Discusses employment prospects for chemists and chemical engineers working in energy research and development (R & D) based on the Department of Energy report "Energy-related Manpower, 1983." Indicates that conclusions related to R & D funding and employment are uncertain because of the difficulty in predicting future changes in…

Presents and analyzes data on sources of research and development (R&D) funds; R&D spending by government agencies; how industry apportions its R&D outlays; spending by individual chemical companies; manpower in industrial R&D; sources/uses of academic R&D funds; largest spenders on R&D; and demographic trends. (JN)

Recounts an interview with chemist, educator, and executive Mary Good. Opinions are expressed about the status of basic research in chemistry, the relationship of chemical research to several federal agencies, the value of education in chemistry, and the perceptions of the public regarding the chemical community, particularly the health risks. (TW)