Federal Funding and Knowledge Growth in Ionospheric Physics, 1945-81

Abstract

This paper describes the evolution over six decades of ionospheric physics — a complex, well-funded field — and concentrates upon research at US universities in the years following World War II. An historical overview is followed by presentation of data gathered from literature samples and interviews, including funding acknowledgement data. Responses from twenty successful ionosphere research leaders as to their views on (and their strategies for obtaining) funding, the role of funding programme managers, and the nature of various funding agencies, are then summarized. There is and has been a plurality of both research centres and funding sources in ionospheric physics, and there is constant interaction both in ideas and in funding between basic research and civilian and military desires. Finally, to discuss entrepreneurs and resources in scientific research, four cases are briefly introduced concerning building research teams and facilities, defining new directions in science, and introducing large-scale social organization of research. It is argued that the situation in ionospheric physics is probably similar to wide areas of the physical and engineering sciences in the US.