This report examines the impact of the Soviet Academy of Sciences on the development of technology in the Soviet Union, finding that the future of Soviet technology depends significantly on the Academy and that severe problems stemming from its nature and its relationship with Soviet industry encumber the Academy's ability to serve Soviet…

Data are presented on university research and development (R&D) focusing on character and fields of university R&D sources of funds, federally financed R&D spending, top 12 universities in R&D spending and top 12 R&D centers, academic scientists/engineers, chemical degrees, graduate science students, and schools spending most…

Offers and discusses five guidelines to use when solving design problems: (1) evolve from simple to complex; (2) use depth-first approach; (3) develop approximate criteria; (4) use "top down/bottom up" designs alternately; and (5) make optimistic assumptions. Four examples illustrate the guidelines. (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…

Many proposals have been made for new universities in U.S. research and development (R&D) systems. However, current foundations and strengths should be examined before attempting untried approaches. Areas addressed include the supporting environment, university research system, industrial R&D capability, defense-related R&D, and…

The 35th Annual Report of the National Science Foundation (NSF) describes recent achievements of NSF sponsored research in viral structure, semiconductors, genetic engineering, Mayan culture, astronomy, physiology, paleontology, robotics, physics, material science and pollution. Major 1985 initiatives included: (1) establishing six university…

This report is the 30th in a series that covers research and development (R&D) as shown in successive Presidential budgets. The Federal budget for 1982 was unusual in the extent to which it was subjected to change, reflecting the new administration's philosophy to reduce Federal spending. R&D funding data reflect the first series of 1981…

Highlights the background, career, and major accomplishments of Robert Allan Weinberg, professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His accomplishments and research interests focus on oncogenes, genes capable of causing cancer. The discovery of these genes has revealed the central mechanism of cancer. (Author/JN)

Three major breakthroughs in Antarctic earth sciences which occurred during 1982 are discussed (finding of land fossils, meteorite, and subsurface microorganisms). Highlights of conferences, research activities, and significant publications are also discussed. (JN)

Summarizes and reviews the peer review system of evaluating research proposals by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Health. Includes National Academy of Sciences study of NSF peer review, appeals mechanism, and alternatives to peer review, such as Black grants and research productivity criteria. (SK)

The belief that "knowledge is most effectively pursued when disseminated without hindrance" began when science first took shape in early Greece. Its development during the Middle Ages and Renaissance is discussed (examining patenting innovation), ownership rights became more important as science became a means to power. (DH)

Access to new information, including basic research, has created competitive advantages in the pursuit of military, commercial, and other social goals and has influenced communication practices in science. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility has conducted a project to…

In wake of a number of highly publicized incidents of research fraud at some of the nation's most prestigious medical schools, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has developed guidelines for coping with dishonesty in science. Highlights of these guidelines are reviewed. (Author/JN)

Presents a synthesis for the findings and recommendations of the White House Science Council on the status of the nation's universities. The report urges that federal support to universities be increased and that funds for facility improvement be established. New initiatives in providing scholarships for bright undergraduates is also advocated.…

Discusses whether biotechnology commercial application will significantly inhibit the free flow of information traditional in academic environments. Background factors, crux of the concern, assessment, and current options are given. Although little evidence that industry-university collaboration has impaired academic molecular genetics exists,…