Past Prrsldcnt:
Marga:c: rdcad, Ph.0
Charrmc!:1:
Hxry CLmmoncr. Ph.0
Vfce C%2!rrnsn:
Peter J. Caws: Ph.0
         .
Vice C!z:rman.
Dons:d Pah!s:en. Ph.D.

Vrcc: C:+i:man:
A!!en C. i<ad'w M.D.
         .- *
Secrmry:
Glenn Pati!jon. Ph.0

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George 3erg. Ph.D.
Lou~ec &-man
. . F ^._
Jonn to..-.:er. rn.u.
Dawd L..Frank. Ph.D.
r\rthw VJ. Galston. Pi:.0
Rtchard Gsrcla. Ph 13.
H. Jack Ge:ger. hl.0.
Cfarei;ce C. Gordon. Ph.D.
Dan W. LL!fktn
knthon) X,?szzocchi
Michael McCllntock. Ph.D.
Bernard Rapopor:
4bby Roc;r?fe!!er
%wd LY. Sivetland

November 5, 1976

Dr. Eurke Zimmerman
Staff Scientist
Environmental Defense Fund
1525 1Sth Street N.W.
Washington,  D. C. 20036

Dear Dr.  Zimmerman:

   The controver$y over recombinant DNA research
has brought cnc of the most .important facets of bio-
medical research out into the open.  Although there
are substantial benefits that may accrue from the
research, there is also the possibility of enormous
costs, both short and long term.

   The public is being asked to.support this research
both with its tax dollars'and by being in the physical
vicinity of the recombinant DNA research laboratories.
Fortunately, some public inquiry has begun in the form
of open hearings on the subject.  These public hearings
'have been held in Cambridge, Xew York City and San
Diego, and have expressed deep concern over how and
whether this research should be continued.

   The public at large, however, is still in the
dark concerning the relevant issues in the debate. The
scientific jargon that accompanies the discussion with-
in the scientific community is, at best, confusing to
non-scientists.  There is an overwhelming need for
accurate, up-to-date information, with the issues clearly
presented in terms understandable to a1.1 of us.
'public,                                       The
     government officials, and members of the Legis-
lature are in need of this information.  Only with sub-
stantantive understanding of ill the issues will effective
programs and regulations be promulgated.


NoVembcr 5, 1976                    Page 2