Reply to Attn of:

RS

NAS/A

National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

Washington, D.C.
20546

 

MAY 15 1980

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
President

Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue
Manhatten, NY 10021

Dear Josh:

Bill Nierenberg recently remarked to me that it might be useful
to convene a group of really top-level biologists to spend one
or two days considering the future goals of life sciences within
NASA.

I recognize that there is nothing particularly dramatic in this
approach. Indeed, one could argue we are already awash with
advisory committees. Recently the Space Science Board has
appointed two subcommittees in the areas of space medicine and
life sciences. Gerry Soffen has also founded an internal advisory
committee, chaired by Dick Wurtman. Even so, there is a possi-
bility that we may not be receiving the necessary advice from
persons with unusual experience, competence, and vision. I dis-
cussed the issue briefly with Gerry. His feelings are rather
neutral -- the pluses and minuses almost cancel out.

I told Bill Nierenberg that I would get in touch with you to seek
your opinion. Do you think that such a meeting carefully planned
in advance and scheduled next fall or winter would be a good idea?
Assume that the meeting included possibly a half-dozen to a dozen
biologists. Would you be interested in attending? Would you
agree to playing a role in persuading other biologists to devote
their time to this meeting?

You may answer by mail if you wish, but don't feel obliged to.
Instead, I will call you in several weeks to get your opinions.

Sincerely,
i. (hs
fim
Thomas A. Mutch _ R Lon| ny
Associate Administrator +7 A sa
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for Space Science
Ln MA
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