ASTRA's Interim Board has adopted policy positions on many issues directly affecting federal funding of scientific research, as well as several others which are closely related to the success of the research enterprise.

Generally, ASTRA's concerns are focused upon adequate funding of key science agencies. In late 2003, ASTRA determined that its top priorities for 2004 will be adequate funding for the following government agencies, all of which are top priorities for our community:

• Department of Energy's Office of Science
• Department of Defense 6.1 Research Funding
• National Science Foundation
• National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce

ASTRA also conducts education and advocacy on topics related to adequate research funding, including:

• Workforce
• Science Education
• Industry Basic Research

SCIENCE BUDGET CHANGES IMPERIL NATION'S INNOVATION FUTURE
“Short-sighted and short-changed” declared Dr. Mary Good, Chairman of ASTRA, the Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America, following last-minute changes in key science budgets by Congress and the Administration as lawmakers rush to adjourn before the Holidays.    >> More

SPUTNIK AGAIN?
Sputnik’s launch impelled an unprecedented expansion in America's support for scientific research and education in the face of a technological threat that caught us by surprise. Fifty years later, we face another threat, that of growing international competition. However, unlike the launch of Sputnik, we have seen this coming.    >> More

ASTRA BRIEFS
ASTRA Briefs has been produced on roughly a quarterly basis since early 2003.

ASTRA has now determined that it will be published more frequently, ideally on a monthly basis except for pauses in the Congressional Calendar. If you are interested in providing articles or submitting comments, please feel free to do so. Simply contact us and attach items in either a text, PDF or other common graphic format.

ASTRA BRIEFS
ASTRA Briefs - Summer 2008 (PDF)
ASTRA Briefs - Spring 2008 (PDF)
ASTRA Briefs - Winter 2007 (PDF)
ASTRA Briefs - Fall 2007 (PDF)