A questionnaire was mailed to 50 major chemistry departments, 112 smaller chemistry departments, and 25 chemical engineering (CE) departments. The survey (included in an appendix) consists of a series of questions on two broad subjects--the current inventory at the surveyed institutions and the needs for instrumentation. Responses were received…

Highlights findings from National Science Foundation's National Survey of Academic Research Instruments and Instrumentation which examined the amount, condition, and cost of existing equipment systems for 1982 in computer sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Indicates that one-fourth of the equipment is classified as obsolete by…

Discusses issues and problems related to the rapidly decaying research infrastructure and the improvement of research facilities and equipment. Although remedies to the problem vary, university spokesmen contend that the federal government's major role in funding educational facilities in the past leaves an obligation for assistance now and in the…

The teaching laboratory in physics departments in colleges and universities is a source of great potential strength in undergraduate education. Recent surveys and conferences, have identified inadequate teaching equipment and laboratory development. This report reviews these problems and offers suggestions for an enhanced federal effort to solve…

Presents excerpts of a survey on the instrument status in chemistry departments and the perceived needs of those departments for new instruments. Responses are based on data from 32 chemistry departments at major research institutions, 71 departments at smaller schools, and 13 chemical engineering departments. (JN)

These hearings focused on various topics and issues related to the fiscal year 1985 budget request of $1.5 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which represents a 13 percent increase over the 1984 level, as well as on NSF policies. Witnesses, representing government or scientific and technical organizations not directly part of the…

Reported are the discussions and votes on issues related to engineering education. Sections included are an introduction to the National Congress on Engineering Education and an overview of the meeting including 79 resolutions related to the four areas of broad-academic issues, faculty issues, curriculum issues, and issues on laboratories,…

Scientists/engineers from industry, universities, and government met to: review the status of scientific instrumentation in university research laboratories; explore new approaches to alleviating problems within existing budgetary constraints; and suggest ways for the National Research Council (NRC) to help. Federal agency, corporate, and…

Describes how personal computers are being integrated into the engineering education program at Queen's University (Ontario, Canada). Discusses some of the requirements of the program, which include a strong recommendation that each incoming student purchase a specific sophisticated microcomputer. (TW)

This report presents information for identification of the national trends in the amount, age, loss, condition, and perceived adequacy of academic research equipment in selected science and engineering fields. The data were obtained from a stratified probability sample of 55 colleges and universities and from a separately selected sample of 24…

According to the General Accounting Office (GAO), scientific leaders estimated in 1982 that between $1 and $4 billion was necessary to update university research equipment. Because of this large cost variance, GAO was requested to assess how well past studies have defined the nationwide deficiency in university research equipment and to suggest…

These hearings focused on the major problems and opportunities in marine research and on the role of both the government and the scientific community in responding to future needs. Included are statements by: James Baker; Donald Boesch; Robert Corell; Tudor Davies; M. Grant Gross; G. Ross Heath; Joel Pritchard; David Ross; J. R. Schubel; Gerry…

This report presents priorities for new facilities and new capabilities at existing facilities with initial costs of at least $5 million. The new facilities in order of priority are: (1) a 6 GeV synchrotron radiation facility; (2) an advanced steady state neutron facility; (3) a 1 to 2 GeV synchrotron radiation facility; and (4) a high intensity…

This report is an analysis of the findings of four workshops exploring the ways interactive technology can be considered an option for improving American education after 25 years of research and development. Sections include: (1) "Manpower Needs and School Problems"; (2) "Science and Technology Option"; (3) "Barriers and Strategy"; and (4) "To…

Discussed is the integration of microcomputers into the science laboratory curriculum. The approach provides an exposure to important aspects of computer technology while preserving concrete experiences provided by hands-on laboratories. (CW)