This report presents conditional forecasts of the research talent required for the Canadian government's economic growth and research and development (R&D) targets. A number of alternative scenarios are also assessed. The study limits itself to postgraduate manpower in the natural sciences and engineering. Following an executive summary and introduction, the report focuses on: (1) assessment of the 1985 Gross Expenditures on Research and Development (GERD) and manpower targets; (2) gross national products (GNP) and GERD projections to 1990, considering the growth of GNP, GERN/GNP ratio, and GERD distribution by funder and performer and taking up in turn the 1984 and the adjusted and restructured distributions; (3) highly qualified manpower (HQM) demand projections, considering the 1984 stock of researchers, demand elements (addressing net growth in the stock of researchers, replacements, R&D related demand, and other HQM demand), degree and discipline breakdown, and demand projections; (4) supply of HQM, discussing recent postgraduate growth, forecast of enrollments and degrees, and total annual supply; (5) the gap between supply and demand; and (6) implications arising from the supply/demand analysis, considering occupational mobility, foreign migration, existing programs, and other areas. Included are six appendices with GERD projections to 1990, supporting data for demand and supply projections, and other supporting documentation. (JN)