Presents a synthesis for the findings and recommendations of the White House Science Council on the status of the nation's universities. The report urges that federal support to universities be increased and that funds for facility improvement be established. New initiatives in providing scholarships for bright undergraduates is also advocated.…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has allocated at least $200 million over the next five years to support four new supercomputer centers. Issues and trends related to this NSF initiative are examined. (JN)

Discusses the findings of a study that involves the testing of the pharmaceutical Ampakines on laboratory rats. Rats administered Ampakines learn remarkably quickly to navigate new mazes. The question now is does the drug make the rats alert or memory enhanced. Implications for treatment in humans is discussed. (ZWH)

The Department of Defense is increasing funding for high-risk basic research, research fellowships, multidisciplinary centers, and purchase of research equipment at universities. Disputes on publishing unclassified data remain, but the Pentagon supports broad university programs and the education of scientists and engineers to meet defense and…

An analysis of how the government can and cannot use research and development (R&D) policy to improve the nation's industrial posture suggests four guidelines for federal R&D policy. These guidelines are outlined and discussed. Areas analyzed include federal role; competition from Japan; support for university research, immigration policy,…

Encouraging a science park at Cambridge University has resulted in a geographically compact community with a broad range of high-technology industries. Factors leading to this university/business success (also called "The Cambridge Phenomenon") include: more relaxed attitudes about faculty's outside activities; positive attitudes toward…

Defines incremental product development and discusses how this style of innovation effects technology industries. Cites examples of Japanese competition which emphasizes quality and speed in product development. Makes recommendations for the improvement of product development in the United States. (CW)

Discusses recent efforts of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy to spark a regional economic resurgence through advanced technology in the Hudson River area. (CS)

Argues that changes in science's political economy are natural outcomes of science itself becoming more capital-intensive and the slowing of federal support for research. Events resulting from these changes include increased seeking for private industry funding, circumventing peer review and competitive allocation, and disagreement on division of…

Offers perspectives on the status and direction of federal science policy. Assesses current efforts dealing with megaprojects, basic research, and cooperative projects. Provides suggestions for improving federal science policy so as to better promote industrial competitiveness. (ML)

Discussed is wavelet theory, which provides ways to rearrange data to reveal features of a physical or mathematical system which might otherwise be hidden. This theory is compared to fourier analysis and the advantages of wavelet theory are stressed. Applications of this technique are suggested. (CW)

Discusses the increasing trend toward the pork-barrel funding of science projects, particularly for grants to academic institutions. Addresses the new strategies being employed by opponents of such funding. Describes some of the possible ramifications of the various strategies and the perceived link between science funding and economic growth. (TW)

Presents an analysis of a survey of University-Industry Research Relationships (UIRR) in biotechnology that involved over 1200 university faculty. Findings indicated that researchers with industrial support published at higher rates, patented more frequently, participated in more administrative and professional activities, and earned more than…

Discussed is the record of the National Science Foundation during the period when Erich Bloch was director, from 1984 through 1990. Funding growth and trends during this period are highlighted. (CW)

Discusses priorities in the Reagan administration's science policy, including an emphasis on basic research and the concomitant training of students. New programs for fiscal year 1985 emphasize engineering education and research, as well as improved interactions between universities, federal laboratories, and industry. (Author/JN)