Chemical & Engineering
NEWS SEPTEMBER 7,
1970
, SCIENTISTS AIR i PROBLEMS OF S HAVE-NOT LANDS Dr. Carl Djerassi Economists' catalytic effect
Dr. Eugene Rabinowitch Confrontation not intended
It's all too common at conferences on the role of science and scientists in developing countries for scientists from highly developed countries to tell scientists from developing nations what the problems of development are and how to solve them. Last week's pre-Pugwash Conference on Science and Development at Stanford University was a welcome and enlightening reversal of form. Featured in the opening session of the four-day symposium were distinguished scientists from developing countries who related to an equally distinguished audience from developed countries what they see as the main problems of development in their own countries. "The symposium was not intended as a confrontation between have and have-not nations," says Dr. Eugene Rabinowitch, of the Center for the Study of Science and Society, Albany, N.Y., and this year's Pugwash Conference chairman. Despite his assertion, however, the speakers apparently shared a common concern over the direction and implementation of current technical and scientific aid programs to developing countries. One major problem in developing countries is lack of qualified research personnel. However, it's not sufficient or desirable, contends Dr. F. G. Torto, organic chemistry professor at the University of Ghana, for advanced countries merely to send experienced people to direct research institutes or even to help local directors formulate programs. "What is needed," he says, "is for developing countries to upgrade their own nationals who show sufficient promise to occupy senior positions." Training of personnel is an area where technically developed countries can well assist less-developed nations, he concedes. But cer-
Extra Issue The Sept. 7 issue of C&EN is proparts—this regular duced in two edition and an extra one called Facts & Figures, an annual staff 1 survey of the chemical and process industries.
tain forms of present assistance programs in which experts are sent en masse to developing countries may even have harmful effects on the real development of the recipient countries by undermining the confidence and morale of the indigenous scientists, he says. Building confidence is one of the essential elements for successful development in African and other developing countries, maintains Dr. Torto. Lack of morale among trained scientists who find themselves playing second fiddle to foreign scientists or who find themselves overtrained for existing conditions has led to the wellknown "brain drain" phenomenon, he asserts.
CELNACS canceled The Confidential Employment Listing scheduled for the Chicago ACS national meeting has been canceled because of lack of sufficient employer interest to make the service effective for candidates. Arrangements have been made to provide confidential resumes of candidates to employers by mail.
Indeed, the only action that will prevent the brain drain, declares Dr. C. M. Varsavsky, of the Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomia, "is to establish strong ties between the scientist and his country. And by strong ties I do not mean sentimental ties: I mean deep involvement of the scientist in the process of development." Involvement means, for one, that the research efforts of the scientist should be closely related to the national needs and problems of the country. Too, scientists must cooperate with other sectors of the society. The transfer of modern science and technology is a cultural, social, and political process—"development is a package deal," summarizes Dr. Antonia Bacigalupo, of Universidad National Agriria, Peru. For example, Dr. Carl Djerassi, noted Stanford chemist and cochairman of the symposium, calls for more interplay between economists and scientists. Economists, he believes, can have an "enormous catalytic effect" on scientific accomplishments. It isn't enough, therefore, for developed countries simply to pour more money and experts into developing countries, says A. R. Abdel Meguid, of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He advocates an international institution that can help developing countries chart their needs and channel their outside resources in an entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of such an international organization is being pursued this week by many of the Stanford Pugwash participants at the Lake Geneva, Wis., Pugwash Conference. This conference mainly focuses on the themes of disarmament and international cooperation for world peace. SEPT. 7, 1970 C&EN
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