The National Institute of Education takes a fundamental approach to the problems it is addressing. This implies the creation of an intellectual framework for the problem areas, which can be used to systematize existing knowledge and research approaches and suggest promising new directions for research and development. Neural mechanisms of learning and memory constitute the ultimate foundations upon which learning of basic skills rests. This conference grew out of such concerns. Twenty review papers were prepared and circulated in advance by leading investigators, each describing a major research approach, well-established findings, current gaps in knowledge, current research efforts and near-future prospects, and relations to other approaches. At the conference, presentation of highlights of each review by its author was followed by a prepared discussion of the paper by another leading investigator, and then by general discussion. The review and discussion papers, revised on the basis of discussions at the conference, will be published as the report of the Conference in late 1975 by the MIT Press. The report, in addition to being very useful to investigators in the field and to students, will be used by NIE in formulating its policy on future support of research in this area. (Author/CKJ)