Examined are a list of words that allude to many short, curt verbal triggers used to signify issues that represent significant bodies of scientific knowledge. The civic duty of scientists and engineers should be to engage themselves more fully and actively in public debate and action on these important issues. (KR)

Discusses the increasing trend toward the pork-barrel funding of science projects, particularly for grants to academic institutions. Addresses the new strategies being employed by opponents of such funding. Describes some of the possible ramifications of the various strategies and the perceived link between science funding and economic growth. (TW)

Explores how the United States can become more competitive through better development and deployment of technology. Discusses the competitive decline and the eroding standard of living, the link between technology and productivity, the importance of manufacturing in an innovative style, and competitive resistance in the U.S. (CW)

Described is the role of technology in the Human Genome Project. A poster of the human genome as is known in 1990 is provided with a list of representative genes and a glossary of terms. (CW)

Proposes that an undergraduate core curriculum minimizes science and does not provide students with an adequate background for understanding contemporary science and technology. Critiques Harvard's science requirements in that it does not reflect the vertical or intensive nature of learning that is essential in science education. (ML)

Discussed is the idea that scientific illiteracy among scientists lies at the heart of the problems with undergraduate science education. Included is a description of a science literacy course for nonmajors and a proposed list of the most important ideas underlying science. (KR)

Research which makes possible a quantification of the size, composition, and growth of the underclass is discussed. Trends in the quality of life and the growth of the underclass are presented. (CW)

Compares the science and technology strategies and priorities of France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Analyzes the similarities and differences, historical settings, research and development allocations, coordinating mechanisms, outputs, dissatisfactions, and recent changes. (TW)

Provides a summary of some of the recent activities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from the perspective of the current director. Emphasizes making NIH better known to the American people and presenting the attractions of the many roles in health-related research to young people formulating career plans. (TW)

Projections are analyzed for the future supply and demand of scientists and engineers. The demographics of the college-age population combined with estimates of the percentage of students who will pursue careers in science and engineering indicate significant shortfalls between the supply and demand for the next several decades. (CW)

Reports on efforts in France to reshape science education through a focus on primary and secondary education, higher education, and research and development. (DDR)

Reviews proposed changes in the humanities curriculum and requirements for engineering and science students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Discusses revisions in terms of preparing students to take decision-making roles in society. Traces previous offerings and states future plans in humanities requirements. (ML)

Provided are projections for the scientific job market in the 1990s. Predicted are increases in the numbers of engineering positions above the rate of growth for all other occupations. The status and outlook for minority groups are highlighted. (CW)

Describes the historical relationships between the federal government and research universities, particularly with regard to scientific research. Argues that the autonomy of the research university is being undermined by the vast increases in federal funding of applied research contracts, especially those related to national defense, including the…