The National Science Board, governing body for the National Science Foundation, will hold its quarterly meetings this week at Oregon State University.

On Thursday from 2:20 to 3:50 p.m., National Science Foundation director Arden Bement will discuss the organization’s priorities within its proposed 2008 budget of $6.43 billion. Bement and National Science Board chairman Steven C. Beering will be available for comment, as will other board members.

The event will take place at the Valley Football Center in Reser Stadium.

The National Science Board is a 24-member body, appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Members are chosen on the basis of “their eminence in basic, medical or social sciences, engineering, agriculture, education, research management or public affairs.”

Collectively, they oversee the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency and a prominent, competitive U.S. funding source for scientific research.

OSU has a strong history of representation on the National Science Board. College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences Dean Mark Abbott was appointed last year to a six-year term on the board. Jane Lubchenco, OSU Distinguished Professor of Zoology and the holder of the Wayne and Gladys Valley Professorship in Marine Biology, completed two consecutive terms last year. OSU alumnus Warren Washington, who delivered the university’s commencement address last June, chaired the board through the end of his term last year.

For more information, call Todd Simmons at 737-0790.