Abstract

An idealistic biologist applies for a small grant for her research project and in the process learns about some of the social and economic conflicts between “basic” research, “applied” research, and. technology. A university dean, an industrial executive, and a young, radical social scientist take three different views of the proposed project in a dramatic confrontation intended to serve as the basis for an open panel discussion of the social implications of science and technology. The paper is written in the form of a play, which can be presented in about 30 minutes.