OCEANOGRAPHY 1961 — PHASE 3 241 



The magnitude of our research support in oceanography is second 

 only to that of the Navy Department. We recognize the vital interest 

 which the Navy has in this field of science, and applaud the splendid 

 support they have given it. 



On Monday, the chairman raised the question of who would take the 

 initiative if the Navy should lag in its interest in oceanography. I 

 would like to answer that and state that the National Science Founda- 

 tion feels a strong responsibility for the adequacy of the overall 

 national program in this area, and would seek to obtain funds to make 

 up for any possible future reduction in support given by the Navy or 

 other agencies. 



I am happy to be with you today and would be glad to answer any 

 questions you may have. 



Mr. Miller. Thank you very much, Doctor. 



I realize that the National Science Foundation today is doing a 

 great deal and pulling a very heavy oar in this field ; but one thing 

 that concerns me is : What of the future ? 



Today there is great impetus given to the field of science, not 

 only this field, but all other fields. But what assurance have we that 

 if peace comes in the world within the next 10 years or the next gen- 

 eration, this is going to be so? We have seen tides rise and ebb in 

 this field and in other fields. 



When we need them, we come to you in a hurry. We need the 

 Army. We need the Defense Department. We need the shippmg. 

 We open our purse and put on crash programs, and we are going 

 through these today. 



But the oceans are going to be with us. W^e are looking to stabilize 

 and perhaps relieve the National Science Foundation from this re- 

 sponsibility that it has undertaken and prepares to accept in the 

 future. 



I think now is the time to study this and see if legislation is neces- 

 sary. We found it necessary in the case of the National Aeronautics 

 and Space Agency to consolidate in it certain functions that were 

 being successfully taken care of in the Defense agency and other agen- 

 cies of Government. 



I am going to ask Mr, Bauer if he has some questions. 



Mr. Bauer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a few. 



Dr. Robertson, when you receive a proposal from a prospective 

 recipient of one of your grants in the field of earth sciences, how do 

 you evaluate the proposal ? What mechanism do you go through to 

 decide whether or not the proposal merits a grant ? 



Dr. Robertson. Each proposal is submitted first to our staff group, 

 our Earth Sciences Program Office. This group in turn submits it 

 by mail to three or four outstanding authorities in the particular 

 field of the proposal. On the basis of these recommendations, the 

 staff formulates a judgment concerning the support of the proposal, 

 and then, in the case of the earth sciencies, practically all proposals 

 are submitted for the consideration of our Earth Sciences Panel, 

 which assembles from time to time and reviews proposals and makes 

 recommendations to our staff. After that, we decide whether or not 

 we can provide the support requested. 



Mr. Bauer. Now, with respect to the Earth Sciences Panel, who 

 is on the Earth Sciences Panel ? 



