On Tuesday, June 3, National Academy of Sciences (NAS) President Marcia McNutt delivered her second annual State of the Science address to a packed auditorium at the NAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., while more than 2,000 viewers tuned in virtually. Her speech highlighted the mounting challenges confronting the U.S. scientific community and outlined concrete steps needed to restore the nation’s global leadership in science and technology.
During her address, McNutt underscored the shared aspiration of all Americans. “Whether one is a scientist or not, everyone wants U.S. science to lead the world,” she stated. However, she emphasized that the pressing question is not whether this goal is desirable, but how the country can achieve it in the face of increasing obstacles.
“The elephant in the room is the steep cuts to research budgets and the sweeping changes in federal research policies,” McNutt explained. “These developments raise the question of whether the U.S. can continue to be a research and development powerhouse. In effect, we are conducting a large-scale experiment on the conditions necessary for scientific leadership, with the U.S. serving as the experimental group, and China as the control.”
McNutt stressed the importance of evaluating the outcomes of these policies with scientific rigor. “Like any proper experiment, results must be closely monitored, reported transparently, and adjustments made if policies do not produce the desired results that we all agree are necessary.”
Signs of a Pessimistic Future
McNutt framed her remarks within the context of the National Academies’ 2007 report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, which anticipated the growing global competition for scientific leadership and outlined potential scenarios for the U.S. scientific enterprise. The report had warned that as knowledge and affordable labor became globally accessible, American leadership in science would face erosion.
“For years, under what the report described as a ‘business-as-usual’ approach, the U.S. has followed the traditional Vannevar Bush model,” McNutt said. “Meanwhile, countries like China began adopting similar strategies, reducing America’s dominance in research and development.”
Today, she observed, the evidence suggests that the U.S. is approaching the report’s “pessimistic” scenario—a situation in which the country falls significantly behind other nations in scientific innovation and technological capability. The report identified several key triggers that could bring this about, including cuts in research funding, enticing opportunities abroad that draw talent away, tax policies that discourage private sector R&D, and excessive regulations that sap researchers’ productivity.
“Unfortunately, most of these triggers are now active,” McNutt warned. “Science budgets, particularly for academic research, are slated for substantial reductions to accommodate other policy priorities, including tax cuts. At the same time, uncertainties surrounding funding, coupled with the cancellation of billions of dollars in existing research grants, are prompting an exodus of scientific talent from the U.S.”
She also highlighted the burden of regulations, noting that over 60 percent of the rules imposed on researchers since 1991 were issued in the past decade alone. These regulations, while intended to ensure compliance and safety, often consume valuable time and resources that could otherwise be devoted to innovation.
The consequences of these trends are clear. According to the 2007 report, a pessimistic scenario would result in the loss of talent and investment from the U.S., a diminished presence in global markets, and ultimately, a decline in the standard of living. McNutt urged immediate action to prevent such outcomes. “We cannot wait until these negative effects manifest in our quality of life. We need proactive solutions now.”
Seven Steps to Reclaim U.S. Leadership in Science
McNutt outlined seven critical actions that the nation should pursue to strengthen its scientific enterprise and reestablish global leadership.
1. Strengthen the Culture of Innovation
One of McNutt’s primary concerns is that budget cuts will encourage overly cautious decision-making in funding research. “High-risk, high-reward projects may struggle to secure funding,” she noted, warning that peer reviewers often focus on reasons not to approve proposals rather than their potential for breakthrough discoveries.
She called for evidence-based approaches to research funding that prioritize innovation. “Peer review is not the only model. We should explore alternatives that maximize creativity and scientific impact, using data and expertise rather than ideology or personal preference.”
2. Develop a National Research Strategy
McNutt emphasized that a coherent strategy is essential for managing a multibillion-dollar research enterprise. “No business would operate such a complex organization without a plan, yet that is exactly what we are doing with research in the U.S.”
A comprehensive strategy should coordinate all research funders—including government agencies, private industry, and philanthropic organizations—while aligning them with the needs of research performers. It must balance basic research with applied research that benefits the public good. “Government support is crucial for work that may not have immediate commercial returns but serves the national interest,” she said.
3. Enhance K-12 Science Education
McNutt stressed the need for improving science education at the earliest stages. “Scientific literacy is essential for everyone, not just for future researchers,” she said.
She advocated for teaching methods that foster curiosity and encourage students to engage in hands-on exploration using the scientific method. Addressing large class sizes and improving teacher preparedness are also critical. McNutt noted that emerging technologies, including AI, could help teachers manage curricula and enhance learning outcomes.
4. Build a Robust Domestic STEM Workforce
The U.S. faces a shortage of qualified STEM professionals, and reliance on immigration alone is insufficient to meet growing demand. McNutt recommended rethinking pathways from STEM education to industry roles, ensuring that students acquire practical skills alongside research expertise.
Programs that integrate business knowledge or industry-specific training, such as clinical trial management, should be expanded. She also called for reforms in research career paths and lab structures to align more closely with workforce needs. McNutt invoked the concept of a new “Sputnik moment,” urging investment in talent and institutions capable of achieving the next major scientific milestone.
5. Reduce Bureaucracy and Streamline Processes
Researchers currently spend more than 40 percent of their time on administrative tasks, a significant misallocation of talent and resources. McNutt suggested exploring ways to reduce paperwork, such as auditing approaches or AI-assisted form completion, allowing principal investigators to focus on research rather than compliance.
6. Expand International Collaboration
McNutt described the U.S. retreat from global partnerships as an avoidable setback. Collaborations with other scientifically advanced nations are crucial, particularly given the high cost of cutting-edge research infrastructure. She expressed concern that budget cuts could jeopardize projects in oceanography, space exploration, and polar research, reducing U.S. competitiveness.
7. Rebuild Public Trust in Science
Finally, McNutt emphasized the importance of restoring bipartisan trust in science. “Science should serve all citizens, and scientists must engage with communities to understand and address their concerns,” she said. Transparent communication about how research benefits society is essential. “Funding science is funding hope—for solutions, cures, and a better future. That is the message we must convey.”
Conclusion
McNutt’s address painted a sobering picture of the challenges facing U.S. science, from budget constraints to regulatory hurdles and talent migration. Yet her recommendations provide a clear roadmap for revitalizing the nation’s research enterprise. By fostering innovation, crafting a national strategy, investing in education, strengthening the STEM workforce, streamlining processes, promoting international collaboration, and rebuilding public trust, the United States can reclaim its leadership role in global science.
As McNutt concluded, “Science offers hope for the future. By investing wisely in research, talent, and institutions today, we can ensure that American science continues to lead the world and improve the lives of all citizens.”
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