Press Statement - September 14, 2000

PS 00-08
Media contact:	Charles S. Drum	(703) 292-8070	cdrum@nsf.gov

Statement by Dr. Rita Colwell
Director, National Science Foundation

A Response to the National Research Council Report
"Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers"

Issues affecting the training and employment of post doctoral scientists reach into every NSF directorate. Numerous reports, including the latest issue of Science and Engineering Indicators, have noted and discussed the changing roles of Ph.D. recipients in the S&E; workforce.

NSF therefore applauds serious discussions toward finding better ways to serve post-doctoral recipients and the research and education community.

We especially commend the NRC for bringing together the most influential agencies and organizations in serious and well-moderated discussions of these very important and complex issues. The fact that so many agencies and organizations are involved is an indicator of how complex the issues are and how carefully the communities will need to discuss possible solutions. While we have not yet had time to review the report thoroughly, many of the recommendations appear timely and well considered, and we will weigh them carefully in our discussions here at NSF.