Front Matter

Letter of Transmittal

January 13, 2006

The Honorable George W. Bush
The President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

It is my honor to transmit to you, and through you to the Congress, the seventeenth in the series of biennial Science Indicators reports, Science and Engineering Indicators 2006. The National Science Board submits this report in accordance with Sec. 4(j)1 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended.

The Science Indicators series was designed to provide a broad base of quantitative information about US. science, engineering, and technology for use by public and private policymakers. With each new edition, the Board seeks to continually expand the data sources and pertinence to the broad user community. Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 contains analyses of key aspects of the scope, quality, and vitality of the Nation's science and engineering enterprise and global science and technology.

The report presents information on science, mathematics, and engineering education at all levels; the scientific and engineering workforce; US. and international research and development performance and competitiveness in high technology; and public attitudes and understanding of science and engineering. A chapter on state-level science and engineering presents state comparisons on selected indicators. Because of the widespread upgrading of scientific and technological capabilities around the world, the Overview chapter of this report focuses on global science and technology, including international trends and the U.S. position in the global context.

I hope that you, your Administration, and Congress will find the new quantitative information and analysis in the report useful and timely for informed thinking and pIanning on national priorities, policies, and programs in science and technology.

Respectfully yours,


Warren M. Washington
Chairman