Nobel Prize Winners Seek Stronger Support for Basic Science

Sixty Nobel Prize winners have sent a letter to President Clinton and Congress asking for the maintenance of federal funding for university-based research. Accompanying the letter was a statement by The Science Coalition, a national network of approximately 350 universities, companies, associations and individuals. The statement notes that the American Association for the Advancement of Science calculated that the Clinton Administration’s and Congress’ budget plans call for 24.5% and 22.8% (respectively) reductions in non-defense R&D by FY 2002, after allowing for inflation.

The letter, dated June 19, follows: “Dear President Clinton and Members of Congress:

“As men and women who have helped to shape the modern scientific age and who care deeply about the future of our nation, we urge you to reaffirm the fundamental role of the federal government in supporting basic scientific research.

“Americans have been awarded more than one-half of all Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry and medicine since 1945. This impressive success is no accident, but the result of a firm and consistent commitment by the federal government to basic science research at our universities. Our nation’s policymakers and public have been prudent investors because their support has paid off in tremendous ways.

“America’s investment in research over the last fifty years has been a vital source of our economic and political strength around the world, as well as the quality of life Americans enjoy at home. The polio vaccine, computers, jet propulsion and disease resistant grains and vegetables are some of the thousands of advances pioneered at our universities that have had dramatic benefits for our health, economy, security and quality of life.

“New and equally breathtaking advances may be just around the corner. Genetic research, for example, gives promise of better treatments for Alzheimer’s, cancer and other diseases. Lighter and stronger composite materials may be developed with important applications in transportation, medicine and the military. Continuing support for university-based research will not only pave the way for these important breakthroughs, but will also train the next generation of pioneers and Nobelists.

“The engine of scientific innovation and discovery cannot fuel itself. Our own achievements and the benefits they have brought would not have been possible without the government’s `patient’ capital. Discoveries are rarely made instantaneously, but result from years of painstaking work by scientists in a variety of fields. With competition forcing industry to focus research investments on returns over the shorter term, the government is left with the crucial role of making the longer term investment in discovery.

“America’s future prosperity will depend on a continued commitment to producing new ideas and knowledge, and the people educated to apply them successfully. They will be central to our economic opportunity in the face of intense global competition, to our protection against renewed threats to our security and environment, and to ensuring the health of Americans. Federal funding for university-based research is an investment in our future that should be maintained.”

Signatories to the letter are: