Science & Engineering Indicators 1998

Americans' Interest in Science Grows but Understanding of Scientific Concepts Still Lags
Americans say they are more interested and more aware than ever about scientific discoveries, inventions and new technologies. However, they still score low on actual understanding of basic scientific terms and concepts, such as the definition of molecules and DNA, and how frequently the earth revolves around the sun. The newest survey measuring public attitudes and understanding of science, engineering and technology was published in the latest National Science Board's (NSB) biennial report to Congress, Science and Engineering (S&E;) Indicators 1998. The report is the NSB's volume of vital statistics on the state of science, engineering and technology in the United States.    More...

Upswing in Industrial R&D;
Creating Positive Economic Benefits
Increases in industrial research and development (R&D;) activities are the highest recorded since the early 1980s, according to a new National Science Board (NSB) report to Congress. The importance of public research to industry is also stronger today than ever, as reported in the newest edition of Science and Engineering Indicators 1998. The rise in industrial R&D; investments is due to intense international competition, the introduction of information technology (IT) and record profits, according to the 800-page report. It also attributes a direct benefit to the economy from both publicly and privately funded research.    More...

Growth of Information Technology is Changing the Economy; Likened in Scope to Industrial Revolution
The impact of new information technologies (IT) has been pervasive on society but productivity benefits are more difficult to pin down, according to a new National Science Board (NSB) report to Congress, Science and Engineering Indicators 1998. The NSB report notes a tremendous upward demand for employment in computers and data processing across a wide range of industries. These skills are increasingly in demand by manufacturing, service and other industries that are modernizing their processes.    More...

National Science Board to Solicit Input on
K-12 Science & Mathematics Education Reform
The National Science Board (NSB) will hold a public hearing in Chicago on July 20, hosted by the Chicago Public Schools, to investigate the effectiveness of various school-based reform strategies to improve the nation's teaching and learning of mathematics and science. The NSB advises the President and Congress on science policy matters and oversees the National Science Foundation (NSF), a federal agency that funds research and education projects in all 50 states and U.S. Territories. In FY 1997, NSF's total funding for K-12 education projects of all types amounted to about $375 million.    More...