Log In | Join | Search | Site Map | Contact
Home About AAAS Programs Membership Publications News Career Support
 
 
 
  Advanced search  
   
 
 
  News Archives
 
 

AAAS Studies Trends in Research

Which fields of research are gaining the most support? AAAS studies of trends in federal research by discipline from 1970 to 2001 show that federal funding for the life sciences has quadrupled over the past three decades. By contrast, funding for engineering, physical sciences, environmental sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, social sciences, and psychology (which receive their funding from several different agencies) are relatively flat, or at most, show modest growth. Funding for the life sciences, meanwhile, has skyrocketed in parallel with the NIH budget.

Science magazine's predictions for 2002 show that balanced R&D spending could support an array of advances. Specifically, significant advances are expected in:

  • astronomy with the proposed launch of a second large telescope in Chile;
  • more precise global positioning systems through the use of optical clocks that rely on visible light waves; and
  • greater clarity of visualization systems through improved imaging technology; and
  • faster computers that will allow us to examine biological molecules and watch cell signaling as it occurs.

"Our continued national security and improving quality of life depend on a uniformly healthy and rapidly growing science and technology enterprise," said AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner. His testimony, before the U.S. Senate Science, Technology and Space Subcommittee, "reflects our belief that balanced and strong support across the entire science and technology enterprise is critical to the nation's future," he said.

Return to main article.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Copyright © 2008. American Association for the Advancement of Science.
All rights reserved. Read our privacy policy. Contact info.
Mission | History | Organization | Fellows | Annual Meeting | Affiliates | Awards | Giving
Education | Science & Policy | International Office | Centers
Join | Renew | Benefits | Member Sections | Membership Categories | Log in
Science Online | Books & Reports | Newsletters | SB&F | Annual Report | Store
Press Room | Events | Media Contacts | News Archives
Science Careers | Fellowships | Internships | Employment at AAAS
Other News Sources
ScienceNow News  
 
Science Update Radio  
 
EurekAlert! News Headlines  
 
Science for Kids  
 
Science Sources  
 
Resources for Reporters  
 
News Release Archives  
 
AAAS News & Notes  
 
RSS Feeds