National Science Foundation Authorization Act

(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare with amendment, S. Rept. 94-111)

National Science Foundation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for programs and activities for fiscal year 1976 of the National Science Foundation. Sets forth the amounts of such appropriations which are to be used for: "Institutional Improvement of Science," "Science Education Improvement," "Intergovernmental Science Programs," "Science Information Activities," "Ethnic Minorities and Women in Science Program," "Elementary and Secondary School Programs," earthquake engineering, programs related to the ethnical and human value implications of science and technology, and small business concerns.

Directs the Foundation to establish and conduct a "Science for Citizens Program," which shall: (1) facilitate the participation of experienced scientists and engineers in public activities aimed at the resolution of public policy issues having significant scientific and technical aspects; (2) facilitate the participation of undergraduate and graduate students in necessary scientific and technical components of community and citizen group activities aimed at the resolution of public policy issues; and (3) enable nonprofit citizens public interest groups to acquire necessary technical expertise to assist them in dealing with the scientific and technical aspects of public policy issues.

Authorizes the establishment of the Alan T. Waterman Award for research or advance study in specified sciences.

Requires participation of the public in formulation and conduct of the Foundation's programs and policies.