Cornell is the featured university until Feb. 1 on the World Wide Web site of the Science Coalition, an organization devoted to calling attention to the benefits of basic research at universities and maintaining public support.

The Science Coalition is made up of 416 organizations, institutions and individuals, including 71 universities and 12 scientific societies. Cornell is a member.

"Cutbacks in federal support for research could not only jeopardize or delay scientific discoveries in . . . vital areas, but may well reduce incentives for young people to pursue scientific careers and diminish the country's research capacity for a generation or more," the coalition's mission statement declares. "Therefore, even in this time of budget constraint, we urge the Congress to maintain funding for university research for the benefit of all Americans."

The Science Coalition web site reports on legislation that affects research funding, provides a library of background information and reports on discoveries that benefit the nation.

Each week it also includes a page describing research at one of its participating institutions. Cornell is the 14th university to be featured since the site was created. The Cornell page, prepared by its Division of University Relations, emphasizes the diversity of Cornell's research and lists several recent discoveries that have been of benefit to society.

After this week, another university will be featured, but the Cornell page will become part of the permanent Science Coalition archives.

The Science Coalition web site is at http://www.sciencecoalition.org.