Sept. 15, 2004

President to Nominate Bement
As Science Foundation Director

President George W. Bush meets with Arden L. Bement Jr. in the Oval Office. White House Photo by Paul Morse.

White House Statement
Statement by Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans
Statement by Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology Phillip J. Bond

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Arden L. Bement Jr. to be director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the remainder of a six-year term ending August 2, 2010. Bement has been serving as acting director of NSF since Feb. 22, 2004, and is currently the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The President met with Bement today in the Oval Office.

NIST Deputy Director Hratch G. Semerjian is currently serving as the NIST acting director. Bement will continue to serve as NIST director pending confirmation of the nomination by the U.S. Senate.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of nearly $5.58 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 universities and institutions.

In a statement issued today, John H. Marburger, science advisor to the President and director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, noted, "Dr. Arden Bement is an ideal candidate for the National Science Foundation Directorship. His depth of experience, long record of accomplishment and proven success as Director of NIST and Acting Director of NSF are sure indicators of future success. I look forward to a speedy confirmation and to working with Dr. Bement in furthering the science goals of the Nation."

In a separate statement, Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans said, "The President has made a great choice in tapping Arden Bement to become the next director of the National Science Foundation. For the past three years, Dr. Bement has served with great distinction as the Director of NIST, displaying an expansive breadth of knowledge of the national science and technology enterprise. And that same breadth of knowledge—coupled with his vast experience in academia, government, and private industry—makes him an ideal candidate to direct the NSF. I am grateful that he has agreed to continue leading NIST until his Senate confirmation and look forward to continuing to work with him in his next leadership role."

created on 9/15/04
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