National Science Policy and Priorities Act

(LATEST SUMMARY)

National Policy and Priorities for Science and Technology Act - States the Congressional declaration that the total Federal investment in science and technology must be raised to an expenditure level which is adequate to meet the human needs of the nation.

=Title I: Council of Advisers on Science and Technology= - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Advisers on Science and Technology, and specifies the membership of the Council.

States that the Council shall annually appraise progress in science and technology in relation to the needs of the Nation and, taking account of the state of the economy through consultation with the Council of Economic Advisers, shall determine the desired level of Federal investment in science and technology for the next fiscal year.

Provides that the Council shall determine a set of priorities for allocating Federal funds among major expenditure areas in science and technology for each fiscal year.

States that the Council shall serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans and programs of science and technology of the Federal Government.

Provides that, not later than ninety days following appointment of the Council, members the Council shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study in order to recommend improvements in the Federal organization for civilian science and technology.

=Title II: Federal Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology= - Establishes the Federal Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology.

States that the Committee shall consider problems and developments in the fields of science and technology and related activities affecting more than one Federal agency, and shall recommend policies for more effective planning, research, utilization of resources and Federal agencies, and international cooperation in science and technology.

Abolishes the Federal Council for Science and Technology.

=Title III: National Science Foundation= - Provides that the National Science Foundation shall recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies designed to foster research and education in science and engineering, and the application of scientific and technical knowledge to the solution of national problems.

Changes the criteria for appointment of members of the National Science Board.

States that, not later than ninety days following enactment of this Act, the National Science Foundation shall initiate an educational program of continuing education for scientists and engineers who have been engaged in their careers for at least five years to pursue courses of study with specified goals.

Authorizes the Foundation to make grants to, and enter into contracts with institutions of higher education, other nonprofit institutes and organizations, and private business firms for the purpose of developing courses and curricula specially designed for continuing education in science and technology.

=Title IV: State and Regional Science and Technology Programs= - Establishes in the National Science Foundation an Intergovernmental Science and Technology Advisory Committee.

States that the Committee shall advise and assist the Foundation in: (1) identifying and defining civilian problems at the State, regional, and local levels and the environment in which solutions to these problems ought to be provided; (2) identifying areas of highest priority for study, assessment, and development of policy alternatives by the Foundation under this title; and (3) identifying and fostering ways to facilitate the transfer and utilization of results of civilian research and development activities so as to maximize the application of science and technology to civilian needs.

Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation, after consultation with the Intergovernmental Science and Technology Advisory Committee, to make grants of not to exceed $100,000 to any State to pay a part of the cost of establishing an Office of State Science and Technology.

=Title V: General Provisions= - Defines the terms used in the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.