fundamental character as well as the difficulty in confronting them 

 effectively. In whatever form the challenge is met — actively or 

 passively, internationally or nationally, knowledgeably or ignorantly, 

 successfully or unsuccessfully — the choices made will shape much of 

 man's future. 



Although emphasis is placed on the challenge of man's increasing 

 power, no implication is intended that the other challenges can be 

 ignored; they are, indeed, so intertwined with the more recent ones 

 that all must be met. 



The first chapter of the report reviews briefly the more familiar 

 challenges and discusses general aspects of the newer ones. 



The second chapter examines several problems encompassed in 

 the broader challenge of man's increasing power. The nature and 

 scope of each problem is discussed, and the past and potential role of 

 science and technology in alleviating the problem is noted. 



The third chapter explores the adequacy of science and 

 technology for helping to respond to such problems. For this purpose 

 two recently initiated U.S. programs — one in the area of cancer and 

 the other in energy — are taken as illustrative tests of the present 

 capabilities of science and technology. 



The fourth chapter presents conclusions drawn from these 

 assessments and relates them to recent trends in the level and 

 direction of the Nation's research effort. 



The final chapter recommends actions and policies aimed at 

 strengthening the scientific and technological response to present and 

 future challenges. 



