[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 9, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 74757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29091]


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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 February 9, 
2009 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address 
below.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: 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 e-mail 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, 2009.
    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 part 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 educated individuals. Data 
are obtained via paper questionnaire or Web survey from each person 
earning a research doctorate at the time they receive the degree. Data 
are collected on their field of specialty, educational background, 
sources of support in graduate school, debt level, postgraduation 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 several reports, 
but primarily in the annual publication series, ``Science and 
Engineering Doctorates'' and the Interagency Report, ``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. Responses from individuals are voluntary. NSF will ensure that 
all individually identifiable information collected will be kept 
strictly confidential and will be used for research or statistical 
purposes, analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports and 
articles.
    2. Expected Respondents: A total response rate of 91.6% of the 
total 48,079 persons who earned a research doctorate was obtained in 
academic year 2006/2007. This level of response rate has been 
consistent for several years. The respondents will be individuals and 
the estimated number of respondents annually is around 45,000 (based on 
2007 data).
    3. Estimate of Burden: The Foundation estimates that, on average, 
20 minutes per respondent will be required to complete the survey. The 
total annual respondent burden for the Survey of Earned Doctorates is 
therefore estimated at 15,000 hours, based on 45,000 respondents. This 
is higher than the last annual estimate approved by OMB due to the 
increased number of respondents (doctorate recipients).

    Dated: December 4, 2008.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
 [FR Doc. E8-29091 Filed 12-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P