The findings and 13 recommendations of a NSF Advisory Council task force that evaluated universities as centers of basic research are presented. Listed are the major strengths of universities as centers for basic research (including continuity and tradition, freedom of research, interactions among disciplines) and such threats to their viability as declining enrollments, aging of faculties, lack of faculty positions for young scientists, inadequate funding, deterioration and obsolescence of physical plants and scientific instruments, increasing regulations, pressures for applied research, and conflict between research and teaching. The 13 recommendations proposed deal with the following areas: post doctoral fellowships; research career development awards; research scientist awards; national research professorships; undergraduate summer research participation; assistance to teaching institutions; research on research; retirement plans and incentives for early retirement; equipment needs and utilization; facilities; impact of federal regulations; and uncoupling research and teaching. (BD)