The National Research Service Award Act of 1974 articulates the view of Congress that direct support of training for careers in biomedical and behavioral research is an appropriate and necessary role for the Federal Government. It signals at the same time the importance of careful planning for an era in which the growth of research training programs is likely to be more limited. In this connection, a novel element in the legislation is the stipulation that training awards by the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration are to be restricted, after July 1, 1975, to subject areas for which there is a need for personnel. The vehicle for determining personnel needs is to be a continuing study, the objectives of which are prescribed in the law.

The present report, prepared in response to a request from the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, describes the rationale for the Committee's conclusion that such a study is feasible of accomplishment. In proposing a course of action for consideration by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, the report identifies the initial steps that can be reasonably undertaken within the limitations of the current data base and available methodology. In addition, it outlines an organizational framework and formulates a first-year budget tied to explicit assumptions as to distribution of responsibility between the National Research Council and the two operating agencies.

Although the report highlights a number of questions concerning the difficulty of projecting needs, the Committee acknowledges that some must be left to be discussed by the continuing study. The report, however, expresses the Committee's belief that training programs in the biomedical and behavioral sciences can be usefully guided by such study of future requirements. Consistent with that belief, the Committee recommends an early start toward developing the informational and judgmental basis that must undergird a continuing study.

In carrying out the feasibility study, the Committee received help from many quarters. Members of the eight advisory panels, despite severe time constraints, were able to shed considerable light on problems of methodology and issues unique to the various categories of biomedical and behavioral sciences. Many individuals and professional associations were helpful in making suggestions and in sharing the lessons derived from their own experiences in the performance of manpower studies. The National Institutes of Health provided support for the study, and the assistance of members of the NIH/ADAMHA staffs in providing data is gratefully acknowledged. The Committee's deliberations were greatly enriched through the guidance and advice provided throughout the project by Dr. Robert A. Alberty and Dr. William C. Kelly. Finally, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Samuel Herman, who served as staff director for the project, as well as those of Mr. Robert G. Lindee in his capacity of consultant for the study.

Robert J. Glaser, M.D.

February 1, 1975