Industry Co. and Chiyoda Chemical Engineering & Construction. The prototype will be used to carry out scaled-up feasibility studies that could lead to the construction of a world-scale commercial unit in the mid-1980's. •
NAS starts drive on human rights In a move demonstrating escalating concern by U.S. scientists over mistreatment of colleagues abroad, the National Academy of Sciences last week publicly launched a "sustained effort" oh behalf of foreign scientists whose human rights are violated, at a press conference attended by major media representatives. First step in the effort is a campaign by NAS's new Committee on Human Rights on behalf of eight scientists in three countries— "all victims of grave official harassment for political reasons." An ongoing, institutionalized, and public effort in support of scientists' human rights—already enlisting participation of 258 NAS members— is a new departure for NAS, whose past efforts have consisted mainly of "quiet diplomacy," in an "occasional and frankly sporadic" manner. Cause of the stepped-up effort: increased concern within NAS, and perhaps reaction to criticism from without at NAS's "not speaking out." As well as serving as a focus for NAS members' efforts, the committee will urge action by individual scientists, scientific societies, and governments in the U.S. and abroad. Two scientists on the current list are leading Soviet human rights activists—Dr. Yuriy Orlov and Dr. Sergei Kovalev. A distinguished high-energy physicist, Orlov was arrested in February during an apparent crackdown on the Soviet human rights movement, but no charges have yet been filed and his whereabouts are unknown. Kovalev, a biologist who has done "pioneering" work, is now serving a seven-year sentence at hard labor for allegedly circulating a forbidden publication, and is reported to be ill. Five Argentinian physicists also are on the list—Federico Alvarez Rojas, Gabriela Carabelli, Dr. Juan Carlos Gallardb, Dr. Antonio Misetich, and Eduardo Pasquini. Each disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1976, and there is concern for their lives. Several have been accused by Argentinian authorities of association with "subversive" or "guerrilla" groups. The NAS committee also will act 8
C&ENMay2, 1977
on behalf of Dr. Jose Luis Massera of Uruguay, considered one of Latin America's top mathematicians. A leading member of Uruguay's Communist Party—outlawed in 1973— Massera was arrested in October 1975, reportedly was tortured, and now is being tried for "subversive association." The committee will try to obtain full information on the eight cases, and through its activities and those of other scientists to press for an end to their mistreatment. For example, it will seek commutation of Kovalev's sentence on humanitarian grounds and resumption of his career. •
New NAS members include 13 chemists At its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., last week the National Academy of Sciences elected 60 new members in recognition of their distinguished continuing achievements in original research. Included in this number are 13 chemists. The new members bring total membership in the 114-year-old organization to 1219. The chemists elected to the academy include: Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor of geochemistry, California Institute of Technology. Dr. Norman B. Hannay, vice president of research and patents, Bell Laboratories. Dr. George H. Hitchings, president, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Research Laboratories. Dr. Israel R. Lehman, professor and chairman, department of biochemistry, Stanford University. Dr. Seymour Lieberman, professor of biochemistry, Columbia University. Dr. Elizabeth F. Neufeld, chief, section on intermediary metabolism, National Institutes of Health. Dr. Richard M. Noyes, professor of chemistry, University of Oregon. Dr. Charles N. Reilley, Kenan Professor of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Howard Reiss, professor of chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Lewis H. Sarett, president, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories. Dr. Philip S. Skell, professor of chemistry, Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Herbert Tabor, chief, laboratory of biochemical pharmacology, National Institutes of Health. Dr. George R. Tilton, professor of geochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara. •
Scientist emigration to U.S. has declined Between 1966 and 1975 about 100,000 scientists and engineers emigrated to the U.S. Although it's uncertain whether these persons all decided to ply their trade once here, 62,000 of the immigrants entered the U.S. to stay, according to a newly released National Science Foundation survey. NSF's data show that immigration took place in two distinct patterns because of changes in U.S. immigration policies. Between 1966 and 1972, according to Immigration Service figures, an average of 11,500 scientists and engineers entered the U.S., many from European countries. During this period Immigration Service regulations gave preference to technically trained persons from abroad, as well as to relatives of immigrants already living in the U.S. But in the early 1970's immigration policies were changed and scientists and engineers were no longer considered to be in short supply. By 1973 immigration of scientists had declined, according to NSF, and from 1973 to 1975 the average inflow was 6500 per year. Yet in the 10 years from 1966 to 1975 the average number of all immigrants did not vary greatly. The reasons for immigration, says NSF, were largely economic. One half of the immigrant scientists and engineers increased their annual income more than 200% above the salary they received at home. In some cases other reasons were present, such as a hostile political climate in the home country or limited research opportunities. As a group, chemists represented the largest number of scientists entering the U.S., although they generally accounted for only about 10% of all scientists entering each year. Chemical engineers, on the other hand, made up about 5 to 6% of all engineers emigrating to the U.S., well behind the number of civil and electrical engineers. Altogether, about two engineers entered the U.S. for every scientist. •
Chemists are small fraction of immigrant scientists Total scientists and engineers Total scientists Chemists Total engineers Chemical engineers
1966
1974
1975
7205
5969 6931
2290 2103 2283 874 592 675 4915 3866 4648 325 333 438
Source: National Science Foundation
