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Problems and Opportunities

  Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

The appearance of the TIMSS report, and followup research, offer a great opportunity for public education, productive discussion, and bringing together the mathematics community.

  National Science Foundation in Peril

Press releases, messages and discussions surrounding NSF's problems during the 1990's.

  The Necessity of Setting Research Priorities

An AMS panel on "Establishing Priorities for Mathematics Research," held at the 1996 Joint Mathematical Meetings in Orlando, Florida. The speakers were John Bahcall, an astronomer at the Institute of Advanced Studies, and AMS members Lance Small and John Polking. Another talk related to this subject was given by Bahcall at the Joint Meetings; he discussed how astronomers have established research priorities. We have compiled notes from Bahcall's presentation in Orlando, and have also posted an article he wrote called Prioritizing Scientific Initiatives.

  University of Rochester

In the summer of 1995, the University of Rochester threatened to cut its entire graduate program in mathematics. This occasioned a vigorous outcry from the mathematics community and from many respected scientists as well. The responses make very interesting reading; see the Letters of Support written to the University. In March of 1996 the Rochester administration decided to restore the mathematics graduate program.