Various issues related to the interface between the natural sciences and the society they serve are addressed. These include direction of British research and development, problems in the business environment preventing the successful use of science, quality of management in successful use of science, and others. (JN)

The Department of Defense is increasing funding for high-risk basic research, research fellowships, multidisciplinary centers, and purchase of research equipment at universities. Disputes on publishing unclassified data remain, but the Pentagon supports broad university programs and the education of scientists and engineers to meet defense and…

An analysis of how the government can and cannot use research and development (R&D) policy to improve the nation's industrial posture suggests four guidelines for federal R&D policy. These guidelines are outlined and discussed. Areas analyzed include federal role; competition from Japan; support for university research, immigration policy,…

Discusses proposed governmental science policy reforms, including administrative reforms of Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, French equivalent to National Science Foundation. Indicates junior scientists, lab assistants, and technicians will be included in decision making and scientists will be barred from heading research terms for…

Announces the final rules published by the Environmental Protection Agency requiring that generators, transporters, and disposers of hazardous wastes report exactly where the wastes will be taken. (Author/SA)

Argues that changes in science's political economy are natural outcomes of science itself becoming more capital-intensive and the slowing of federal support for research. Events resulting from these changes include increased seeking for private industry funding, circumventing peer review and competitive allocation, and disagreement on division of…

A National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report found no evidence that leaks of technical information from universities or other research centers have damaged national security. However, in areas where control is warranted, decisions should be based on criteria. These criteria and issues related to security control and technological transfer are…

Although a stable economy, abundant natural resources, free competition of ideas, and cooperation between government/universities/industries have been responsible for American preeminence in science/technology, it is threatened by high inflation, obsession with short-term results, declining respect for quality/value of products, and a…

Discusses recent administrative proposals to curtail expenditures in universities, including funding for student aid and for scientific instruments and facilities. Argues that governmental support of young scientists is needed, as the success of American science has depended heavily on European talent arising from the consequences of World War II.…

Since industry is investing heavily in research/development, the government's responsibility should be to assure that industrial spending is paralleled by real growth in its support of basic research. Such growth is realistic (even with budgetary constraints) given a proposed compact between government, universities, and industry for support of…

Presents the views of F. James Rutherford concerning the status of science education and his role as advisor on science education to the Board of Directors of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (SK)

Executive Order 12356 prescribes a system for classifying information based on national security concerns. The order gives unprecedented authority to government officials to intrude at will in controlling academic research that depends on federal support, posing a serious threat to academic freedom and hence to scientific advances and national…

A federal audit which began in June 1982 and should be completed by November is being conducted to determine possible extravagance, misuse, waste, fraud and abuse of laboratory equipment purchased on federal contracts and grants. A list of waste and abuse found mostly at industrial labs is included. (JN)

Offers viewpoints on how science and technology fit into the Reagan Administration's goals for the country and discusses the role the scientific community must play in coming years. (JN)

Reviews National Science Foundation's (NSF) functions defined by the Congress and outlines the budget request for fiscal year 1982 and associated proposed rescissions for fiscal year 1981. Reviews the role of the National Science Board in assisting the President by establishing policies and priorities, and by guiding NSF activities. (Author/SK)