Science and the global economy: uncertainty and shifting priorities

Public support for the U.S. science is based on a long-standing social contract which asserts that advances in science and technology will make us safer and more prosperous as a nation. After WW2, these economic and security benefits were tied to a Cold War geopolitical context aimed at creating and maintaining a global system of allies and adversaries. Today, growing economic and security tensions are challenging this global system and raising uncertainty. Recently – despite the current period of intense political polarization – there have been a few areas of significant political consensus that are reshaping U.S. policy priorities that affect science programs. I will review these recent developments and share my perspectives on their origins, before speculating about what these shifting views may mean for science at U.S. universities.