Figures presented at a recent meeting of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Advisory Committee indicate that traditional training grants may not be the best route to producing physical researchers. The NIH director suggests that NIH give serious consideration to new policies emphasizing other mechanisms. Related issues are…

Discussed are the energy conservation activities and responsibilities of one state energy office, the Minnesota Energy Agency, and the obstacles and constraints it faces in delivering its services. Suggestions are presented for resolving these difficulties and for improving the efficiency with which the agency manages its program. (Author/DS)

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 current interest in gifted children and efforts aimed to nurture their abilities. Peculiarities and problems associated with gifted children are also reviewed. (CS)

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)

Discussed is a projected overabundance of physicians by 1990 and a possible cut in funding in medical schools because of this overabundance. Also discussed is the shortage of clinical investigators who are physicians because salaries for physicians are much higher than for clinical investigators. (DS)

Discusses the extent to which universities should absorb several types of direct and indirect costs associated with government-sponsored faculty research. An analysis of the exchange of resources between the university, scientist, discipline, and government, shows that by absorbing costs, the institution gains acceptance as a host for federal…

Discusses current activities of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) education directorate, including proposed programs to upgrade science and mathematics teaching at the elementary and junior high school levels. Includes comments by Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, NSF's new assistant director for science and engineering education. (JN)

Describes tentative federal budget cuts affecting science education in the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, and the specific areas these budget cuts will affect. (DS)

Examines changes at the National Science Foundation since Edward Knapp was appointed director, including relations with National Science Board, vacancies in deputy directorship and four assistant directorships, relations with Office of Science and Technology Policy, research grant administration, budget control, policy analysis, programs outside…

Describes the historical relationships between the federal government and research universities, particularly with regard to scientific research. Argues that the autonomy of the research university is being undermined by the vast increases in federal funding of applied research contracts, especially those related to national defense, including the…