Review of the Environmental Protection Agency's Science to Achieve Results Research Program

Environmental research has driven landmark improvements that led to the protection of human and ecosystem health. Recognizing the value of knowledge generated by environmental research and the ingenuity within academic and nonprofit institutions, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created a program known as Science to Achieve Results, or STAR, in 1995. STAR is EPAs primary competitive extramural grants program.A Review of the Environmental Protection Agencys Science to Achieve Results Research Program assesses the programs scientific merit, public benefits, and overall contributions in the context of other relevant research and recommends ways to enhance those aspects of the program. This report also considers the conclusions and recommendations of a prior National Research Council review of the STAR program (2003), the STAR programs research priorities in light of the nations environmental challenges, and the effects of recent STAR funding trends on obtaining scientific information needed to protect public health and the environment.