This document concerns the operation and evaluation of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) program. Included with a general letter addressing the operation of the program are several appendices which attempt to answer the questions put forth in the letter. These appendices include considerations of: (1)…

Examines the history and resurgence of machine translation, describing metalanguages and transfer languages as algorithms for transforming source languages into target languages and reviewing prospects for the future. Indicates that leadership in this field is held by Japan for both hardware and software development for Japanese/English…

Describes the concept and methodology of "mechatronics" (application of microelectronics to mechanism control) and research and development (R&D) projects through the activities initiated at the Precision Machining Laboratory of the Department of Production Systems Engineering of the new Toyohashi University of Technology. (JN)

Outlines opportunities for beginning engineers seeking employment in research and development (R&D). R&D spending growth, underlying factors, job categories, and divisions within an industrial firm are discussed. Above average grades and additional mathematics courses are primary requirements for an R&D position, which may later lead to…

Six major engineering research centers at universities have been funded by the National Science Foundation as part of a program to foster university-industry cooperation. The focus for each center is discussed, and the general purpose of the entire program (to bridge the gap between knowledge and application) is briefly examined. (DH)

Describes several National Science Foundation programs which encourage interaction between industries and universities. They include engineering research centers, Presidential Young Investigator Awards, and programs in the Industrial Science and Technology Innovation Division. Indicates that industry's pressing need for solutions often adds…

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee have established a measurement and controls research center and a master's-level academic engineering program. A description of this university/industry cooperative research center is provided. Indicates that a doctoral program is planned when the master's program is well…

Notes the contributions that research universities are making to research and development in the United States, including their impact on science policy and economic growth. Urges that more funds be put into academic research institutions, arguing that current levels are proportionately low. (TW)

All-inclusive patent and licensing policies of research universities ignore the strengths of individual disciplines and varied needs of industrial sponsors. Some academic units are involved primarily in incremental improvement, while others generate breakthrough developments. Industry also pursues differential innovation patterns. Disciplines…

Discusses topics and issues related to government role in undergraduate science and engineering research, considering: (1) foreign students; (2) precollege education; (3) National Science Foundation funding activities; (4) faculty participation; (5) hearings on education; (6) budget reallocation; and (7) partnerships and cooperative arrangements.…

Presents the results of a survey of engineers in R&D. Reports 1987 pay raises, highest academic degree, salary range, age and experience for 12 engineering fields. Compares these results to other years. Concludes that many variables led to overall gains for metallurgists and biologists and losses for mathematicians and ceramists. (CW)

Discusss studies (commissioned with the Office of Technology Assessment, Congressional Research Service, and General Accounting Office) which will inform the House Science and Technology Committee members and Congress of various issues related to science policy. Includes a list of questions which indicate the range of issues under consideration.…

Describes the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), a non-profit research cooperative designed to conduct research in the field of integrated circuits, principally in U.S. universities, with membership restricted to U.S.-owned companies. Analyzes SRC's impact on the U.S. educational system. (TW)

Reports on increased amounts of financial assistance given to Laboratory Cooperative Science Centers, Energy Manpower Development Programs for teacher and student research, and minority institutions. Includes a table indicating programs mandated by Congress and the amount of support funds given. (RT)

This document presents 1992 statistical data on science and engineering expenditures for separately budgeted research and development (R&D) programs that were obtained from over 450 institutions of higher education, including all doctorate-granting institutions, all historically black colleges, and universities with any R&D expenditures. Trend…