Keeping the U.S. a World Leader in Science -- Gentile 317 (5835): 194b -- Science

Keeping the U.S. a World Leader in Science -- Gentile 317 (5835): 194b -- Science:

"John Marburger's recent, somewhat cranky statement that U.S. researchers need to rely more on private philanthropy and industry to expand the scientific enterprise ('U.S. science adviser tells researchers to look elsewhere,' J. Mervis, News of the Week, 11 May, p. 817) provides a sobering revelation that the United States has begun to stumble as a world leader in science and technology. Failure to correct this situation will result in incalculable losses in terms of future U.S. economic well-being.

We at Research Corporation, America's first foundation for science advancement (begun in 1912), would like to say we stand ready to heed Marburger's marching orders. We'd like to boldly step forward to fund U.S. scientific research, so that the administration could continue to cut taxes for the rich and focus taxpayer dollars elsewhere, including the reported $9 billion or so it spends every month in Iraq. Alas, we can't.

Our $170 million endowment, even when combined with those of our sister science advancement foundations, isn't likely to meet all the needs of U.S. researchers left high and dry by flat federal funding. In 2004, the top 50 private U.S. foundations awarding science and technology grants distributed just under $456 million (1). This sum pales in comparison to the impact and importance of federal dollars."