This report covers the general issues involved in nuclear safety research and points out the areas needing detailed consideration. Topics included are: (1) "Principles of Nuclear Safety Research" (examining who should fund, who should conduct, and who should set the agenda for nuclear safety research); (2) "Elements of a Future Agenda for Nuclear Safety Research" (outlining a number of particular research topics on which additional research is needed or might be better focused); and (3) "Eliminating Barriers to an Effective Program of Nuclear Safety Research" (discussing organizational and management issues, and recommending ways to improve research sponsored by the National Research Council). A bibliography contains about 100 references. Appendices include a list of the sponsors of commercial nuclear research and development; some programs of the National Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and the Electric Power Research Institute; a questionnaire on nuclear safety research; a list of participants in committee hearings; and biographical sketches of the committee members. (YP)