A New Vision II

Last week this page was used to comment on an ACS presidential colloquium on how to shape a new vision and environment for chemical research in this uncertain post-Cold-War era. This week the source is an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) colloquium aimed at doing much the same thing for science in general [see page 35]. This is an annual affair. A strong theme that developed at this year's gathering was that the research community would be well advised to back off from its adamant belief that every material and societal advance made in the U.S. during the past 50 years has started with a gleam in a research scientist's eye. Several speakers made the point that things are really much more complex than that. The linear model of basic research followed in strict sequence by applied research, product development, new product introduction, and social benefit does not always apply. In reality, ...