What is Experimental Computer Science?

The Feldman Report has stimulated extensive discussion about experimental computer science. J This report suggested that, without a large-scale rejuvenation of experimental computer science at universities, much basic research in computer science will cease. It suggested further that declining experimental research has produced declining innovation in computing. This discussion is even now causing action. In government, we find sympathy for allocating a greater share of research funds to computer science. We find new NSF programs such as the Industry/University Cooperative program, the experimental research center program, and the new researcher support program. We find growing interagency cooperation such as between NSF and ARPA. In industry, we find efforts to cooperate with universities and foster more experimental research and curricula; these efforts include modest cash grants and equipment discounts for selected departments. Despite positive talk and positive action, experts differ in their definitions of "experimental computer science." Reviewers of software engineering proposals submitted to NSF