NSF 02-055
(Replaces NSF 01-127)
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Communicating
Research
Results to an Interested Public
It has become increasingly important to highlight significant breakthroughs
resulting from NSF-sponsored research in the ocean sciences. Put simply,
those that make the difficult decisions regarding agency funding levels
have informed us that performance results will affect future agency
budgets. For those agencies funding basic research, this presents a
significant challenge.
To respond effectively, we need your help.
Discoveries in our oceans captivate the human imagination and serve
to remind all about the values of public funding for basic research.
We urge you to inform your Program Director or the Division Director
of significant discoveries stemming from NSF-funded research and to
notify us in advance, if possible, of the publication of results in
Science, Nature, and the popular press. Timely notification allows us
to make optimal use of such news if we learn of breaking news
after the fact, we lose much of the advantage of being able to respond
appropriately within the agency.
In addition to sharing the excitement of research results, there are
a number of ways to enhance the visibility of the scientific community
and the National Science Foundation. We encourage you to:
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Give NSF, as well as other government agencies, appropriate credit
in articles, during interviews, etc.
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Ensure that equipment purchased or constructed with NSF funds or
facilities supported by NSF grants, are clearly labeled as such.
It would be particularly beneficial if NSF logos were prominently
displayed on anything that is likely to be photographed!
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Notify us of any special outreach activities such as web-based
efforts to link our science directly to the classroom and the public.
A recent news release from the University of Delaware
(http://www.ocean.udel.edu/newscenter/deepseaDNA.html)
is an excellent example.
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Seize opportunities to educate your communities about the excitement
and value of scientific discovery.
Implementing these efforts will further our mutual interest, and the
nations interest, in sustaining the health of the scientific
enterprise.
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