Discussed is the way in which a limited number of astronomy research initiatives were chosen and prioritized based on a consensus of members from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee. A list of recommended equipment initiatives and estimated costs is provided. (KR)

Basic research in agriculture gets little support from government. It is time to improve this situation and expand research efforts in this area. (PS)

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 programs used by European countries and companies for advancing the commercialization of biotechnology. Compares European strategies and efforts in biotechnology with those undertaken in the United States. Includes listings of the European countries and the areas of biotechnology research. (ML)

Discusses the fact that basic science is now often viewed as dangerous, unnecessary, and too costly. (MLH)

Proposes a policy framework for analyzing educational research and development supported by the federal government. Five primary elements of the framework are given for analyzing, developing, and implementing research policies for education. (JM)

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…

The House of Representatives voted that the National Science Foundation (NSF) must submit a list of all proposed grant awards to Congress every 30 days as well as justifications for them. The award of any grant can be vetoed by either house within 30 days. This supplants the current method of peer reviews of grant applications. (MLH)

Defines roles of basic and applied research in solving problems of the global age, i.e., energy production, population, food production, etc. Discussed are values in supporting basic research; providing research funds for young scientists; encouraging multi-disciplinary, problem-oriented research; improving communications between basic and applied…

Charges that the "impact statements" used to evaluate environmental conditions often serve political ends and often are not well-planned or scientifically valid. (MLH)

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)

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…

Examined are the status of, and potential for, university-industry research partnerships in science and engineering to enhance basic research and stimulate industrial innovation. The current and prospective roles of the federal government in stimulating such relationships are reviewed and discussed. (Author/CS)