Science doctorates for high‐energy physics
DOI: 10.1063/1.3057601
In October 1960, George B. Kistiakowsky, the Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, requested the National Science Foundation to develop data on the manpower needed in connection with a proposed high‐energy physics program in October, 1960. Specifically, the Foundation was requested to assist in (1) developing “a projection of scientific and engineering manpower needs in high‐energy physics over the ten‐year period, taking into full account…the national program…through an extension of the study conducted by the Technical Committee on High‐Energy Physics…;” (2) “authoritative studies and projection of the likely supply of scientific and engineering manpower over the next ten years;” and (3) “reconciliation of projections of both the manpower needs of high‐energy physics and the likely supply of manpower….”
References
1. Current and Projected Manpower Utilization in High Energy Physics, The Technical Committee on High‐Energy Physics; April 4, 1960. Internal report prepared for President’s Science Advisory Committee.
See also “Manpower in High‐Energy Physics” by Charles H. Braden, Jerome H. Fregeau, and Glenn M. Frye, Jr., in Physics Today, December 1960, for similar estimates.2. An unknown number of these degrees were awarded to foreign nationals, some of whom are no longer in this country. Many of them, however, have since become citizens or permanent residents. Doctorate awards in physics to noncitizens accounted for 13 percent of degrees awarded in the years 1958 and 1959. Loss to the American scientist supply is at least partially offset by doctorates awarded to Americans by foreign universities.
3. This survey covers 112 physics departments, including all institutions granting doctorates in physics, and is based on a questionnaire survey administered by the American Institute of Physics at the request of the National Science Foundation.
4. The 2417 doctorates reported is in close agreement with the number reported in the US Office of Education, Earned Degree series for these years.
5. For purposes of this study, high‐energy fields were defined to include physics utilizing the aid of a meson‐producing accelerator and theoretical work closely allied. Respondents were asked to include meson production, nucleon and electron scattering above 300 Mev, elementary‐particle theory, strange‐particle theory, etc. Training in high‐energy cosmic rays was separately reported but is not included in these estimates. High‐energy cosmic rays accounted for 66, or about 3 percent, of the physics doctorates awarded in the 5‐year period.
6. Respondents were requested to estimate on the basis “of present facilities and any definite plans for future expansion” and “in accordance with your best judgment of available facilities, faculty, and students.…”
7. See footnote to Table 3. The Scientific Staff report accepts the earlier Technical Committee estimate for 1961–65, and adds new estimates for 1966–70.
8. In 1960, 35 nuclear chemists were reported working on high‐energy projects.
9. Respondents to the AIP‐administered survey reported above were asked to comment on “any special factors…from the standpoint of estimating probable additional supply of physicists” in high‐energy fields.
More about the Authors
Thomas J. Mills. National Science Foundation.
