With the rapid expansion of university science departments and leveling off of federal academic research support, there is concern that young faculty are unable to perform as much research as would be desirable. To determine the distribution of research activity and support between young and senior staff, the National Science Foundation conducted a survey which elicited data and opinions from 871 science and engineering department heads. Preceded by exploratory interviews, the survey dealt with overall faculty composition, time spent on research, and funding patterns. It was found that: 4 out of 10 faculty were awarded PhDs within the past 7 years; of the recent PhDs, 9 out of 10 were engaged in research at least 20% of the time; of older PhDs, 8 out of 10 were. Little correlation appeared between the proportion of young faculty in selected fields and the source of the department's research funds; 57% of young faculty and 70% of senior faculty were in federally connected research. Over two-thirds of the respondents said the division of available funds between young and senior staff was appropriate. Little relationship appears between the proportion of respondents indicating the distribution of funds was inadequate for young staff and the amount of federal science support awarded their institutions. Insufficient performance of research by young staff was related to fund limitations and allocation mechanisms. Some respondents felt that young staff should be granted a greater choice of research topics and be awarded specific support programs. (JS)