Science and Technology for America’s Reinvestment: Measuring the Effect on Innovation, Competitiveness and Science, or STAR METRICS, is a multiagency initiative that will monitor the outcome of federal science investments. The National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation  and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy are partnering up to introduce STAR METRICS.

John P. Holdren, assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said he believes, “It is essential to document with solid evidence the returns our Nation is obtaining from its investment in research and development.”

STAR METRICS will measure the value of federal research and development by observing the impact on economic growth, workforce outcomes, scientific knowledge and social outcomes.

In the short term, the agencies hope to find out the impact on jobs, and for the long term is all about measuring patents, publications, citations, and business start-ups, said NIH Director Francis S. Collins.

“STAR METRICS will yield a rigorous, transparent review of how our science investments are performing,” Collins said.

The research for STAR METRICS will stem from universities and other research institutions that volunteer to participate. There have already been 60 different universities that have indicated interest in participating in the program.