The Rise and Unraveling of America's Science Pact
2 days ago
- #Government Policy
- #Science Funding
- #Innovation Crisis
- The American scientific community is facing a crisis in its relationship with federal government funding.
- Post-WWII federal funding powered American prosperity, global influence, and innovations like the internet and biotech.
- Historical roots of government's role in science include Jefferson’s patent law and early federal science agencies.
- The Civil War and New Deal expanded federal power, including in science and technology.
- The atomic bomb project showcased the success of government-funded science, leading to Vannevar Bush’s 'endless frontier' vision.
- Mid-century saw direct and indirect federal investments in science through NIH and NSF, fostering innovation.
- The pandemic exposed fragility in the government-science alliance, leading to political embarrassment and funding doubts.
- Current short-termism, like reliance on AI promises, ignores urgent health challenges like cancer and future pandemics.
- American science is now in an uncertain transition, with no clear path forward.