The modern scientific enterprise often appears so complex and sophisticated that it may seem unapproachable. This view of science is questioned in this booklet, which looks at science as a human endeavor, one which is within the grasp of all people. This document highlights the personal stories of four young scientists in an effort to provide…

Summarizes the findings of a National Science Foundation study of academic science from 1972-1981 which surveyed universities and colleges for information on research and development spending, employment of scientists and engineers, and science and engineering graduate enrollment and postdoctorates. (DC)

This report profiles the demographic and employment characteristics of doctorate-level scientists and engineers in the United States. The data presented were collected through the 1995 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The purpose of the SDR is to estimate the number of people holding research doctorates from U.S. institutions in science and…

This report updates a 1977 study (which explored the status of women in faculty, postdoctoral, and advisory posts) and examines any changes in the status of women faculty between 1977 and 1981. Drawing on more limited data, it also examines their situation in industry. Data for the report were obtained primarily from the 1981 Survey of Doctorate…

This report presents data on the demographic and employment characteristics of the nation's doctoral scientists and engineers. Data were developed as part of the Longitudinal Doctorate Project. Current information on the supply and utilization of doctoral personnel in science and engineering reflects the results of the 1997 Survey of Doctorate…

The study analyzes the records of 833 persons who received North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Postdoctoral Fellowships from 1959 through 1981. To assess the program's long-term effects, the study focuses on information about the current career status of fellowship recipients and compares them with two similar groups: National Science…

The findings and 13 recommendations of a NSF Advisory Council task force that evaluated universities as centers of basic research are presented. Listed are the major strengths of universities as centers for basic research (including continuity and tradition, freedom of research, interactions among disciplines) and such threats to their viability…

Presents the summary of the American Physical Society (APS) Physics Manpower Panel's report which explores the employment paths of recent PhD's, looks at attitudes and expectations, and makes projections for future supply and demand. (Author/HM)

This report addresses concerns about the quality of biomedical and behavioral research conducted in the United States and the role that federally supported research and training plays in developing it. In addition, current and projected supply of and demand for scientists in the biomedical and behavioral fields is assessed. These fields include…

As recently as the early 1970s, a postdoctoral research experience overseas was a valued part of training for a U.S. biologist aspiring to an academic position. Not only did the U.S. scientists benefit educationally from participating in different laboratory and cultural systems, but labs outside the United States were enriched by the ideas,…

Detailed findings on a broad range of issues concerning the importance of postdoctorals to the nation's research effort and the value of postdoctoral experience to young scientists and engineers pursuing careers in research are presented. The report, the first comprehensive study of postdoctorals in 10 years, identifies the following issues: (1)…

A policy statement drafted by the Association of American Medical Colleges is presented that reviews the goals, environment, and mechanisms of support of biomedical and behavioral research.

The purpose of this article is to suggest some ways in which researchers can make their work more useful to policymakers. Policy research is more than "applied" research. It is designed to answer questions about what "actions" will or will not be effective in dealing with the problem studied, not just to understand the antecedents or consequences…

The employment status of 1984-1985 degree recipients in physics and astronomy was surveyed. Information is presented on changes in occupational status of physics and astronomy degree recipients between summer of 1984 and the following winter. The characteristics of graduates of both fields who were employed full-time or undertaking postdoctoral…

The employment status of 1981-1982 degree recipients in physics and astronomy was surveyed. Information is presented on changes in occupational status of physics and astronomy degree recipients which occurred between the summer of 1982 and the following winter. The characteristics of graduates of both fields who were employed full-time or…