The Need for Federal Support for Research

In 1945 Vannevar Bush wrote to President Roosevelt:

"New impetus must be given to research in our country. Such impetus can come promptly only from the Government. Expenditures for research in the colleges, universities, and research institutes will otherwise not be able to meet the additional demands of increased public need for research."

from Science the Endless Frontier

Today, the federal government plays an important role in providing an impetus for scientific research in the United States. The most recent and very significant example of federal support for research is the $10.4 billion reinvestment that was made in the National Institutes of Health as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has provided funding for health-related research throughout the country.

However, many Americans think more needs to be accomplished: Your Congress Your Health poll data indicates that many Americans think our national commitment to research should be higher and that they would like more funding for the NIH, CDC, FDA, and AHRQ.

How much of a role do you think the government should play in providing the impetus for research?

Are there any other organizations, agencies, or institutions that are capable providing an impetus for research?

Are there any other components, apart from funding, that you believe are important for providing an impetus for research?


Image Credit: Grant McCracken


This is Part 4 in our ongoing discussion of Science the Endless Frontier.
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - Flowing Scientific Knowledge
Part 3 - The Importance of Basic Research
Part 4 - The Need for Federal Support for Research