The University of Oregon joined partners from business, higher education, scientific and engineering communities in signing onto a set of guiding principles for the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act.  The principles were developed by a group of university, business, and scientific society leaders, including AAU President Hunter Rawlings and former Lockheed Martin CEO Norman Augustine. The Act was prompted by the National Academies report, “Rising above the Gathering Storm,” and makes a priority of supporting and expanding federal research.  The goal of the principles document is to make federal research and innovation again a national and bipartisan priority. The leaders also wanted to make a strong statement of support for all areas of science and engineering.

On April 19, the group sent a letter to key Members of Congress offering assistance in helping develop and pass the reauthorization bill, and providing the principles for their consideration.