The roles of the Committee on National Statistics are discussed. Evangelical and ecumenical activity are considered desirable since statistical problems and opportunities are everywhere in national policy matters. (DF)

The problem of how intellectuals fare in government has no simple answer. As a group they have no strong voice such as cabinet representation or political strength to influence important legislation concerning education, research, and medical practice. (DF)

Although Congress did not implement an 1849 plan similar to President Nixon's recent proposal for rewards to stimulate innovations in areas of public concern, all of the inventions thought necessary at that time have now been made. (AL)

The ideal of equality of opportunity in education remains elusive, and the nation, by most indices, has lost ground to its economic peers. (DF)

The conclusion is presented that, the (Federal) government's professed interest in research at universities and colleges and in the welfare of the institutions themselves is accompanied by fiscal policies for sponsored research that act to the detriment of these interests." (Author/AL)

Describes the congressional backlash surrounding a letter criticizing the direction and certain programs of the National Science Foundation. (MLH)

Analyzes a simple model relating environmental pollution to population and per capita income and concludes that no single cause is sufficient to explain.... environmental problems, and that there is little about the pollution problems.... of the next 50 years that is inevitable." (Author/AL)

Contrasts the effects of a policy of regulation of pollutant discharge by enforcement of a permit system with the likely consequences of a policy of charging for effluents, thus increasing the cost of discharge. The charge for residuals is favored, and it is suggested that trials of the system be conducted, perhaps with a federal tax on emission…

Major bases of concern in biomedical research community are identified, particularly those related to the unexpected year-to-year and institute-to-institute variations in support from NIH. (AL)

Describes recent events suggesting that Frank Press, a 52-year-old geophysicist who currently heads the department of earth and planetary sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, may be named Science Advisor to the President. (MLH)

Discusses the conflict in telecommunications over government regulations, antitrust legislation, and competition, and the policy alternatives for approaching the conflict. (MLH)

It is argued that immediate steps need to be taken in order to buy time until new, clean power sources become available. (DF)