Comment from Rebecca Price
Rebecca PriceOpposeAcademic
Summary: A science education researcher opposes the draft regulations, arguing that they would allow non-experts to make funding decisions on highly specialized scientific research. The commenter also expresses concern that the regulations would hinder scientific collaboration and the sharing of research results.
I am a science education researcher. My successful research improves training for the next generation of scientists so that the US can continue to lead in research and development across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. My research is highly specialized and requires evaluation by experts with deep knowledge of the field. The draft regulations would undermine that process by allowing funding decisions to be made by individuals who lack the scientific expertise necessary to assess the significance, rigor, and potential impact of the work.
If I am unable to attend scientific meetings and collaborate with others in my field, the results of our research will not be able to be shared and advances in the field will be slowed.
For these reasons, and others, these draft regulations should be withdrawn and not implemented.