This publication is the fifteenth in the series of biennial Science Indicators reports. The Science Indicators series was designed to provide a broad base of quantitative information about U.S. science, engineering, and technology for use by public and private policymakers. Because of the spread of scientific and technological capabilities around the world, this report presents a significant amount of material about these international capabilities and analyzes the U.S. position in this broader context. Science and Engineering Indicators; 2002 contains quantitative analyses of key aspects of the scope, quality, and vitality of the Nation's science and engineering enterprise. The report presents material on science, mathematics, and engineering education from the elementary level through graduate school and beyond; the scientific and engineering workforce; U.S. and international research and development (R&D) performers, activities, and outcomes; U.S. competitiveness in high technology; public attitudes and understanding of science and engineering; and the significance of information technologies for science and for the daily lives of our citizens in schools, the workplace, and the community. An overview chapter presents the key themes emerging from these analyses. A CD-ROM version of the report is included (Contains approximately 230 references.) (MM)