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Increase in U.S. budget may widen opportunities for Arizona science

UA scientists may enjoy greater research opportunities if President Bill Clinton's request for a $2.8 billion increase in the national scientific research budget is passed by Congress.

After Clinton's 2001 fiscal year budget announcement yesterday, University of Arizona College of Science Dean Eugene Levy said he is pleased that continued attention is given to research.

Levy said basic scientific research is integral to the advancement of human thought, and would be "irresponsible" not to focus on it.

"The economy and society of the 21st century is going to depend on this kind of research," Levy said. "The president along with many other people are beginning to understand that the very well-being of American society depends on this work."

"This request is an extraordinary act of responsibility," he added.

At the state level, Levy said Arizona needs to uphold its end of the responsibility of furthering thought and technology by providing the public universities with superior faculty and research facilities, Levy said.

Financial assistance for scientific projects at the UA is awarded on a competitive basis, according to submitted proposals. The merit of the project is the main factor for funding approval, Levy said.

At the UA, scientific research areas range from astronomy to biology. The biomedical and space science fields are among the largest, Levy said.

The chances that UA departments may be awarded some of next year's money are good, Levy said. He anticipates Congress will recognize the "importance nationally" of science, and pass the budget increase.

Michael Drake, UA Lunar and Planetary Laboratory director, said he expects the research budget to increase some, if not the entire proposed amount. However, any increase is a positive sign for the campus and Tucson community, he said.

"Overall, it's good for the university and for students, for the opportunities they'll have," Drake said.

Some Lunar and Planetary Laboratory projects that could benefit from the additional money are the current mission to Mars and possible trips to the outer solar system to study Pluto and Europa, a moon of Jupiter that may have life forms.