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Academic leaders confront issues affecting science and technology research capabilities MARC REISCH
Many academic leaders, such as chemist Larry R. Faulkner, president of the University of Texas, Austin, complained that not enough U.S. students are taking up careers in science and technology. And MIT President Charles M. Vest was concerned that many of the brightest students looking to make a difference are taking jobs at financial powerhouses like Goldman Sachs instead of doing the tough work of science. All said they are increasingly dependent on foreign students to do research. Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, these students increasingly have had a difficult time getting visas because of government security concerns. Some students are actually shopping overseas U.S. consulates to find the most receptive to their visa applications, according to a number of the academic leaders. A special guest at the meeting, Charles E. McQueary, undersecretary for science and technology in the Department of Homeland Security, said he would urge government officials to expedite student visas. But he also pressed the learning institution leaders to help supply the science and technology solutions to control U.S. borders. However, Martin C. Jischke, Purdue University's president, suggested that technology solutions are not the only answer. "If we think we can protect the U.S. by science and technology alone, we are sadly mistaken," he said. He recommended that at least some government funding should go to study the social, political, and historical reasons for terrorist fury against the U.S. In that way, policymakers might find ways to soothe rather than inflame passions against the U.S. |
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