## The Future of Science: Marcia McNutt Sets the Stage for a Second State of the Science Address
The scientific community gathers, holding its breath, every few years. That’s when the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, America’s leading scientific advisors, release their sobering, insightful, and often urgent “State of the Science” address. This year, on June 3rd, NAS President Marcia McNutt will take the stage for the second time to deliver this crucial assessment, a landmark moment for the future of scientific progress.
Challenges and Opportunities: The U.S. Research Enterprise Today
In her inaugural State of the Science address, NAS President Marcia McNutt highlighted the stiff global competition in STEM fields and offered a blueprint for an “Endless Frontier 2.0.” The address represents a new bid by science community leaders to focus attention on challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. research enterprise.
McNutt argued that the U.S. faces increasing competition from other countries, particularly China. She pointed out that China passed the U.S. in annual patent production in 2015, in STEM doctorate production in 2018, and now is getting closer to surpassing the U.S. lead in overall R&D spending and the fraction of most cited research papers.
McNutt also highlighted the weaknesses in the U.S. K-12 education system, noting that the U.S. is being outperformed in math and science test scores by other advanced economies. According to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, 40% of eighth-grade students are not proficient in math.
This has significant implications for the future of U.S. research. The U.S. is heavily dependent on foreign students to fill STEM occupations, which McNutt framed as both a risk and an opportunity. Foreign students made up 43% of all science and engineering workers at the doctoral level in 2021, she said. However, 65% of foreign STEM students remain in the U.S. for at least 10 years after graduation, presenting both benefits and challenges.
Building the Scientific Workforce of the Future
Foster Childhood Curiosity: Revitalizing Science Education
McNutt emphasized the importance of early education in STEM fields, arguing that the U.S. needs to reinvigorate science curricula to better foster childhood curiosity. She noted that many Americans know little about scientists, despite the historical strength of the U.S. research system.
According to McNutt, the U.S. needs to improve science education to make STEM careers a reality for more children across the country. This can be achieved by providing more hands-on learning experiences, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting science literacy.
- Provide more hands-on learning experiences in science and math classes
- Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Promote science literacy and awareness
Modernizing Rules of Engagement: Academia and Industry
McNutt also emphasized the need for greater collaboration between academia and industry. She argued that the U.S. needs to modernize rules of engagement between academia and industry in part by providing corporate internship opportunities to students that supplement their stipends and make careers in science more attractive.
According to McNutt, the U.S. needs to create more opportunities for students to work in industry while pursuing their degrees. This can be achieved by creating more corporate internship opportunities, providing more funding for research and development, and promoting greater collaboration between academia and industry.
- Provide more corporate internship opportunities to students
- Provide more funding for research and development
- Promote greater collaboration between academia and industry
Conclusion
As the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine prepares to host its second State of the Science Address, led by NAS President Marcia McNutt, the scientific community is poised to take a step back and assess the current landscape of scientific inquiry. The address, scheduled for June 3, promises to be a comprehensive review of the most pressing scientific issues of our time, from climate change to emerging technologies. Through her remarks, President McNutt will undoubtedly underscore the importance of evidence-based decision-making and the critical role that science plays in shaping our understanding of the world.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated. As the world grapples with the complexities of the 21st century, it is more crucial than ever that we have a clear understanding of the scientific landscape. The State of the Science Address will provide a platform for scientists, policymakers, and the general public to come together and discuss the most pressing challenges facing our planet. Moreover, it will serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that science has the power to drive innovation, create new opportunities, and improve the human condition.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the State of the Science Address will be a catalyst for change. The insights shared by President McNutt will not only inform our understanding of the world but also inspire new generations of scientists, policymakers, and citizens to take action. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize the scientific method, to support research and development, and to harness the power of science to address the complex challenges of our time. Join us on June 3 as we embark on this critical journey, and together, let us shape a brighter, more sustainable future for all.