Describes the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Applied Science and Research Applications (ASRA) program, the replacement for the Research Applied to National Needs (RANN) program, for providing applied science with an intellectual integrity and concrete usefulness. (SL)

The goals set forth for the National Science Foundation by its new director, Richard C. Atkinson, are detailed. The new director seeks to restructure the agency's applied research programs and to secure more funds for basic research. (BT)

The application of nonequilibrium thermodynamics could lead to new ways of understanding social processes. (BB)

Summarizes recent findings reported in a two-volume publication, "Science Policy: USA/USSR," issued by the National Science Foundation. Volumes I and II review U.S. and Soviet science policy in research and development, respectively. Comparisons are made concerning common problems around energy, environment, and the meaning of security.…

The House Science and Technology Committee is launching a probe of where the U.S. ought to go in making science policy. The general drift of the inquiry involves whether the government's design of research support is out of date. Comments from witnesses indicate that it is. (Author/JN)

This special report shows some of the artistic results of a science and art collaboration in the materials research laboratory at Pennsylvania State University. This collaboration hopes to extend the dimensions of both worlds into new levels of awareness and thus develop new expressions of productivity. (BT)

Presents highlights from a National Academy of Sciences conference report which indicates that universities must streamline administrative procedures and pool resources to alleviate budget-cutting woes. Includes a list of questions (focusing on major issues) that conference participants could not immediately answer. (JN)

Discussed is a study called "Gaining New Ground--Technology Priorities for America's Future" produced by the Council on Competitiveness. Highlights of the report are presented. Potential influence on federal technology policy is assessed. (CW)

Discussed is the government's research and development policy related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Programs and institutions working on various AIDS projects with federal support are discussed and several are listed. The Public Health Service Task Force on AIDS is discussed and the organization is described in a chart. Problems…