But, particularly in this Oversight Hearing on NSF, it is important to take note of essential characteristics of small science and of the benefit of such projects to the entire scientific enterprise. Small science projects are more apt to be scrutinized at every stage by peers, as they are conceived, designed, described, reviewed, conducted, assessed, and published. Small science helps more in producing the next generation of scientists; this becomes particularly critical as we seek to attract more women and minorities into science.