America has long been the undisputed world leader in science and innovation, propelling our economy and improving daily life in the country and abroad.
But federal support for scientific research and development has been declining for decades – hindering the search for solutions that will save lives and define the future of our nation.
Now, instead of strengthening the long -standing scientific domination of America, the Congress is considering policies that would worsen this problem. The federal budget proposed by the Trump administration for the coming year calls for deep cuts – more than 50% in some cases – to federal agencies which finance the majority of sciences in American universities.
“The impacts of these cuts would be different from everything observed in the history of the United States,” explains Chris Harrington, associate vice-president of the UC. “The reduction in the funding of university research will make it more difficult for the United States to stay in the lead as other nations accelerate their progress in essential fields for economic and national security, such as quantum IT, energy and biotechnology.”
And as the challenges of research funding increases in America, Harrington notes, American scientists are offered positions abroad, where universities in Europe and Asia have promised stability and support. Thus, when the work of these scientists is bearing fruit in the years to come, it is Europe and Asia – and not the United States – who will benefit from it first and most.