Trump Administration Announces Science Priorities

In a recent memo from the White House, federal agencies were directed to prioritize military superiority, national security, economic growth, energy, and health in their fiscal year (FY) 2019 budget submissions for science. Moreover, agencies are encouraged to focus on research investments that “best serve the American people and are budget neutral.” The memo is a significant departure from the FY 2017 research and development (R&D) budget memo issued by the Obama Administration, which prioritized climate change, clean energy, Earth observation, advanced manufacturing, and innovations in the life sciences. Although public health was included as a priority by both administrations, the emphases are very different. For 2017, basic research in areas such as neuroscience, the microbiome, and infectious disease were emphasized. Conversely, the 2019 memo stresses disease prevention, treatment, and cure, especially “solution for an aging population.” The memo directs that “when considering new research programs, agencies should ensure that the proposed programs are based on sound science, do not duplicate existing R&D efforts, and have the potential to contribute to the public good. Agencies should also identify existing R&D programs that could progress more efficiently through private sector R&D, and consider their modification or elimination where Federal involvement is no longer needed or appropriate.” In regards to science e...
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news