THE CHARGE 



X he importance of the Research-Intensive Universities (RIUs) to the Nation is reflected in the 

 broad, complex, and interdependent relationship that has developed between them and the 

 Federal government over many decades. The extraordinary economic and social transformation 

 occurring nationally and world-wide has put this relationship under stress. 



The continued strength and excellence of the American academic research and education in- 

 frastructure is fundamental to the health of the American economy and quality of life, and to the 

 discharge of the missions and responsibilities of the Federal government. It is in the best interest 

 of the Nation that the relationship between the Federal government and the RIUs be maintained 

 and that its effectiveness and productivity be nurtured and enhanced. 



Therefore, the Ad Hoc Working Group on Research-Intensive Universities (WGRIU), estab- 

 lished under the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology 

 (FCCSET) was charged to: 



I. Characterize the present nature of the relationship between the Federal government and 

 the RIUs; 



II. Identify critical trends and issues that are affecting this relationship; and 



III. Define a statement of principles and recommendations for the future of the relationship. 



The 170 universities which, as a set, comprise 90 percent or more of each of the following variables for 1981- 

 90: Total expenditures for academic R&D, Federal obligations for academic science and engineering. Federal obliga- 

 tions for academic R&D, number of doctorates granted in science and engineering, and number of doctorates granted 

 in natural science and engineering. 



IX 



