon the budget methods employed than upon the personality of the scientist, or department head representing the scientist, as that personality is revealed to the appropriations committee of the legislature. This committee contains usually the leaders of the legislative body, who are men of considerable experience in the actual operation of government and who know pretty accurately how-far it is wise or feasible to go in appropriating money.
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From page 118... ...
This need not be done with an undesirable display of scientific virtues nor in any spirit of arrogance, but rather by an honest presentation of the fundamental importance of science in the work of government and by making clear the increasing necessity for calling on science in ever greater measure to perform the tasks of the state. This is a duty which perhaps falls on other agencies and groups than the scientists themselves engaged in work for the state; but that it is a duty of first rate importance there can scarcely be doubt.
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From page 119... ...
The need for a contingent fund In the matter of travel allowances to attend conventions beyond the borders of a state, many of our commonwealths have a rather provincial attitude. From the point of view of attainment of scientific achievement the opportunity to attend scientific conferences of various sorts is, of course, indispensable.
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From page 120... ...
The new regime in state government raises a problem in an acute form for every department, but especially perhaps for the departments engaged in professional, technical or scientific work. This problem is to secure and retain as financial supervisor a man of high ability, firmness combined with tact, and a vision of the wide range of state functions which will enable him to approach each department with understanding and a desire to cooperate with their plans so far as the general financial policy of the state may permit.
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From page 121... ...
This responsibility obviously will not be assumed by supervising officials interested in finance; but the remark suggests that those who are interested in safeguarding the status of science in government might properly undertake to devise a scientific supervision of the choice of projects for consideration. An advisory board drawn from the field covered by a government laboratory, composed - of men technically qualified and appointed for long terms of years, might be able not only to suggest lines of inquiry but might prove to be ~ powerful buffer between~the laboratory and administrative officials inclined to push their powers to the limit.
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From page 122... ...
In other cases there is no immediate economic promise, but the hope of ultimate financial returns, as in the search for mineral resources carried on by geological surveys. No exact methods of measuring the relative success or failure of systems of financial control in relation to the conduct of scientific investigation present themselves.
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