Brown recently joined 27 of the nation's premier research universities as a full member of The Science Coalition (TSC), a national advocacy group formed in the spring of 1995 to press the case for public funding of the nation's academic research enterprise.
"Most Americans understand that scientific research at institutions like Brown has fueled the nation's social, economic and technological progress, especially since World War II, and public support for research continues strong," said President Gregorian, who made the decision to join TSC earlier this month. "The coalition's task is to encourage that support and to bring it to the attention of elected representatives, media and opinion leaders in ways that will sustain public funding for research."
TSC works on a number of fronts, including at the grassroots political level, to build the case for research. By focusing exclusively on developing and sustaining support for research, TSC complements the work of other broader-based educational associations.
Although the major federal research agencies avoided deep cuts this year (the National Institutes of Health actually received a 5.7-percent increase), advocates for research funding remain concerned about the longer term. The American Association for the Advancement of Science has suggested that recent trends could lead to a 30- to 35-percent decrease in real dollars by fiscal 2002.
Swimming and diving lessons for children ages 5 and older and adult members of the faculty, staff and community may sign up for the Brown Swimming and Diving School, held Saturday mornings from April 13-May 11.
The program is for all levels of swimmers and divers, from novice to competitor. Instructors are members of Brown's women's swimming and diving team. Each instructor has no more than three students.
The program costs $50 for Brown staff; $60 for others.
Applications are available at the Smith Swim Center Women's Swimming Office, Box 1874, or by calling Jennifer Boyd at 863-1188. The deadline for applying is Tuesday, April 9.