The Alfred P.: Sloan Foundation in New York City may place even more emphasis on science and technology once its new president has settled into his job. Last month Ralph E. Gomory, a mathematician and former senior vice president for science and technology at IBM, took charge of the 55-year-old organization. Although neither Gomory nor the foundation will let on what new emphases might be in the works until he has been there a few more months, Gomory has made known his keen interest in problems of industrial competitiveness.

With more than $550 million in assets and $20 million in annual grants, Sloan ranks among the 25 largest foundations. Nearly 90% of its grants are for science fellowships and programs, most notably about 100 research fellowships to young scientists. Its Science and Society division sponsors a program that encourages and finances the writing of books both about and by prominent...

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