I apologize for being a bit behind on blogging lately. As you can imagine with the budget roll out things have been hectic over here. I apologize for not having more information up. I'm going to put a couple things up here and then will attempt to blog more often.
First, AAU put together an excellent summary. I recomend it. Thanks Toby.
Science Today had an excellent article (subscription required I think) on the SMART/DoD Ed program online today. I would reccomend reading it. I was a bit concerned about UWisc Professor Michael Corradini's comments that the "employment agreement might scare away some of the best candidates. 'Students believe strongly in freedom, and typically don't respond well to such contracts,'" referring to the SMART requirement that scholarship recipients work for DoD. You would think that their strong belief in freedom would be precisely the reason they would support military S&T. (yes I know he meant it in a different context) Obviously its not unreasonable to imagine that if DoD is picking up the tab for a very expensive college education, that they request you support their mission. Frankly though, I don't believe America's best and brightest are going to be scared off by the employment contract. I'm not sure what lack of freedom he is referring to though? DoD Labs are some of the finest research facilities in the world and turn our excellent research. Maybe he's concerned about researchers being tied to one institution for an extended period, but I'm not sure how that is so much different then getting on tenure track at a university somewhere. Anyway, my guess is the reporter was probably just looking for the "other side."
DARPA's new strategic plan is out. Its a big file. Email me if you'd like a copy.
Posted by TomJones at February 9, 2005 01:07 PM | TrackBack