The research climate in America today forebodes real problems down the line. The federal government, the traditional source of funding for much of fundamental research at universities, is under enormous pressure to bring the federal budget into balance in the next seven or so years. Industries, by and large, have stopped or significantly decreased their investment in fundamental research that would form the basis of their next generation of products and services. These national trends cannot but have a serious impact on the U.S. remaining a technological leader and strong economic competition in those areas we think important for our future. Fortunately, UCLA faculty are far from being discouraged. They are looking for what is possible and is desirable.