Critics deride US administration’s ‘golden age of science’ report
The document comes as the administration looks to cut the science budget for 2027 The post Critics deride US administration’s ‘golden age of science’ report appeared first on Physics World .
A new report by the Trump administration, titled "Science: A New Golden Age," has stirred controversy within the US scientific community. The 104-page document emphasizes public-private partnerships over university-led research, with critics arguing it prioritizes politics over science. The proposal aims to update the 1945 "Science, the Endless Frontier" document, which led to the creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1950.
It advocates for a significant shift in government R&D spending, targeting universities and instead prioritizing industry and non-profit investments. The report also pushes for a greater use of artificial intelligence in scientific research. However, it faces harsh criticism from experts who fear it could undermine universities and basic research.
Former NSF director Neal Lane criticizes the uniform application of the report's guidelines, while the American Association of University Professors and the Federation of American Scientists view it as a misguided attempt to address challenges in the research enterprise. The administration's proposed budget for 2027 would slash overall government spending on R&D by 22%, significantly impacting NSF, NASA, and the Department of Energy's Office of Science.
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