In 2009, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requested a $638 million budget to support its research and facilities, reflecting a 22% increase over the previous year. This funding was aimed at advancing high-impact research in areas such as nanotechnology, climate change, earthquake-resistant structures, biometrics, cybersecurity, and quantum science. The budget also included funds for expanding and upgrading NIST’s laboratory facilities, including the completion of the Building 1 Extension in Boulder, Colorado, and the expansion of the JILA facility and the Center for Neutron Research. These investments were intended to support U.S. innovation, economic growth, and the development of new technologies that benefit industries and consumers.
NIST plays a crucial role in developing standards and measurement tools that ensure the accuracy and reliability of products and services across many sectors, including healthcare, finance, and communications. The 2009 budget also included funding for new initiatives in areas like biotechnology, hydrogen fuel research, and cybersecurity. However, NIST faced challenges due to underfunding in the previous year, which limited progress in key research areas. The budget aimed to address these issues by supporting the hiring of new researchers and the development of advanced measurement techniques. Overall, the FY 2009 budget was seen as a key step in maintaining the U.S. leadership in science and technology through NIST’s work in standards, measurement, and innovation.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/speech-testimony/nist-fy-2009-budget-request-senate
Keywords: quantum computing, measurement science, neutron research
