These agencies have devised improvements and embellishments of the basic scheme which Szilard never dreamed of. They have achieved remarkable effectiveness in this forefront area of bureaucracy, consistently producing new and more cost-effective innovations in their important work of retarding the progress of science and technology. The U.S. Congress, not to be outdone, has also made significant contributions to this work. But despite these efforts by a large number of individuals and organizations it has become increasingly clear that more must be done. The dismaying upward spiral of scientific accomplishments and progress continues at an alarming rate.
Scientific progress continues to crop up in unexpected and previously stagnant research areas.
And it has become increasingly clear that an international effort is necessary. And faster international communication of scientific results means that the older techniques for retarding international scientific progress through secrecy, ignorance, and duplication of effort are no longer working. The time has come for a new initiative. It is hoped that this kind of national recognition will be effective in furthering the goals of the Association. These awards are expected to become an annual feature of this column.