[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 12 (Friday, January 17, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 2691] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-1136] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Proposed Data Collection: Comment Request Title of Proposed Request: Survey of Earned Doctorates In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the NSF Clearance Officer on (703) 306-1243. Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Proposed Project: The Survey of Earned Doctorates: The Survey of Earned Doctorates has been conducted continuously since 1958 and is jointly sponsored by five Federal agencies in order to avoid duplication. It is an accurate, timely source of information on our Nation's most precious resource--highly educated individuals. Data is obtained from each person earning a research doctorate on their field of specialty, educational background, sources of support in graduate school, postgraduation plans for employment, and demographic characteristics. The information is used extensively by the Federal government, universities, and others. The National Science Foundation, as the lead agency, publishes statistics from the survey in the annual publication series Selected Data on Science and Engineering Doctorates (available in print and electronically on the World Wide Web). The National Academy of Sciences also disseminates a free report entitled Summary Report: Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities. A total response rate of 95% of the total 41,610 persons who earned a research doctorate was obtained in fiscal year 1995. Burden estimates are as follows: Total Number of Respondents FY 1995--41,610. Burden Hours--20 minutes per respondent=1,383 hours total. Send comments to Herman Fleming, Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 485, Arlington, VA 22230. Written comments should be received by March 17, 1997. Dated: January 13, 1997. Herman G. Fleming, NSF Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 97-1136 Filed 1-16-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555-01-M