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Project Title:
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Developing Metrics for Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Research: A Study
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PIN:
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LJXX-I-08-04-A
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Major Unit:
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Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education
Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
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Sub Unit:
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Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences
Committee on Law and Justice
Computer Science & Telecommuncations Board
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RSO:
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Melnick, Daniel
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Subject/Focus Area:
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Project Scope
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An ad hoc committee will conduct a study to develop a framework of metrics to enable the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Directorate of Science and Technology to better plan and evaluate its research activities and efficiency in balancing economic costs versus increased security. Part of the process of creating this framework involves articulating a rationale for supporting basic science in a mission oriented agency, including establishing an appropriate mix of the types of scientific research pursued by the agency, and applying that rationale to the Department, its mission, and its long-term needs. Prior Academies studies and other social science studies of scientific research will be key to the proposed work. The committee will plan and hold a series of interactive workshops, gather and synthesize relevant data and prior research findings, and develop a consensus report with conclusions and recommendations. The study will address the following questions:
1. What metrics are appropriate for each type of research conducted by the Department of Homeland Security?
2. What should be the elements of a framework for the development and ongoing refinement of metrics for assessing the impact of DHS research?
3. What kinds of metrics are needed to assess homeland security basic research, and how do they differ from those needed for "transitional" or applied research? How would metrics for basic research further the DHS mission and meet its long term needs?
4. How and at what stage of development can basic research findings be transferred to the transitional phase so that they are useful to Department constituencies?
5. How can the agency determine the appropriate level of investment in homeland security basic research, transitional research, and high risk research and when such efforts should be continued or terminated?
6. How do other public and private research organizations make such determinations?
The concept of "metrics" includes not only quantitative measures, but also other types of objective assessment, including qualitative ones, that may also be useful to assess the DHS research portfolio and help to make decisions about resource allocation and priority setting.
The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The approximate start date for the project is April 1, 2009.
A report will be issued at the end of the project in approximately 20 months
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Project Duration:
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20 months
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