This discussion of traditional academic medicine's resistance to changes in practice, technology, and finances looks at three current problems in medical education and two in biomedical research. Solutions are proposed, based on redefinition of the relationship between universities and medical schools and expansion of the conventional narrow focus…

A study investigated the ways in which changes in state law concerning intellectual property from 1969-89 has helped shape the climate for commercialization of science in a public university, and affected the terms of professional labor for faculty. Significant changes in the faculty-institution relationship and the government-school relationship…

A study investigated national research policies, particularly factors affecting research productivity in the United Kingdom and the issues of critical mass, economies of scale, critical time, and risk strategy in Australian resource allocation for research. Conclusions are drawn concerning the relationship between research performance and resource…

Foresight analysis is proposed as an alternative to strategic planning in the scientific community, and its use by individual funding agencies to develop research resource allocation strategies for specific scientific fields is explored through an analysis in the field of cardiovascular research. Methodology is explained, and preliminary results…

Contexts for and developments related to the internationalization of German higher education are discussed, including public financial support to promote student and scholar mobility, both individually and in groups; more structured programs; and a stronger international dimension for larger scientific projects. Means to promote effective…

This commentary on EC 231 901 discusses whether resource allocations and service policies for mentally retarded individuals should be based upon purported findings of scientific theory or the purported needs of service systems. The paper calls for improved research utilization and understanding of what makes a social movement work. (JDD)

A survey of almost 1,000 research and development staff at large industrial corporations in Britain and Japan investigated differences in employment structures (market-oriented vs. organization-oriented), learning in higher education, and career expectations. Significant differences were found in attitudes of workers in the two countries.…

Describes a way to teach chemistry students about research by studying the primary literature. This technique is an alternative to the classical approach and it came together in response to low student participation. (DDR)

Discusses the influence of electronic publishing on communication of scientific research. Topics include subscription costs; lagtime between submission and publication; peer review; attitudes of librarians and publishers; value-added features of electronic journals; copyright and licensing issues; and author collaboration. (Author/LRW)

Describes a problem-based course in which students in an interdisciplinary program explored the manufacture of biological knowledge. Discusses how students gained an appreciation of the complex interactions between ideals, individuals, institutions, and investments that comprise modern biological research through study of a variety of problems and…

Presents a checklist designed to help graduate students and postdoctoral fellows critically analyze original research papers. (Author/WRM)

The past 2 decades have shown that HIV prevention can work. Evidence worldwide indicates that concerted national HIV prevention efforts have resulted in maintenance of low seroprevalence rates or decline in rates where they would have otherwise risen. The best efforts are based on sound scientific research. Advances in, challenges to, and future…

Looks at how "scientifically based" literacy research promoting the direct, explicit, and systematic use of phonics and related word skills in beginning reading instruction is having a massive effect on policy and practice. Examines what this research claims to have found and what it actually shows. Discusses how it harms research,…

Students profit greatly from seeing geology in the field. Unfortunately, many factors make using the field as a training area difficult. Recommends that teachers participate in field excursions and transmit their learning into the classroom. Describes the GeoVenture concept and a trip to Great Britain. A slide set is available for nonparticipants.…

A discussion of misconduct in scientific research looks at the roles of several segments of the scientific community (federal government, universities, scholarly journals, and individual scientists) in exercising control of misconduct. Limitations of their roles and overall implications for policy are examined. (MSE)