The ability of the American nation to remain secure in the face of both traditional military threats and international terrorism while maintaining the excellence and pace of American science and technology requires a delicate balance. It depends first and foremost on effective dialogue and joint problem solving by those responsible for maintaining the security and those who lead the scientific, engineering, and higher education communities. The future health and economic strength of America, and indeed the world, depend on the continued rapid advance of science and technology, and on the education of scientists and engineers at the most advanced levels. The rapid progress of science and technology, and the advanced education of scientists and engineers, in turn, depend critically on openness of process, openness of publication, and openness of participation within the institutions and across national boundaries. The author believes that it is equally imperative that Americans strike the right balance between security and the openness of their scientific research and education. He concludes that they must rely heavily on maintaining that openness. Here, the author suggests that by working together, academics, institutions, and the government can preserve scientific openness. He also offers suggestions for the resolution of the issues of sensitive areas of study, select agents, and publication of scientific information.