A P S N E W S JULY 1999 THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY VOLUME 8, NO. 7 [Try the enhanced APS News-online: http://www.aps.org/apsnews] APSCelebrate News APS a Century 100 of years Physics Science Advisors Past and Present Gather at APS Centennial ormer presidential science advisors Frank Press, science advisor under F from the days of President Dwight President Jimmy Carter, found himself D. Eisenhower to the present gathered struggling to improve government ties at the APS Centennial meeting in Atlanta to American industry and raise the for a special panel discussion on science Administration’s awareness of issues of policy past and present, reminiscing competitiveness and innovation. Concern about their days in the White House with over American industry’s flagging com- an eye to the future. [Current science petitiveness also figured prominently advisor Neal Lane was scheduled to during the tenure of Jay Keyworth, sci- participate in the historic gathering, but ence advisor to President Ronald Reagan. was called back to Washington; his His White House days coincided with the remarks were presented via videotape.] emergence of a solution to the problem Although session chair D. Allan with the rise of the Silicon Valley com- Steven J. Swieter of Images Bromley joked that US President Thomas puter industry. Keyworth’s successor, Bill Science advisors past and present take a breather from policy issues at the APS Centennial Jefferson had the best science advisor — Graham, found himself extending eco- meeting in Atlanta: (from left) Jack Gibbons, D. Allan Bromley, Bill Graham, Jay Keyworth, namely, himself — and presidents have nomic concerns to fostering technology Frank Press, Guy Stevers, Ed David, and Don Hornig. long sought scientific counsel, yet the transfer between academia and industry, change and population growth. technology alone accounts for 80% of position of national science advisor did and to making government-sponsored Today, the full impact of the end of stock market capitalization. not become official until James Killian was innovations available to the commercial the Cold War on federal funding priorities Not surprisingly, the position of appointed to that post under Eisenhower. sector for development, triggering a criti- can be clearly seen. According to Lane, presidential science advisor comes with And while the role has changed since cal shift in traditional science policy. high technology accounts for more than an equal mix of successes and then, some common issues and concerns “Until that time, the idea had been that half the growth of the gross domestic frustrations. Hornig struggled with the have endured. Don Hornig, who government discoveries were public product (GDP), as well as most of the diversion of the Vietnam War, but cites succeeded Killian under Eisenhower in property and available to anyone,” he capital gains tax revenue. Information Continued on page 7 1960, recalls his tenure being dominated said, unlike the commercial sector, which by three major issues: the Cold War with seeks to patent innovations. the Soviet Union, the space program, and As science advisor to President George APS Statement on National Security basic research and education. The Bush, Bromley found himself fostering Vietnam War overshadowed the White international collaboration in science and and the Open Conduct of Science House during the time that Ed David technology, most notably through the for- he Council of the American Physical Congress and the Executive agencies, in served under President Richard Nixon. mation of the Megascience Forum — a TSociety emphasizes the critical connec- carrying out this responsibility, to employ He also found himself struggling with the commitment further strengthened by tion between US national security and measures and practices that will maintain onset of the energy crisis with the Arab the demise of the Superconducting scientific research activities. Effective na- the strength and effectiveness of the sci- oil embargo against the US, as well as Super Collider. Much of Jack Gibbons’ tional security requires the highest standards entific activities on which national defense setting NASA R&D priorities in the wake efforts as science advisor to President of vigilance and circumspection, and the relies. of the Apollo program's success. Guy Bill Clinton focused on developing a science on which it is based must meet Over the course of many years, immi- Stever, who served under President post-Cold War paradigm for national the highest standard of excellence. How- grant scientists as well as foreign visitors Gerald Ford, came on board when the science policy, specifically the role and ever, national security will ultimately be and students have contributed enormously energy crisis was at its peak. “We were rationale for public support of science damaged if the underlying science suf- to the American scientific enterprise. They just beginning to realize that the and technology — an issue which be- fers as a result of government practices have enriched our knowledge and culture, environment, energy, and economic came more critical as reduction of the that indiscriminately discourage or limit the promoted the growth of our economy, and problems were all interwoven and we bloated national deficit moved to the open exchange of ideas. improved the quality of our lives. Any nega- still haven’t solved them,” he said. “It may forefront of the Administration’s na- The Council of the American Physical tive characterization of scientists on the basis be the unfulfilled promissory note that tional priorities. Maintaining the nuclear Society recognizes the importance of pro- of ethnic or national origins is destructive the science and technology community weapons stockpile was another concern, tecting classified information. We urge to science and American values. has handed to society.” along with bioethics, global climate Inside… APS Joins Other Scientific Organizations To NEWS To Advance & Diffuse the Knowledge of Endorse Statement on DOD S&T Funding Physics ......................................................... 2 he APS, along with the American Meeting and Journal Firsts. The leaders of the listed organizations (see sidebar) urge Congress to increase the FY Institute of Physics (AIP) and the Northwest Section Holds First Meeting ...... 3 T 2000 budget for the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Science & Technology Program The fledgling section held its first meeting at Optical Society of America (OSA), (S&T Program) to $8 billion. This represents a 2.6% increase over the current FY 1999 the University of British Columbia in May. has joined sixteen other scientific and budget, and an 8% increase above the Administration’s proposed budget. This increase Lessons from BAPS ................................... 3 engineering associations in issuing a will help stabilize funding that would decline at a precipitous rate in FY 2000, and in Festival Profile ............................................ 4 call to key Members of Congress Foam food for thought. The “Phizz” of foamy the projected out-years in DOD’s five-year plan. This decrease undermines the sci- food and drink. urging a strong FY 2000 budget for ence and technology base that is essential to U.S. security in the 21st century. Putting a New Spin on MRI ....................... 5 the Defense Department’s Science DOD’s S&T Program supports research in the nation’s universities that is the bridge The next generation of MRI machines will use and Technology Program. The between fundamental science discoveries and future military applications. DOD support spin-polarized inhaled noble gases for high- statement, endorsed by the APS resolution imaging of the heart and lungs. of university research also plays a critical role in sustaining disciplines where it is a major Executive Committee and issued by source of federal funding. These disciplines make essential contributions to national de- Physics and Technology Forefronts ....... 5 the recently formed Coalition for Micro electro mechanical systems: pyrite or fense by fueling innovation and training the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. pure gold? National Security Research, was sent The S&T Program also funds research in the DOD laboratories, and private sector General Election Preview for 2000 ........... 6 to members of the House and Senate industries that focus on technologies to support future DOD systems. Increasingly Nominations for APS Bylaw Committees. Appropriations Subcommittees on important to DOD, this focus on the longer-term revolutionary changes in military Defense, the House Armed Services DEPARTMENTS technology will keep U.S. forces ahead of foreign competitors, and enable a quick Subcommittee on Military Research response to emerging threats such as chemical and biological agents. Zero Gravity ................................................. 4 and Development, and the Senate The Astronomer’s Drinking Song Eight billion dollars in FY 2000 for DOD’s S&T Program would support the scien- Armed Services Subcommittee on Announcements ......................................... 4 tific and engineering research that has produced today’s preeminent U.S. forces Now Appearing in July 1999 RMP. Emerging Threat and Capabilities. demonstrated most recently during Desert Storm and other peacekeeping missions. The Back Page ............................................ 8 The text of the statement is at right. It is the continued investment in DOD’s S&T Program that will maintain this techno- W.K.H.