Role of Basic Research in Science and Technology: Case Studies in Energy R and D (Research and Development). (Workshop Highlights and Papers)

摘要

Six papers are presented that assess both the direct impact of basic research on the advancement of energy science and technology and the indirect benefits of that research to society. The various research areas of the Department of Energy's Basic Energy Science Program are described and a set of criteria is presented for use in allocating the limited resources available for basic energy research funding. Distinctions are drawn between basic and applied research in industry. It is pointed out that basic energy research tends to be carried out in large, centralized laboratories within organizations that are themselves large, diversified, and multinational. The effects of the economy on near-and medium-term research and development (R&D) programs are examined. Areas of basic research that are particularly important for long-range research are identified, including materials science, solid state physics, and basic chemistry. Highlights of the workshop proceedings are supplied. Participants are listed.