Organizational aspects and implementation of Switzerland's national research program that promote goal-oriented research in the service of the general public are described. The Federal Council of Switzerland decides on the topics to be researched and the National Fund is responsible for carrying out the programs. (Author/SF)

Discusses plans to develop and naturalize its scientific and technological capabilities. Areas in which Mexico's National Council of Science and Technology selected to focus a national development program include: scholarships for middle-/high-level researchers/technicians; programs to support research and basic/new industries; government-industry…

Calls for increasing the number of women into science and engineering professions, while improving the competitiveness of the United States at the same time. Suggests that more of the current statistics regarding women in these professions be publicized, and programs be initiated to actively recruit more women into these careers. (TW)