Inaugural State of the Science Address Will Examine the Strength of the U.S. Research Enterprise to Better Meet National Priorities, Maintain Global Leadership
WASHINGTON — Exploring how U.S. science and innovation are positioned to respond to rising global competition and shifting priorities for the nation’s economy, security, public health, and well-being will be the focus of the first State of the Science address, to be delivered by National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt on June 26 in Washington, D.C.
Advances in science and technology have fueled American prosperity, national security, and health and well-being for decades. However, the nation’s ability to continue to lead the world in science and innovation is under threat as other countries accelerate their efforts in research and technology development. At the same time, U.S. federal support for research is declining while the private sector and philanthropies are investing more in R&D — which could realign priorities for research and how it is being conducted in fundamental ways.
The State of the Science event is intended to bring together leaders in science and research, technology and innovation, policymaking, government, industry, and philanthropy to explore what actions may be needed to chart a course toward a more nimble, more robust U.S. science and technology enterprise that is ready to meet the nation’s current challenges and make vital advances in the future.
Issues to be discussed include:
- U.S. global competitiveness in science and technology
- Alignment of U.S. research efforts with critical national priorities as public and private R&D funding shifts
- STEMM education to adequately prepare the next generation of leaders
- Public trust in science in an era of misinformation and disinformation
The State of the Science address will be followed by a panel discussion. Panelists are:
- Harvey Fineberg (moderator), president of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
- Christie Aschwanden, journalist, author, and host of Scientific American’s “Uncertain” podcast
- Stephanie Diem, assistant professor of nuclear engineering and physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and 2023 cohort member of the National Academies’ New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
- James Manyika, senior vice president of research, technology, and society, Google & Alphabet
- E. Albert Reece, former dean and University Executive Vice President, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- James Marshall Shepherd, associate dean for research, scholarship, and partnerships, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia
- Grace Wang, president, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Details:
The State of the Science address and panel discussion will be held on Wednesday, June 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, followed by a reception, at the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington, D.C.
The State of the Science address is an initiative of the Strategic Council for Research Excellence, Integrity, and Trust of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
