335 



As a direct result of Sputnik, [the NSF's] 1959 appropriations total $130 

 million, certainly a radical recognition of the neglected importance of science 

 and technology. 12 * 



Furthermore, the 1959 NSF budget was entirely devoted to Federal 

 support of basic research; less than 5 percent, or only $6 million, 

 represented formal IGY expense. By 1968, the NSF budget had 

 peaked at over $500 million. As stated in a review of NSF activities, 

 the IGY ". . . permitted the Foundation to support basic research 

 to meet needs of science somewhat sooner than might have other- 

 wise been possible." 126 



In retrospect, it is unfortunate that this increased Federal funding, 

 and the considerable public interest in the IGY, were not translated 

 into widespread public understanding and support of basic research. 

 Unlike many of the activities of the IGY, which took place dra- 

 matically in remote and exciting areas of the globe, basic research 

 was a difficult area of scientific activity for the general public to under- 

 stand and appreciate, and still remains so. Although the IGY was, 

 to scientists, primarily an exercise in basic research, to the public it 

 appeared largely a matter of polar adventures and space satellites. 

 Thus, were such an effort proposed today, it would appear doubtful 

 that it would receive widespread public support unless the activities 

 involved were sufficiently broadened so as to appeal to a wide variety 

 of interests. 



1955 12,486 



1955 16,068 



1957 38,630 



1958 49,973 



1959 132,940 



1960 158,600 



1961 174,995 



1962 260,821 



1963 320,754 



1964 354,584 



1965 M16.000 



1966.... 2 466,000 



1967 2 465,000 



1968.... 2 505,000 



1969. 2433,000 



1970... 2461,000 



1971... 2495,000 



1972 2 598,000 



1 Figures in thousands of dollars. 



2 Figures rounded off to nearest thousand dollars. 



Data for 1951-64 are taken from: U.S., Congress, House, Committee on Science and Astronautics. Subcommittee on 

 Science, Research, and Development, The National Science Foundation: A General Review of Its 1st 15 Years, 89th 

 Cong., 2d sess. Jan. 24, 1965, pp. 32-35. Data for 1965-72 are taken from: National Science Foundation, Databook NSF 

 73-3 (Washington: National Science Foundation, January 1973), p. 15. 



mNSF-NAS Hearings: IGY Report, p. 191. 

 12« NSF: Its First 16 Years, p. 78. 



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