Recent assessment studies of current and future heat transfer research have identified some future directions for a national coordinated effort. These assessment exercises raise the question of the proper role of government laboratories in the effort. In this article the author makes several suggestions regarding government's role in promoting a national heat transfer research effort. These suggestions evolve from the author's experience in a government laboratory, his monitoring of relevant research in industry and universities, and experience as a private consultant. In essence the suggestions focus on strengthening the ties and interdependence of the university, industry, and government heat transfer communities. The constraints of a tighter economy, plus limited facilities and personnel, require the strengthening of these ties in order to meet the challenge of advancing the science and technology of heat transfer through carefully selected and executed research.