NASA Sequestration Rules Restricts Scientists

Conference travel and participation severely restricted

 

Fewer people, fewer ideas at scientific conferences are the result of the Sequester at NASA - Ted Stryk

 

Posted By Casey Dreier

2013/03/14 07:18 CDT

NASA released new rules severely limiting travel and scientific conference attendance, yesterday, in what is the first major effect of Sequestration on the agency.

A letter from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden outlined the new restrictions, which include a ban on travel outside of the continental United States, a limit of fifty NASA scientists at any given conference, and new requirements that a physical presence at the conference is necessary.

So, why is this really bad?

Conference travel for scientists is a crucial aspect of their professions. A conference is an exchange of ideas, where scientists can get together, present results, hear new ones, and generally cross-pollinate. Serendipitous interactions between scientists can lead to unexpected collaborations. This type of intermingling is understood as a crucial component of creative endeavors, reflected in a variety of environments (for example, the layout of the Pixar company's main headquarters encourages employee interaction).

More w/Details of NASA Restrictions:
Link >>> http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130314-sequestrations-first-victim-at-nasa.html

Source: The Planetary Society.

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