The ASA was represented by Peter Craigmile of The Ohio State University (OSU) during a Capitol Hill annual event on May 11 that highlighted research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The 17th Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) Capitol Hill Exhibition and Reception, which featured booths hosted by 30 science organizations and universities, attracted 300 people, including five members of Congress and scores of congressional and NSF staff. The large attendance and constant buzz at the event conveyed the excitement over NSF-funded research.

Peter Craigmile of The Ohio State University with Sastry Pantula, head of the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF), during the Capitol Hill annual event highlighting research funded by the NSF

Prior to the event, Craigmile and ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson visited staffers for four freshman members and two appropriators in the Ohio delegation to discuss the connection between science research and Ohio’s economy. As an example of this connection, Craigmile noted that OSU graduates who go to work for Ohio companies take with them the latest research developments to help those companies be more competitive.

While most of the staffers seemed to understand the importance of science research to economic growth, all noted the tough fiscal environment making any increases for science research budgets a challenge.

Craigmile’s poster featured his work on space-time statistical modeling as applied to climatology.

The ASA urges its members to contact their elected officials in Washington, DC, about the importance of NSF and National Institutes of Health research. Contact Pierson at pierson@amstat.org for further guidance and materials.