We know that scientific research leads to innovation and that innovation is a key driver of a modern economy. And yet…
Canada’s main funder of science research, the federal government, is entering a period of post-stimulus restraint. In the United States, NASA’s multi-billion dollar budget is on the chopping block. In the private sector, large pharmaceutical companies are bracing for the end of patents on some of their most profitable drugs and lowering research budgets accordingly.
In an era of restraint where does scientific research fit on the ladder of competing values? Where does exploration without an obvious short to medium term monetary return fit in?
From better pacemakers to smoke detectors, the spinoffs from NASA research are numerous. With the ease of communications, travel and shipping a scientific breakthrough can go global with ease. The countries that invent and commercialize derive tremendous economic benefits.
If we work on the premise that scientific research is important for improving society and for the economy, how best is it done?
For example NASA is increasingly funding smaller projects like the Kepler Mission while traditionally they focused on much larger projects. Some would be content to leave space travel to the open market, where various companies are working on for-profit space flight.
Here in Canada does the federal government need to change how scientific research is funded or supported? Does the private sector have a larger role to play?
This week Nature news editor Ivan Semeniuk joins us to talk about four areas in the world of science.
Monday: Future of NASA
Tuesday: Super Telescopes
Wednesday: Life on Mars and Beyond
Thursday: Hidden Universe
This post was written by Stavros Rougas.
