Obama Vows to Invest 3% of GDP in Science Research

President Obama today pledged to devote a whopping 3% of US Gross Domestic Product to investment in scientific research and development.  In a speech at the annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences, Obama told the crowd "I believe it is not in our character, American character, to follow -- but to lead. And it is time for us to lead once again. I am here today to set this goal: we will devote more than 3 percent of our GDP to research and development."  To give an idea of the scope of the new funding, Obama added "We will not just meet but we will exceed the level achieved at the height of the space race."

There are few investments as important to our future as those in scientific research and development.  The new administration's focus on funding science is yet another sign that the United States is regaining its sense of priorities after years in the darkness from an administration that all too often viewed science as its enemy.LINKS:

AFP: Obama vows return to US science prominence

physicsworld: Obama outlines science vision

WSJ: Political Wisdom: Swine Flu Makes Scientific Research Push Easier