What are the characteristics of successful students in research training programs and what are the characteristics of successful programs of this type? What are the characteristics of successful mature researchers and what research environments facilitate research of high quality and quantity? Since very little research deals directly with these questions, answers to them are sought in related research literature, and suggestions are made for research that is targeted to this area of investigation. Correlates considered in forecasting success of students are those of previous training and experience, and those of personal and intellectual qualities. Factors considered in determination of characteristics of successful training programs are those of faculty quality, student quality, institutional setting, and academic content of the training curriculum. Productivity of scientists is found to be related to personality profile, intellectual correlates, and work patterns. Themes that stand out in an appraisal of a research environment are: relationships with other scientists in the research setting, relationships and interactions with administrators and supervisors, diversity of interests and activities in the organization, and finally, physical and financial resources available to the scientist. (MF)