Remove Restrictions on NSF Political Science Research Funding
Earlier this year, Congress enacted into law an amendment by Senator Coburn to limit research on political science. We need to preserve our system of support for basic research based on excellence, scientific merit and peer review.
Earlier this year, Congress enacted into law an amendment by senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) to prohibit the National Science Foundation (NSF) from awarding grants for political science research unless these grants can be certified to be either vital to the national security or the economic growth of the United States. The amendment has resulted in the cancellation of political science grants for the Fall cycle and has had a chilling effect on research far outside of that discipline.
Like all scientific researchers, political scientists follow the scientific method of developing hypotheses, testing them through data collection and analysis, and publishing their research in peer reviewed journals. Political science does not take sides or make decisions about values; it provides data for understanding political processes and identifies generalizable relationships. The results of this work is used, often without acknowledgement, by decision makers in the legislative branch, the executive branch and in capitals around the world. The research saves lives, analyzes political upheaval, and explains democratic governance.
These restrictions should be removed from current law and not continued in fiscal year 2014 appropriation bills. Rigorous, evidence-based research on political science is important because politics can dramatically change the lives of citizens. I appreciate the previous support from Congress for the NSF and I strongly encourage you to continue that support.
Like all scientific researchers, political scientists follow the scientific method of developing hypotheses, testing them through data collection and analysis, and publishing their research in peer reviewed journals. Political science does not take sides or make decisions about values; it provides data for understanding political processes and identifies generalizable relationships. The results of this work is used, often without acknowledgement, by decision makers in the legislative branch, the executive branch and in capitals around the world. The research saves lives, analyzes political upheaval, and explains democratic governance.
These restrictions should be removed from current law and not continued in fiscal year 2014 appropriation bills. Rigorous, evidence-based research on political science is important because politics can dramatically change the lives of citizens. I appreciate the previous support from Congress for the NSF and I strongly encourage you to continue that support.
View Comments