[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50604-50605]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25282]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

TITLE OF COLLECTION: 1999 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (OMB Control 
No. 3145-0020).

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Under the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce 
paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF) 
is inviting the general public or other Federal agencies to comment on 
this proposed continuing information collection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or for a copy 
of the collection instrument and instructions contact Ms. Mary Lou 
Higgs, Acting Clearance Officer, via surface mail: National Science 
Foundation, ATTN: NSF Reports Clearance Officer, Suite 295, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230; telephone (703) 306-2063; e-mail 
[email protected]; or FAX (703) 306-0201.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Abstract

    The Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) has been conducted 
biennially since 1973. Fro the 1999 cycle, a sample of individuals 
under the age of 76 who have earned doctoral degrees in science and 
engineering from U.S. institutions will be surveyed. The purpose of the 
study is to provide national estimates describing the relationship 
between education and employment for Ph.D. recipients in science and 
engineering. The study is one of three components of the Scientists and 
Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT), which produces national 
estimates of the size and characteristics of the nation's science and 
engineering population.
    The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as subsequently 
amended, includes a statutory charge to ``. . . provide a central 
clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data 
on scientific and engineering resources, and to provide a source of 
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal 
Government.'' The Survey of Doctorate Recipients is designed to comply 
with these mandates by providing information on the supply and 
utilization of doctorate level scientists and engineers. Collected data 
will be used to produce estimates of the characteristics of these 
individuals. They will also provide necessary input into the SESTAT 
labor force data system, which produces national estimates of the size 
and characteristics of the country's science and engineering 
population. The Foundation uses this information to prepare 
congressionally mandated reports such as Women and Minorities in 
Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering Indicators. A 
public release file of collected data, designed to protect respondent 
confidentiality, is expected to be made available to researchers on CD-
ROM and on the World Wide Web.
    Questionnaires will be mailed in April 1999 and nonrespondents to 
the mail questionnaire computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). 
The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 
1974 and the individual's response to the survey is voluntary. NSF will 
insure that all information collected will be kept strictly 
confidential and will be used only for research or statistical 
purposes, analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports and 
articles.

2. Expected Respondents

    We will mail the survey to a statistical sample of approximately 
40,000 U.S. doctorates.

3. Burden on the Public

    The amount of time to complete the questionnaire may vary depending 
on an individual's circumstances; however, on average it will take 
approximately 25 minutes to complete the survey. We estimate that the 
total annual burden will be 16,666 hours during the year.

Comments Requested

DATES: Send written comments to NSF on or before November 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to Ms. Mary Lou Higgs, Acting 
Clearance Officer, through surface mail at: National Science 
Foundation, ATTN: NSF Reports Clearance Officer, Suite 295, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230; through e-mail [email protected]; or FAX 
(703) 306-0201.


[[Page 50605]]


SPECIAL AREAS FOR REVIEW: NSF request special review and comments in 
the following areas:
    (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the Foundation, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the Foundation's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond.

    Dated: September 17, 1998.
Mary Lou Higgs,
Acting NSF Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-25282 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M