NSF National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics: Perspectives and NCSES and Data Usage: October 2021 Meeting

The document provides an overview of the NSF National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), outlining its mandate, structure, and key survey activities, including the Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) and Research Facilities surveys. It details NCSES’s role as a primary source of statistical data on research and development (R&D), science and engineering workforce, and STEM education, and presents data trends, funding sources, and sector performance within the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, the document discusses recent survey enhancements, including questions assessing the impact of COVID-19 on R&D activities and personnel, and highlights ongoing efforts to improve data quality, accessibility, and international comparability for policymakers and stakeholders.