American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Norton's Woods, 136 Irving Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
    Telephone 617-492-8800 Telefax 617-576-5088

November 20, 1990

Dr. Maxine Singer, President
Carnegie Institution of Washington
Washington, D.C. 20015

Dear Maxine,

During the Fall semester of

faculty gathered in a series of

                              1988 a
                              nforma
feasibility of refocusing a fraction of

small group of MIT
meetings to examine the
research and development

resources of this country devoted to weapons development onto
civilian technological innovacion in the areas of energy,
environment and economic competitiveness of the U.S. These
discussions led to a one-day meeting with participants from
around the country at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
on December 9, 1990 where it was decided. to launch The Project on
Research Resources Redeployment, a three-year research, analysis,
and public information effort sponsored by the Academy and aimed
at promoting the establishment of a federally-funded civilian
research and development agency with four main functions:
   a. Bui.ld up the technology knowledge base by vigorous
support of pre-competitive, generic scientific and technological
research;
   b. Anticipate and assess national needs (the energy,
environment, economy complex) and technological opportunities for
their fulfillment;

policy;

industry and universities.

c. Formulate coherent civilian science and technology

d. Implement this policy by interfacing broadly with private

   I have now completed the draft of a proposal for funding The
Project on Research Resources Kedepioyment to be submitted
shortly to the MacZlrthur, Rockefeller and Sloan Foundations which
have expressed strong interest in the Project. I hope you will be
able to read the enclosed text and give me your comments and
suggestions.
   More importantly I would very much like you to join the
advisory board of the Project and help us carry it out over the
next three years. The level of involvement of the advisory board

members is largely a matter of your personal choice: The spectrum
runs from active participation to mere availability for advice
over the telephone.
I hope you will be able to join the effort of the Academy in
this important task. Do call me either at the Academy
5034) or at M.I.T.  (617-253-3647) if you want to discuss any
aspect of my requests.

(617-576-

With very best regards,

Sincerely,

f

Kosta Tsipis

KT/jrp
cc. L. Beranek. President AAAS