In each of the past four years, however, federal investment in research has declined, and President Clinton's budget calls for yet another drop next year. Since March, in an unprecedented show of unity, the heads of over 40 organizations representing more than 1.5 million scientists, engineers, and mathematicians have endorsed a joint statement expressing alarm that research investments as a percentage of GDP are approaching a 40-year low. Gramm wants a doubling of science spending over the next decade. The arguments for substantial increases are compelling. Some believe the end of the cold war means we no longer need scientific research to protect our security.
Economists believe research is also essential to growth and keeping our competitive edge.
Finally, we should understand how science advances our quality of life. Since brain-related disorders send more Americans to the hospital than any other disease group, this progress is very good news indeed. At a time of scarce resources in Washington, it is tempting to see the scientific community as just one more hungry claimant. Like public education, serious funding for science is a vital national investment. The men and women in our laboratories stand at the threshold of dazzling new breakthroughs, and the nation should be standing there with them, supporting their work and sharing in their joy of discovery.