The News World

401 FIFTH AVENUE C NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016 © (212) 532-8300
April 27, 1979

 

 

 

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
President

Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue

New York, New York 10021

Dear Dr. Lederberg,

I am writing you in my capacity as a regular contri-
butor to THE NEWS WORLD, a daily and Sunday newspaper in New
York City with a circulation of nearly 100,000 copies per
day. My reason for writing is to request a brief interview
with you for publication. Permit me to clarify my rationale
in approaching you.

As you are well aware, there is a great deal of public
misunderstanding about science. Many scientists today are
concerned about the recent trend of decline in funding for
basic research in the face of increasing demands for "rele-
vance" and more immediate practical applications of research
findings. I do believe, therefore, that it is in the best
interests of the scientific community to communicate to the
public. This will, I believe, contribute to "de-mystifying"
scientific activity by making it more comprehensible and
accessible to the layman. Especially in light of recent
controversy over such issues as the safety of recombinant
DNA research and of nuclear energy, the need for balanced
public understanding of science is greater than ever before.

I do hope, therefore, that you would consider my
request for a brief interview. What I hope to achieve by
such an interview is to demonstrate that scientists are
human beings with conscience, compassion, and concern for
the human condition. Please let me hear from you in the
near future.

With Kind Regards,

Sincerely yours,

CDR Wy

Richard R. Wojcik
THE NEWS WORLD
RRW:jn

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