A Universal Problem - C&EN Global Enterprise (ACS Publications)

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WALTER J . M U R P H Y , Editor

Ä Universal Problem J? ROM what w e read in Scope, the British magazine for industry, the festival in London is featuring science prominently. Commenting on t h e justification for t h e inclusion of the exhibition of science in a review of industrial aspects of the festival, Scope states: "Of all the resources to which Britain owed t h e industrial supremacy she enjoyed in the nineteenth century, only one remains unimpaired today. W e cannot make good our lost advantages in respect of power, raw materials, and other factors of economic strength unless w e make t h e best use of t h e national genius for research and discovery. T h e need for close collaboration between science and industry is now fully recognized b y t h e leaders of both. Never before has t h e g a p between fundamental research and the application of its results to industrial purposes been bridged at so many points. But the general public is only vaguely aware of what is going on. Largely because the language of modern science has become unintelligible to the layman, so too—except for such hideous revelations as t h e atom bomb—has its significance to society." T h e problem of education is identical on both sides of the Atlantic. H o w to interpret t h e intricacies of science and technology to t h e layman presents a real challenge to the ingenuity of scientists and engineers. W e must constantly remember, however, that the general public is less likely to b e interested in the details of such great scientific and technological developments as nuclear fission b u t definitely interested in what such developments will bring to mankind in higher standards of living. All of the media for mass dissemination of information must be employed to bring to t h e general public a true picture of science and technology. All t h e scientific, technical, and professional societies have a n obligation in this regard. Many vital decisions must b e m a d e in t h e future on political, social, a n d economic questions. Since science and technology are deeply interwoven in many of these problems, it is necessary that the public become better acquainted with t h e contributions that scientists and technologists h a v e m a d e and will continue to make in the future.

Plant Visits f o r Foreign Chemists A N SEPTEMBER 300 young chemists a n d chemical engineers, outstanding representatives of the profession in

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foreign countries, will visit this country to attend t h e World Chemical Conclave. This project is being financed by t h e Economic Cooperation Administration and the Ford F o u n d a t i o n with the A M E R I C A N C H E M I C A L SOCIETY in charge of arrangements.

At the conclusion of t h e World Chemical Conclave, the visitors representing all Marshall Plan countries as well as Africa, South America, Australia, and others will tour the United States to observe at first hand the scientific, industrial, and educational techniques which we employ. These young chemists and chemical engineers must really see and learn if this official attempt at international good will is to work. This can be accomplished only through t h e joint efforts of the ACS and industrial management. Much of the success of t h e program rests with the local sections of t h e Society. It is hoped that many companies will open their installations for inspection and will encourage mutual exchange of information. Much of practical value can be presented to our foreign guests without violating any essential confidences. No organization is expected to disclose secret knowhow, b u t there is much about American science and technology that can be revealed. This information will help to bring about a higher standard of living throughout the world. The younger Chemists International Project, directed by an advisory °ommittee of the A M E R I C A N C H E M I C A L

SOCIETY, has been fortunate to procure the services of Ε. Β. Peck as project director. Dr. Peck is on loan from Standard Oil Development and is devoting his entire time to t h e enterprise. H e needs the active support of the local sections of the Society and requests that each section immediately organize a planning committee. Such a committee will have several immediate functions. It should contact t h e top management of most of the important plants in their respective geographical areas covered by t h e section to explain the project and to obtain preliminary clearances. It should inform the younger Chemists International Project what success it has in organizing visits to plants and research centers. Dr. Peck's office a n d the planning committee will b e jointly responsible for preparing the itineraries of the foreign guests. T h e visits of our young friends from abroad will involve considerable planning. T h e project is an ACS activity and much of its success will depend upon the active cooperation provided by the local sec­ tions.

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