Search

Discusses the involvement of Eastern European countries in the European Union's new research program called Framework 5. Gamble the countries are taking by becoming involved; Costs of Framework 5 subscriptions; Importance of Framework 5 involvement for countries to be accepted into the European Union (EU); Underfunding of research in many post-communist countries; Basic versus applied research in such countries. INSET: Will the Euro Help Grants Flow?.

The article discusses the reorganization of government funding of research in Great Britain within the agency UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Topics include grants to be offered by disciplinary councils within UKRI, the economic impacts of research funding by the agency, and the appointment of Mark Walport as head of the UKRI.

Examines the work of Thomas Ostros as Sweden's minister of education and science. His ideas about how the state should interact with other sectors; Plans to increase state spending on basic research; Criticisms of Ostros based on the desire to spend funds on applied research; New science policy to be issued next year; Debate over management of independent foundations focused on applied research.

Describes the state of scientific research in Romania as of June 19, 1998. Science policy under former leaders Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu; Science following the Ceausescu's executions in 1989; Romania's proud history of research; Crumbling scientific infrastructure; Inability to buy new equipment for research; Other funding difficulties; Role of the Romanian Academy; Government's enthusiasm for applied research versus basic.

Discusses planned appropriations for science research in the 1999 United States budget. Details for the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Next Generation Internet program.

The author opines on the economy of Japan which is stated to have shown improved growth for the first time in 20 years. He notes what he calls the misguided thinking of the Japanese government in its plans to freeze investment in the country's science infrastructure and reduce spending in certain scientific fields including cosmology. The author calls on Japan's science community to become more involved in government policymaking to help improve the country's economy.

The article discusses issues reported in the magazine's policy blog. The "ScienceInsider" reports on U.S. climate change policy. In Ireland, government funding of science, technology, and innovation will be cut in 2010 by 4.4 percent. A strike in Australia has scientists working a single daily shift instead of around the clock at the Australian Synchrotron.

Describes efforts in Russia to move applied research there toward new commercial ventures. Work of Science Minister Mikhail Kirpichnikov; Loan from Germany to purchase scientific equipment; Legislation regarding tax incentives to encourage entrepreneurial research.

Examines the research sector of Slovenia. Resilience of the research sector there; Success of the 2000 Young Researchers program; Small percentage of Slovenians who leave the country permanently; High financial cost of training young researchers; Difficulty finding employment for the researchers.

Notes that the Canadian federal government awarded 214 grants to improve aging research facilities. Purpose of the grants to 26 universities; 71% of applicants receiving grants; Expectations for the fall, 1998, funding round.

Reports that a panel for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stressed the importance of funding independent research at the FDA. Panel led by Leslie Benet; Task of the panel; Review of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER); Problem of inadequate funding; Presentation of the panel's report to the FDA's Science Advisory Board.