NOV 2

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OEEIGE-OF-FHE-DIRECTOR OP DEFENSE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301

 

28 OCT 1977

Dr. Joshua Lederberg

Department of Genetics

Stanford University School
of Medicine

Stanford, CA 94305

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

We have been having a number of indirect contacts since you wrote to
Frank Press on June 9, 1977. It is apparent that we need to be in
direct contact.

My office, with the endorsement of Bill Perry and of Harold Brown, is
attempting to stimulate university science as a most important founda-
tion for our continuing national security. A specific and separable
program presently called the Defense Science and Engineering Program
(DSEP) has been initiated with funding in FY 79 and later years. I
have been talking with, but primarily listening to, individuals and
groups from the academic community to get their ideas on this objective
since I joined DDR&E on July 2, 1977. The groups include JASON and
the Defense Science Board. I specifically asked Don Levine to attempt
to have you attend the JASON meeting held on September 27, 1977 in my
office. We were sorry you could not attend.

I.thought the best way to bring you up-to-date on our Defense-University
science projects would be to provide you with the briefing materials I
am using on October 25th and October 27th in meetings with an informal
advisory group and the Defense Science Board. The briefing text and
copies of the visuals used are enclosed.

I agree with Vice President and Provost Wm Miller's suggestions on small
meetings with faculty and university presidents. I had asked Bill
McElroy to help me so do in the California area when I knew I was
joining DDR&E. Bill is still planning to set up such a meeting. I

have also asked two or three other university officials to help in the
same way in other geographical areas.

“ge 7
I would certainly appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have
either before or after you read the enclosed briefing material.

Enclosure

cc:
Frank Press
William McElroy
Don Levine
Leonard Weisberg

Sincerely,

oy a

uM NW) tae

Ruth M. Davis

Deputy Director (Research
and Advanced Technology)