WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2009 – In a letter to the White House, ASME President Thomas M. Barlow commended President Barack Obama for his pledge to invest more than three percent of the nation’s economic output in scientific innovation.

“I applaud President Obama’s commitment to making engineering, scientific research, and education central to his agenda,” said Barlow.  "This historic level for science funding would fulfill the goals set forth in the America COMPETES Act for the doubling of funding for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy Office of Science, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the next decade.” 

Barlow continued, “Numerous studies have documented the critical role that innovation and new technologies play in economic growth and national security.  Robust, sustained investment in research and development is required for stimulating growth in high-wage industries, for generating new technologies in critical areas of need, including energy, transportation and manufacturing, and for preparing the workforce of tomorrow."

Mr. Obama’s speech took place during the 146th annual meeting of National Academy of Science, April 28, where he announced the launch of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), a new Department of Energy organization modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which was created during the Eisenhower Administration.  ARPA-E will conduct high-risk, high-reward research, seek to place a market-based cap on carbon emissions and make renewable energy more profitable.  

About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing nd skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. For more information visit www.asme.org.

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