Criticism of the public schools has been unrelenting since "A Nation at Risk" was published in 1983. From that pivotal moment to the present the business community has played a crucial role in setting the parameters of the critique of the schools and shaping the reform agendas that have been proposed and implemented. However, this author has found…

This paper describes why freedom of information (FOI) is important to scientists, the restrictions which the Official Secrets Act of 1951 places upon release of information by public officials in New Zealand, reasons for covert official resistance to FOI as suggested by information science literature, and how changes in the economic management of…

Many people feel that the making of value judgments is an important aspect of the work of science. This paper explores some of the arguments in support of the claim that scientific work requires individual and social values and raises significant moral questions. Discussed here are: (1) the constitutive value of science; (2) the ethics involved in…

Reviews the status of high energy physics and the contributions resulting from research with particle accelerators. Supports the value of supercolliders and discusses its potential impact on scientific research. Also reviews and analyzes the basic components of the Standard Model. (ML)

Addresses the issues related to the construction of the Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) and to decisions associated with other big-budget research facilities. Examines questions concerning the collider's design, technology, construction, management, and operation. Also explores the international implications of the project. (ML)

Presidential candidate Walter Mondale outlines his strategy for improving education. He proposes closing the skill gaps through the development of better curricula, upgrading teachers' skills, reduction of paperwork, and bolstering the teaching profession. (MD)

The sympoisum was held to describe the roots and future plans of the Engineering Research Center's (ERC's) concept and program. The first section of this symposium compilation describes the national goals that the ERCs represent. The second section presents the point of view of the National Science Foundation on the ERCs--the concept behind them,…

Argues that a United States built and operated Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) could strain the infrastructure of scientific research. Identifies the areas which would be adversely affected by the funding of the SSC. Advocates construction of the collider as an international enterprise. (ML)

An opportunity exists for the Veterans Administration, Association of Schools of Optometry, and American Optometric Association to establish a large-scale affiliated optometric education system, enhancing optometric care, education, and clinical research opportunities. These agencies can develop an efficient, cost-effective national model for eye…

Examines the ethics, economics, manpower needs and future regulation of biotechnology. Discusses the new tests of the basic premise of the universality of knowledge gained from university research as attempts are made to patent and temporarily withhold publication of proprietary discoveries made with taxpayer support. (CW)

Offers perspectives and ideas on a range of issues related to policy-relevant research in science studies. Identifies and discusses major challenges and problems involved in science policy studies. Presents an overview of articles that address the theme of funding and knowledge growth. (ML)

Contains excerpts from a special study on the AIDS epidemic by the Institute of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences. Presents an overview of the problem, outlines educational needs and public health measures, and identifies future research needs. (ML)

In this presentation, made to the White House Conference on Character and Community, the author advocates creating a preventive intervention system for chronic violence; that scientific research supports this system; that it is cost-beneficial to do so; and that it is necessary in order to help the next generation become productive citizens. He…

Relates the comments offered in an interview with Erich Bloch, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Director. Discusses issues related to NSF and its funding, engineering research centers, involvement with industry, concern for science education, computer centers, and its affiliation with the social sciences. (ML)

Reviews the state of scientific and technological research in Great Britain and discusses efforts to insure its growth. Advocates a national plan for science that would provide a more balanced set of national research and development priorities. Addresses concerns related to the shortage of scientists and the condition of education. (ML)