International conference to focus on world food problems.

expect the government to do it for them." Through networks in professional societies, he notes, scientists could work in their local communities. He suggests that scientists help public education groups with materials and by volunteering to do some teaching. "The time and effort would be well worth it," he says, "because the public understanding of science is a priceless thing." Gary Ritchie (AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow, 19761977) worked for Senator Pete V. Domenici (R-N.M.). He was involved with bills concerning water resources development in the West, Indian affairs, and new agricultural crops. After his fellowship Ritchie returned to his position as a researcher for the Weyerhaeuser Company. His fellowship affected him most by giving him "a whole new perspective to ... my understanding of the processes that go on in policymaking." Fred Bernthal (American Physical Society Congressional Science Fellow, 1978-1979) served on Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr.'s (R-Tenn.), staff. He is now Baker's chief legislative assistant. Bernthal points to a "broadening" that takes place when other professionals work with members of Congress. He affirms that it is very valuable to bring professionals to the Hill from many different fields, including the humanities. Although "detailed scientific knowledge is not as important as perspective," says Bernthal, "scientists are also useful on the Hill when they apply their analytical skills to issues." Ann Cohn (AAAS/Society for Research in Child Development Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow, 1978-1979), whose specialty is public health, is now director of the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. After her AAAS fellowship in the office of Congressman Albert Gore, Jr. (D-Tenn.), she was selected as a White House Fellow and served as an assistant to then Secretary of Health and Human Services Patricia R. Harris. She says she. discovered that, like most scientists, public health researchers "don't take their findings to policy-makers, so that policy is sometimes made in a vacuum." She claims her fellowship was "an absolutely superb education." J. McIver Weatherford (AAAS/Society for Research in Child Development, 1978-1979) worked for Senator John H. Glenn (D-Ohio). Glenn was cosponsor of a bill to create the U.S. Department of Education, and Weatherford spent most of his time working on that issue. After his fellowship, Weatherford wrote Tribes