NASEM President Marcia McNutt Speaks on History of Research Funding at AAAS Meeting

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) held it’s 2023 Annual Meeting on March 2-5 in Washington DC. During the conference, Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) provided a keynote address, The Past, Present, and Future of our Research Enterprise. McNutt discussed the evolution of science funding through the years, particularly referencing the decline of funding after the Cold War. McNutt noted that the research enterprise in the United States does not have the capacity to meet demand for scientific insights, and oftentimes, funding falls short. McNutt recommended improving funding and access to education, and integrating multiple disciplines to engage in research that is evidence and solution based.

In addition, McNutt cited “rebuilding trust in science” as an essential part of advancing the research enterprise. She identified lack of representation and ineffective communication as barriers to rebuilding trust. She recommended that research focus on being diverse and easy-to-understand for public use. Additionally, McNutt addressed the need to inform the public through trusted brands and spokespeople to improve communication from science to the people.