DARPA wants to "invent the future of information technology by exploring alternative visions" via an Expeditions into the 21st Century program to encourage "vigorous and revolutionary research in information technology" outside current models of technology, application areas, and modes of use. Areas might include bio-informatics or ubiquitous computing. "Think big and bold," as Xerox PARC did in research leading to PCs, GUIs, laser printing, etc. "Expeditions" will receive initial funding that can be used to scout the terrain. Single or multiple organizations are OK. 20Jan99 (with abstracts by 07Dec98), BAA 99-07; Jay A. Sears , (703) 522-7161 fax. or . [CBD, 29Oct98.] (Wow, I'm not used to BAA solicitations that aren't written in governmentese.)

New NSF briefs include "Venture Capital Investment Trends in the United States and Europe," , and "R&D as a Percent of GDP is Highest in Six Years," . [CNS, 28Oct98.]

NSF has issued its "Guide to Programs, Fiscal Year 1999," replacing nsf97150. . [Maria Zemankova , IRLIST, 26Oct98.]

NSF's Next Generation Software program is documented at . [Clifford Lynch , ibid.]