President Calls for Major Investment in Scientific Research

In an address before the National Academies of Science Monday, President Obama called for a major investment (three percent of the nation’s gross domestic product) in research and development. 

“America has fallen behind other countries in science,” Obama said. “Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment and our quality of life than it has ever been."

He cited the pursuit of discovery a half century ago as what fueled the nation’s prosperity and success and he pledged to exceed the level of research that took place during the space race. 

"The commitment I am making today will fuel our success for another 50 years," he said. "This work begins with an historic commitment to basic science and applied research."

Three percent of the GDP amounts to about $420 billion. Obama said he plans to double the budget of key science agencies over a decade, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy Office of Science and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology. He outlined a number of other initiatives including programs and scholarships to encourage American students to pursue careers in science, engineering and business related to clean energy.

For details, see the story from the Associated Press: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_SCIENCE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT