The Journal of Research Administration: an introduction to the anniversary edition.

The figure of Prometheus has captured the human imagination from ancient Greek times to the Romantic poets of American and British literature, and into our modern day. Prometheus provided humankind with the knowledge and crafts to live and survive in a dauntingly turbulent world. He was teacher, mentor, and guide for mortals. He stole for humans the fire of the gods--a volatile act for which he paid dearly until his release by Hercules. Prometheus, his name meaning "forethought," was the immortal who the ancients credited with our having the capacity for genius and innovation. At the root experience of his daring, he gave because he cared.

In many ways, the gift of research administration and leadership is a promethean act. It is the ever present striking of flint that sparks genius, adaptation, innovation, and creativity. It is the essential art and science that facilitates the scholarship and genius of research for the good of human society. Indeed, research administrators are often like Prometheus stoking the fires of enthusiasm within the communities of researchers we serve. Hence, it is fitting that this special edition of the Journal, celebrating the SRA 40th anniversary, bears a cover image that calls to mind the fire that Prometheus dared to give to others in need.

This edition includes a special introductory section that captures the spirit of this anniversary. Dr. Phillip Myers, SRA Historian, offers us an important summary of our origins. His work is followed by three critical reflections. Dr. Greg Koski reflects upon the meaning of our profession from the investigator's point of view. Dr. David Langley and Dr. Mildred Ofosu reflect on our significance from an international perspective. Pamela Vargas and James Hanlon offer a concluding reflection upon the servant-leadership that stirs deeply the embers of who we are and what we do for others.

As I reflected upon these special essays, Prometheus--both the gifts he gave others and the price he paid--invaded my thoughts. The images of fire, genius, service, and the willingness to lead despite all costs kept coming to mind. I found myself drawn to the words of a 20th century paleontologist and philosopher known well to many of our scientists, Teilhard de Chardin. A creative paraphrase from one of Chardin's works sums up best one way of remembering our past and steeling ourselves for the exciting challenges to come in the next decades of our leadership:

After we have conquered for ourselves the winds, the waves,

the tides and the forces of gravity,

perhaps we can harness for others

the energies of service and leadership.

And if we do so, perhaps then,

for the second time in the history of the world,

we will have discovered

Fire.

Edward F. Gabriele, D.Min.

Editor