[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71595-71596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-30399]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent to Extend an Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 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. The 
National Science Foundation (NSF) will publish periodic summaries of 
proposed projects.
    Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency'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 respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by January 31, 
2002 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or for a copy 
of the collection instruments and instructions, contact Ms. Suzanne H. 
Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 
Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 
292-7556; or send email to [email protected]. Individuals who use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title of Collection: Survey of Earned Doctorates.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0019.
    Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2003.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information 
collection for three years.
    1. Abstract: 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 Earned Doctorates is part of an 
integrated survey system that meets the human resources past of this 
mission.
    The Survey of Earned Doctorates has been conducted continuously 
since 1958 and is jointly sponsored by six Federal agencies in order to 
avoid duplication. It is an accurate, timely source of information on 
our Nation's most precious resource--highly

[[Page 71596]]

educated individuals. Data are obtained via paper questionnaire or Web 
option from each person earning a research doctorate at the time they 
receive the degree. Data are collected on their field of specialty, 
educational background, source of support in graduate school, debt 
level, post graduation plans for employment, and demographic 
characteristics. The Federal government, universities, researchers, and 
others use the information extensively.
    The National Science Foundation, as the lead agency, publishes 
statistics from the survey in many reports, but primarily in the annual 
publication series, ``Science and Engineering Doctorates.'' The 
National Opinion Research Corporation at the University of Chicago 
disseminates a free interagency report entitled ``Doctorate Recipients 
from U.S. Universities: Summary Report.'' These reports are available 
in print and electronically on the World Wide Web.
    The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 
1974 Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act 
of 2002. Responses from individuals are 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: A total response rate of 92% of the total 
40,744 persons who earned a research doctorate was obtained in academic 
year 2000/2001. This level of response rate has been consistent for 
several years. The respondents will be individuals and the estimated 
number of respondents annually is 37,484 (based on 2001 data)
    3. Estimate of Burden: The Foundation estimates that, on average, 
19 minutes per respondent will be required to complete the survey, for 
a total of 11,714 hours for all respondents (based on the Academic 
2000/2001 number). This is reduced by 2,514 hours from the last annual 
estimate approved by OMB; this reduction is due to a revised, more 
efficient section on educational history and a declining number of 
research doctorate recipients since 1998.

    Dated: November 26, 2002.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 02-30399 Filed 11-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M