Science and technology have been an essential component of the American political experiment since the beginning. The US constitution explicitly gives Congress the power to promote the progress of science and the useful arts, and several of our most celebrated patriot founders were technically trained (Washington), inventors (Jefferson), and pioneering natural scientists (Franklin).
American prosperity, well-being, and national security have benefitted greatly from the continuation of our political experiment over the past 80 years. In the aftermath of World War II, America’s leaders — from both political parties — envisioned that our nation could better deliver life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by advancing scientific discoveries during a time of peace just as we had during a time of war. That vision led to the US federal government making intentional policies and investments that have cured diseases, underpinned world-changing technologies and products, and provided a better life for Americans and people everywhere.
One of the things that sets American science apart is the efficiency and speed by which capital has been deployed to fund exploratory science without clear returns at the onset followed by the massive investment needed to bring discoveries to scale. That model has created an extraordinary virtuous cycle of government and private investments leading to discovery and then compounded economic benefit.
The rewards have been undeniable. Studying a lizard’s venom led to better diabetes treatment and the life-changing potential to reduce obesity. Investigating human and bird neural pathways in the 1980s paved the way for the artificial intelligence revolution that is changing the world. Audacious engineering in the 1960s to land on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission inspired the recent lunar flyby from the Artemis II crew and a vibrant private space ecosystem. None of these historic achievements would have been possible without US government investment and policies that encouraged massive private investment and returns.
As the nation turns 250, it important to recognize that this successful experiment is an essential chapter in America’s story. This is American ingenuity in action and should be celebrated among our nation’s many achievements.
Even as we celebrate, we must also recognize what is yet to be done and the obligations that fall to us, the current authors of the American story. The story of American science is not perfect — it is aspirational like the American story as a whole. We have not always lived up to our ideals. We have experienced and sometimes been party to damaging ideas. We have seen how political support and funding for science can wax and wane. And yet, our community has continued to innovate and look forward.
The 250th birthday of the United States is an opportunity to recommit to our aspirations. This moment calls upon us once again. We must approach current challenges with clear-eyed understanding of the dangers and deeply felt recognition that we have agency to affect outcomes.
Like our nation, AAAS was also born in Philadelphia. Founded in 1848, we have witnessed what science can do and have played our part to protect and strengthen it. We are patriots not because America or American science are perfect, but because we share the founders’ aspirations for something even greater, and we have the agency to make it so. The story of America and American science is still being written and may it always be.
Happy July 4th, America!