Comment from David Vanderbilt
David VanderbiltOpposeAcademic
Summary: A Distinguished Professor of Physics at Rutgers University opposes the proposed revisions to section 200.432 because they would restrict professional expenses for attending scientific conferences. The commenter argues that conference attendance is essential for avoiding redundant research, fostering collaborations, and recruiting new talent.
[200.432]
To Whom it May Concern:
I am a Distinguished Professor of Physics at Rutgers University, with an active research program in computational materials theory.
I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.432 that would restrict typical professional expenses associated with attendance at conferences.
Scientific conferences are an intrinsic basic ingredient of scientific research. By attending conferences, I learn about the latest developments that allow me to avoid wasting federal research dollars on duplicating research done elsewhere, and to redirect my research program in the most productive new directions.
Attendance at conferences is crucial to triggering the formation of scientific collaborations, which greatly improve the efficiency of the scientific enterprise. Scientific conferences and workshops are also an important forum for interviewing and hiring the best young talent as students and postdocs.
In short, the ability to attend scientific meetings is not a luxury; it is intrinsic to the very basic functioning of good science. Limitations on attendance of scientists at scientific conferences would be short-sighted and counterproductive.