(Washington, DC) –? House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas released a statement today on the appointment of Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier as Acting Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Droegemeier is taking over from Dr. France Córdova whose term has ended.  Droegemeier will continue to serve as the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) during this time as the Senate considers the nomination of Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan to lead NSF.

"I want to commend President Trump for appointing Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier as Acting Director of the National Science Foundation,” Lucas said. “Dr. Droegemeier is doing exceptional work in his role as the Director of the OSTP and I know he’ll provide valuable leadership at NSF during this crucial time. Dr. Droegemeier served for 12 years on the National Science Board, including as its Vice Chairman, and he has the experience and scientific acumen needed to guide the NSF during this transition. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong, flexible, and productive research enterprise to help combat the novel coronavirus. I appreciate that President Trump is prioritizing that work. I’d like to thank Dr. Córdova for all that she’s done in her tenure and I look forward to the day we can confirm Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan as the new director. Until then, I'm eager to work with Dr. Droegemeier on the challenges ahead.”