Cites the need for promoting science/technology management and policy formation in Thailand, viewing contributions of science/technology to the socioeconomic development of the country as high priorities. Criteria for selecting priority areas and key problems are noted; they include relevance to development, availability of human resources, and…

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…

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)

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…

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.…

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…

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.…

Offers perspectives on the status and direction of federal science policy. Assesses current efforts dealing with megaprojects, basic research, and cooperative projects. Provides suggestions for improving federal science policy so as to better promote industrial competitiveness. (ML)

Discusses priorities in the Reagan administration's science policy, including an emphasis on basic research and the concomitant training of students. New programs for fiscal year 1985 emphasize engineering education and research, as well as improved interactions between universities, federal laboratories, and industry. (Author/JN)

Describes Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), an independent public corporation established to aid scientific research in developing nations. The four programs executed by them are agriculture, food, and nutrition sciences, health sciences, information sciences, and social sciences. (Author/SA)

Discusses plans to develop and naturalize its scientific and technological capabilities. Areas in which Mexico's National Council of Science and Technology selected to focus a national development program include: scholarships for middle-/high-level researchers/technicians; programs to support research and basic/new industries; government-industry…

Reviews historical background surrounding the origins of the Competitive Research Grants Office, established in 1978 to support basic research related to agriculture. Describes current controversy within the legislature which threatens its existence. (CS)

Presents a hypothesis about the biochemical processes involved in memory storage. The postulated mechanism is initiated by a signal that is unusual but not unlikely to occur and produces an irreversible change in a key component of synaptic chemistry. Other features of the mechanism and experiments supporting the hypothesis are considered. (JN)

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently seeking a reduction in indirect costs associated with the awarding of research funds. Various issues related to these costs, which are causing tension between university administrators and academic researchers, are discussed. (JN)