The United States National Research Council

Abstract

THE National Research Counci is a co-operative organisation of men of science in America for the special purpose of promoting fundamental research in the physical and natural sciences^ the application of scientific knowledge in the industries, and the training of research workers, all for the sake of the general advance ment of science and the increase ofthe national strength and well-being. It was organised in 1916, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences, especially to help make the scientific resources of the countryavailable to the Govern ment in the solution of pressing war-time problems involving scientific investigation. As now reorganised on a permanent peace-time footing, its membership ofabout 250 is largely com posed of duly appointed representatives of about forty major scientific and technical societies of America, with a group of administrative officers and necessaryoffice staffs, resident in Washington. These officers are appointed for but one year at a time, and it is expected that most of the offices (chairmen of divisions, etc.) will be filled in rotation by men drawn from the scientific faculties of the universities, the staffs oflarge scientific institutes; and the research laboratories maintained by the industries.