SECRET...
~ 14 -
in science and engineering. Its report is now in final form and will be
presented to the Cabinet on May 15, 1959. The report sets forth
national goals for atrengthening science and engineering education and
urges general public support to meet these goale.
It is planned to
release this report publicly. The Panel is chaired by Dr. DuBridge
and includes eight other members, as well as a number of consultants.
35. Strengthening American Science
A Research Panel was set up under the PS/C in response to a suggestion by the President that the Committee study ways in which the
Federal Government could strengthen science and technology as an
essential resource for national security and welfare. The Committee
report, released publicly on December 27, 1958, discusses the govern-
ment planning and management of science and technology and recommends
the creation of a Federal Council for Science and Technology to promote
coordinated policy planning and more effective management of Federal
programe in science and technology.
Additionally, the report suggests
ways to strengthen government laboratories, discusses the problem of
government-sponsored research in non-government institutions and the
needs for capital for science. It touches on the support of research by
state and municipal governments as well as private support of research.
The Panel was chaired by Dr. Piore and included seven other members.
36. Scientific Information
The PSAC early in 1958 appointed a Panel on Scientific Information
to consider ways to meet the critical needs of the nations scientists and
engineers for better access to scientific publications. The report of the
Panel was issued as a PSAC report by the White House on December 7,
1958.
Acting on the recommendations of the Committee, the President
directed that the National Science Foundation take the leadership in
bringing about effective coordination of the various scientific activities
within the Federal Government.
The Panel was chaired by Dr. Baker
and included seven other members.
37. Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation
In March 1959, acting on behalf of the PSAC, the Chairman wrote to
the President of the National Academy of Sciences encouraging a study by
the Academy to review and up-date the studies they undertook some three
years ago on the biological effects of atomic radiation.
David Z. Beckler
Executive Cfficer
SECRET