91.5 Scientific Review of Research Facilities Funding

It is essential that major scientific facilities projects included in the federal budget be subjected to the normal process of proposal submission and impartial, expert review. This ensures that scarce funds for science be allocated to projects of the highest quality and highest scientific priority. The consequences of not following this important practice go beyond the diversion of resources from the best projects. Institutions can be persuaded that political maneuvering is more important than scientific justification in securing federal resources, and worthy scientific projects are abandoned or deferred for lack of funds. This diminishes science and impedes progress.

Congress considers a variety of factors such as geographical balance, economic need, and inclusiveness in allocating funds for major projects of any sort. We urge, however, that review by scientific experts be an important additional consideration prior to any allocation of funds for research facilities.

(Originally adopted by Council on January 20, 1985)

Reaffirmed by Council on November 10, 2021 
Adopted by the Council on April 21, 1991
Category: National Policy

APS Statements

APS Statements are public policy statements that undergo a meticulous process of draft and review, including receiving comments from APS members, before being voted on by APS Council at one of its semiannual meetings. The review process for APS statements may be started at anytime if deemed necessary by the Panel on Public Affairs, and at least once every 5 years.