Offers a clarification of competitiveness within international trade, particularly its impact upon the mix of goods produced in the United States. Dispels some of the myths about competitiveness that emanate from the false correlation between specific businesses and their country-of-origin. Discusses high productivity as both a cause and an effect…

Summarizes some recent scientific achievements in particle physics, bioinorganic chemistry, geology, and the life sciences. Discusses research as it applies to the needs of society, including areas of concern for the future. Describes the role of the National Science Foundation as supporting research and education in the sciences and engineering.…

Addresses questions regarding the possible control of universities by the government through rules requiring reporting for 100 percent of the work of scientists supported by the government. Reviews the project grant system and discusses accounting mistakes and abuses within the system, the agency role, indirect costs, and alternatives. (CS)

The importance of the biological and social contexts of conservation action, particularly in how both biogeography and political geography dictate different conservation tactics in different situations, is discussed. The biospatial hierarchy, the six classes of interference, the seven sources of biotic degradation, and the eight paths to biotic…

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.…

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)

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)

Analyzes and compares Japanese and American industrial policy and labor practices. Proposes that certain aspects of the Japanese system be adapted by American businesses for purpose of increasing international competitiveness. Proposes specific actions and plans for both the Japanese and American systems. (ML)

Discusses the recent increases in funding to the science and engineering directorate at the National Science Foundation. Credits the resurgence to the United States Congress. Questions how long the rise in the science education budget will be maintained. (TW)

Suggests that with the upcoming 1988 presidential election scientists should push for a stronger relationship between science and political decision-making in the next administration. Argues that this relationship has been deteriorating since the early 1960's. (TW)