The political upheavals in the former Soviet Union and its satellite states in Central and Eastern Europe have produced profound social, educational, and economic changes. Once a centerpiece of the communist state, the study of science and technology in the university has now fallen victim to economic and social disarray. Support for the teaching and funding of science and technology is of primary importance for the economic health of any modern nation. The ten chapters of this work examine what happens to a scientific and technological establishiment that suddenly has to make its own way as exemplified in many countries worldwide today.

This report is a summary of the first meeting of the Science, Technology, and Law Panel. The Policy Division of the National Research Council established the panel to bring the science and engineering community and the legal community together on a regular basis to explore pressing issues, to improve communication, and to help resolve such issues between these communities.