Need for new knowledge / J. Robert Oppenheimer -- Basic research in the United States / Alan T. Waterman -- Paradox of choice / W.O. Baker -- Basic research and the liberal arts college / Laurence M. Gould -- Basic research and the state university / C.A. Elvehjem -- Basic research and the private university / Lee A. DuBridge -- Capsule conclusions / James R. Killian, Jr. -- Basic research: a technological savings account / Crawford H. Greenewalt -- Science: handmaiden of freedom / Dwight D. Eisenhower -- Basic research in government laboratories / Allen V. Astin -- Basic research in industrial laboratories / James B. Fisk -- Basic research in private research laboratories / Merle A. Tuve -- Support of basic research from government / Paul E. Klopsteg -- Support of basic research by industry / Robert E. Wilson -- Support of basic research from private philanthropy / Robert S. Morison -- Support of basic research: summary of the symposium / Dael Wolfle.