159 
December 17, 1970 
Dr, D, Carleton Gajdusek 
Collaborative & Field Research 
National Institute of Neurological 
Disease and Stroke 
National Institute of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
Dear Dr . Gaj dusek ; 
Now that the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Research Vessel ALPHA 
HELIX has had five years of operation, the National Science Foundation has 
requested a review of its accomplishments. The National Advisory Board for the 
ALPHA HELIX is gathering data for such an evaluation. The Board wishes to 
consult you, as one of a select list of wise men, from the most Olympian 
viewpoint. 
This vessel was built with a grant to P.F. Scholander as a floating 
laboratory for modern experimental physiology and biochemistry, expressly for 
the advantage of conducting research on favorable species at remote locations. 
The vessel operated for four years full time on this mission, generally by 
,i accomodating groups of about ten scientists for 8-12 week "programs” which 
comprised several projects within a compatible problem area. At the request of 
; the N.S.F., ALPHA HELIX is being used at the present about one-half time for 
! such long programs at more distant places, and one-half time for shorter 
programs (several days to a few weeks), within about 1,500 miles of San Diego, 
I for general biological oceanography. The enclosed report summarizes 'the 
operations to date. 
I The R/V ALPHA HELIX is a superlative small laboratory ship beautifully 
j designed for its purpose. What the National Science Foundation needs is a 
f. broadly based assessment of its value and a re-examination of its mission in the 
L service of science. 
The Board would greatly appreciate your judgment and advice. If you could 
struggle with the enclosed questionnaire and add any comments, to reach me by 
January 7, it would be most helpful in determining, in the national interest, 
the best use of this specialized facility. 
Yours sincerely. 
I 
jl 
i! 
{! 
Theodore H. Bullock 
Chairman, National Advisory Board for 
R/V ALPHA HELIX 
