Describes the present peer review process which the National Science Foundation (NSF) uses and cites opposition to the method. Presents legislation introduced in Congress to change the current evaluation method. (CP)

Summarizes a report concerning the National Research Council advisory committee system, established to report on the desirability of appointing younger scientists to the committees that report to the federal government on technical topics. (AL)

Describes a survey of doctorates awarded in America. The number of Ph.D.'s averaged an increase of seven percent annually, until leveling off in the 1970's. The number of education doctorates led the way. Women outnumbered men six to one. The number of institutions awarding doctorates has also increased substantially. (GA)

Describes a National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative designed to broaden access to advanced computing facilities for university researchers not eligible to tap into federally subsidized networks. Rationale for and issues related to the initiative are also considered. (JN)

Discusses the suggested undergraduate core curriculum of Harvard University. This core curriculum would present general education for students for one year. The students would be required to take two courses in each of four areas outside their field of concentration. (HM)

Described are the basic functions of the International Council of Scientific Unions, with emphasis on the union's efforts to resolve the conflict of the People's Republic of China's opposition to Taiwanese membership. (SL)

In a year when the first sentence of the President's budget message contained the words "lean" and "austere," science has escaped with an increase in current, if not in constant, dollars in the Carter budget. (Author/BB)