Some features of the American research university that might account for its success in facilitating research are suggested, and the philosophical foundations of the modern American research university and issues for the future are considered. The major universities of the United States have based their development during the 20th century on the principal that instruction and research belong together. There are roughly 100 research universities in the nation, and the faculties of these institutions have a major commitment to the performance of research and the training of new researchers. With the support of both internal resources and federal aid, the research universities account for the majority of the national output of basic research. The faculty researcher commonly comes to the university through a long selection process. Among the vital characteristics sought in that process, beginning in the undergraduate years, are intellectual power accompanied by independence, courage, honesty, and "taste," or the ability to choose from many possible paths. The research university commonly has a research structure that specifically appears similar to that of a business firm or a government agency. Future concerns are demographic changes, including the decreasing number of college-age persons, which will have effects on both the supply and demand sides. Other concerns are government regulation and direct intervention and the relationship between the research universities and other researcher environments, particularly industry. (SW)