President Obama encourages more science festivalsMonday, 27 April 2009 | News from the National Academies | Author: Maureen O'Leary |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a speech today to members of the National Academy of Sciences, President Barack Obama announced new initiatives and investments in scientific research, innovation, and education, declaring once again to restore science to its rightful place. "The days of science taking a back seat to ideology are over," he said. Calling science "more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, and our environment than it has ever been," Obama said he is going to make major investments -- 3 percent of the gross domestic product -- in research and innovation. This exceeds the amount invested in 1964 at the height of the space race. He emphasized the importance of using funds to encourage high-risk, high-return research and to support researchers at the beginning of their careers. The president challenged NAS members to use their love and knowledge of science to inspire American students to pursue careers in science and engineering. In addition, he urged NAS members to "think about new and creative ways to engage young people in science and engineering, like science festivals , robotics competitions, and fairs that encourage young people to create, build, and invent -- to be makers of things, not just consumers of things." |