Part I of this report consists of the American Association for the Advancement of Science overview of research and development (R&D) in the fiscal year (FY) 1985 budget and its associated policy issues, together with special analyses of several important topics, such as funding for basic research. A set of overview tables is included. Part II presents seven chapters which review and analyze the proposed R&D budgets of major federal departments and agencies. They include the: Department of Defense; National Science Foundation; National Institutes of Health and Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; Department of Energy; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Department of Agriculture; and the Environmental Protection Agency. Tables showing details of the R&D budgets of these and several smaller agencies and departments not included in the chapters are provided. Ten chapters presenting cross-cutting analyses of the budgets by scientific and engineering disciplines comprise part III. These disciplines include social and behavioral science research, physics, astronomy, chemistry, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, mathematical and computer sciences, biology, chemical engineering, electrotechnology-related research, and materials science and engineering. Tables with data relevant to these disciplines are included when appropriate. (JN)