Although innumerable interdepartmental institutes, centers, and laboratories have been established on US campuses since World II, they have been largely ineffective and unproductive. There are 3 distinct types: (1) the crossdisciplinary centers, in which researchers with problems in one discipline seek new methodologies, solutions or problems from…

Concern for changes in the environment in which we live and the need for change within universities to realistically meet the expectations of society are explored in this speech. Education, research, and public service, representing three inseparable aspects of the overall mission of the university, are of foremost consideration. The nature of…