Friday July 17, 2009
Obama pledges largest commitment to scientific research in history
In an April 27 speech at the Annual Meeting of the National Academy of Sciences, President Barack Obama pledged to make the largest commitment to scientific research and innovation in American history. He promised more than 3 percent of our Gross Domestic Product to research and development.
In the speech, the President outlined an ambitious agenda that includes:
1. A commitment to finish the 10-year doubling of three key science agencies (National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology).
2. Launch of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.
3. Department of Energy support for 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers with a total planned commitment of $777 million. Roughly one-third of the centers will be supported by Recovery Act funding.
4. Launch of RE-ENERGYSE (Regaining our ENERGY Science and Engineering Edge), a joint initiative by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to inspire tens of thousands of American students to pursue careers in science, engineering and entrepreneurship related to clean energy.
5. The composition of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
6. Development of a national publicity campaign, featuring the President, to inspire young people to excel in STEM and pursue careers as scientists, engineers and innovators.
For more information, see the White House Fact Sheet.
Copyright UW Oshkosh
