WHO: The National Science Foundation
WHAT: Northwestern University recently developed a software program that would analyze the performance of soccer players and determine skill levels in an objective manner. The project was partially funded by the NSF’s Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: According to this directorate’s informational page on the NSF’s Web site, its purpose is to “[provide] tools for tracking the human and institutional resources vital to building the nation’s science and engineering infrastructure.” Much as we love soccer this time of year, this program was an inappropriate use of funds.
WHERE TO VENT: The NSF’s Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences at 703-292-8700.
Compiled by Anna Dorminey, an Examiner intern, through the National Journalism Center.
