NAS, NAE, IOM Emphasize Basic Research on WFAA-TV

May 13, 2008 -- The presidents of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine recently spoke with Dallas news anchor John McCaa about the need for investment in science and technology to solve pressing national and global problems.

Presidents Ralph Cicerone, Charles Vest, and Harvey Fineberg discussed the importance of basic research in spurring practical technological innovation. They stressed that the United States must remain competitive in science and engineering to maintain its high standard of living and to continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.

The 21st century poses serious challenges including supplying food, water, and energy to the world's growing population, sustaining Earth's environment, and mitigating disease, they said. The presidents rejected the notion that the country must make a choice between basic science and applied research. While practical applications may have more immediate rewards, we rely on new scientific discovery to move forward. The U.S. must focus on both areas at the same time, instead of trading off between research and application.

The Academies’ 2005 report Rising Above the Gathering Storm provides an integrated set of recommendations for policymakers that would help foster U.S. competitiveness, prosperity, and security.