Findings and Recommendations - Basic Research Opportunities in Earth Science - page 80

6. planetary science using extraterrestrial materials, as well as

astronomical, space-based, and laboratory observations, to investigate
the origin, evolution, and present structure of planetary bodies,
including the Earth.

This chapter presents the findings and recommendations that have been
drawn by the committee from its overview of the science opportunities and
societal needs. In constructing its recommendations, the committee was
cognizant that the National Science Foundation (NSF) must continually strive to
balance its funding of basic research among (1) core programs that support
investigator-driven, disciplinary activities; (2) problem-focused programs of
multidisciplinary research; and (3) equipment-oriented programs for developing
new instrumentation and facilities. It is the committee's conclusion that the Earth
Science Division (EAR) has done an excellent job at maintaining such a balance
in the past. The committee therefore offers recommendations relevant to all three
programmatic areas that, if implemented, will address the science requirements
for the next decade. It also comments on opportunities for coordinating EAR-
sponsored research with programmatic activities in other NSF divisions and with
other agencies.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT OF INVESTIGATOR-DRIVEN
SCIENCE

It is commonly believed that many of the most significant conceptual
breakthroughs in science come at the hands of individual investigators or small
groups of researchers, rather than through structured collaborations. As indicated
by the workshop reports, letters to the committee, and the 1998 report of the EAR
visiting committee, the Earth science community supports the notion that
individual investigators should be free to pursue their own research directions.
One letter from an Earth scientist put it succinctly: “Too much emphasis on
'large' science at the expense of 'small' science will, over time, stifle creativity.”
It is particularly important that creative young scientists be allowed to conduct
scientific research of their own conception, rather than projects conforming to the
current scientific consensus, which is often articulated by established groups
(such as National Research Council [NRC] committees). The committee strongly
endorses this point of view.
Finding: EAR funding of research projects initiated and conducted by
individual investigators and small groups of investigators is the single most
important mechanism for maintaining and enhancing disciplinary strength
in Earth science.