For one optical scientist, Harrison Barrett, the decision not to accept funding for research related to the Strategic Defense Initiative has meant giving up a major part of his work in optical computing. (MSE)

President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative is opposed by many university scientists, but government officials have no problem placing research contracts. Specific arrangements and personal opinions are cited, and the text of the Star Wars Petition signed by 6,500 faculty and graduate student scientists is included. (MSE)

Federal government's and scientists'/engineers' viewpoints on governmental efforts to control flow of scientific/technical information are presented, including controls at hand, alternative control mechanisms, voluntary controls, and controls being fostered by the Department of Commerce. (SK)

Soviet and American scientists met at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, discussed recent research developments in a variety of disciplines and some controversial issues in science, and showed new willingness to exchange scientific information with the United States and other countries. (MSE)

Developments in the funding and direction of Soviet scientific research in the Brezhnev era (since about 1964) are reviewed, including factors affecting research, accomplishments, and role of the U.S.S.R Academy of Sciences. (SK)