OSA applauds administration's foresight on math and science investments
February 1, 2006, Washington, DC--The Optical Society of America (OSA) today praised President George W. Bush's emphasis on innovation in his annual State of the Union address. This investment in innovation secures new opportunities for scientists and supports the need for ongoing basic research and education in science and mathematics.
In his speech, the President emphasized that innovation is an area of focus for his administration. He discussed that he will be including $5.9 billion in additional funds for research, math and science education, and tax incentives in his 2007 budget request. Additionally, in the next ten years, the administration plans to double research budgets at the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Energy Office of Science, allocate an additional $50 billion for research and provide $86 billion in new money for R&D tax incentives. President Bush also indicated that he plans to work to make the R&D tax credit permanent. Finally, he proposed plans to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science and bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms.
Recent reports, including Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, released by the United States National Academies of Science, point to the need for continued innovation and education in the U.S. to keep the country competitive with others around the world. In fact, The Gathering Storm report called for substantial increases in basic research to support innovation in the U.S., including an increase in federal funding of long-term basic research by ten percent each year for the next seven years and new grant funding for early-career researchers.
"Ongoing research and development are crucial to foster innovation globally," said Elizabeth Rogan, OSA's executive director. "The President's call for an emphasis on math and science education and on basic research is consistent with OSA's own goal to ensure the future of science and technology. We applaud President Bush's foresight in making these topics a significant priority."
A member of the Task Force on the Future of American Innovation, OSA supports continued and increased investment in basic research and development and increased funding for math and science education.