But they have been diverted to a greater extent than is generally appreciated from the search for answers to the fundamental problems -- from the search on which human welfare and progress depends. "Sylvester James Gates Jr., Brown University, "Since World War II, Science, the Endless Frontier has been the central model for science policy in the United States. From early days the Government has taken an active interest in scientific matters. Science, the endless frontier; a report to the President on a program for postwar scientific research by United States. But nowhere in the Governmental structure receiving its funds from Congress is there an agency adapted to supplementing the support of basic research in the universities, both in medicine and the natural sciences; adapted to supporting research on new weapons for both Services; or adapted to administering a program of science scholarships and fellowships. We can no longer count on ravaged Europe as a source of fundamental knowledge. Copy link Link copied. To promote disruptive science and technology, scholars may be encouraged to read widely and given time to keep up with the rapidly expanding knowledge frontier. I believe that, as a permanent measure, it would be appropriate to add to the agency needed to perform the other functions recommended in this report the responsibilities for civilian-initiated and civilian-controlled military research. - In order to insure that men of great competence and experience may be designated as Members of the Foundation and as members of the several professional Divisions, the legislation creating the Foundation should contain specific authorization so that the Members of the Foundation and the Members of the Divisions may also engage in private and gainful employment, notwithstanding the provisions of any other laws: provided, however, that no compensation for such employment is received in any form from any profit-making institution which receives funds under contract, or otherwise, from the Division or Divisions of the Foundation with which the individual is concerned. More elaborate and expensive equipment is required, supplies are more costly, and the wages of assistants are higher. But without scientific progress no amount of achievement in other directions can insure our health, prosperity, and security as a nation in the modern world. print. The search for better anti-malarials, which proceeded at a moderate tempo for many years, has been accelerated enormously by Government support during the war. They are charged with the responsibility of conserving the knowledge accumulated by the past, imparting that knowledge to students, and contributing new knowledge of all kinds. Science, the Endless Frontier 1945 Washington, D. C. Government Printing Office 184 A Report to the President. "Daniel J. Kevles, author of The Baltimore Case: A Trial of Politics, Science, and Character, "During his productive time in Congress and afterward, Rush Holt has been a champion of scientific research and the integration of science into policymaking. To support international cooperation in science by providing financial aid for international meetings, associations of scientific societies, and scientific research programs organized on an international basis. Placing the civilian military research function in the proposed agency would bring it into close relationship with a broad program of basic research in both the natural sciences and medicine. and instead cite the study itself. Much of the scientific research done by Government agencies is intermediate in character between the two types of work commonly referred to as basic and applied research. The scientist doing basic research may not be at all interested in the practical applications of his work, yet the further progress of industrial development would eventually stagnate if basic scientific research were long neglected. Rights and permissions. Colleges and universities in which research will be conducted principally under contract with the Foundation are, unlike commercial institutions, not equipped to handle the detailed vouchering procedures and auditing technicalities which are required of the usual Government contractors. Publication: Science. The death rate for all diseases in the Army, including the overseas forces, has been reduced from 14.1 per thousand in the last war to 0.6 per thousand in this war. In addition a flow of scientific information constitutes one facet of general international accord which should be cultivated. This welcome new edition combines Vannevar Bush's classic text with an urgent essay by Rush Holt on what the model can and cannot do for us in the twenty-first century. View All. The National Research Foundation must, therefore, be free to place its research contracts or grants not only with those institutions which have a demonstrated research capacity but also with other institutions whose latent talent or creative atmosphere affords promise of research success. July 1945. Vannevar Bushs Science, the Endless Frontier remains the touchstone for understanding how Americans regard basic research, why they pay for it, and what benefits they expect. In achieving these results, the Government has provided over-all coordination and support; it has not dictated how the work should be done within any cooperating institution. In 1939 millions of people were employed in industries which did not even exist at the close of the last war -- radio, air conditioning, rayon and other synthetic fibers, and plastics are examples of the products of these industries. Relation to National Security. Except to the extent that military security dictates otherwise, such knowledge should be spread upon the record for the benefit of the general public. After a program is under way perhaps 20 million dollars a year can be spent effectively. To satisfy these considerations I recommend the establishment of a Board, made up equally of scientists and military men, whose function would be to pass upon the declassification and to control the release for publication of scientific information which is now classified. Like him, we need to be informed by history, not hamstrung by it. For more than 5 years many of our scientists have been fighting the war in the laboratories, in the factories and shops, and at the front. In addition, a detailed study, with recommendations concerning the extent to which modifications should be made in our patent laws is currently being made under the leadership of the Secretary of Commerce. Science made that possible, too. But we must proceed with caution in carrying over the methods which work in wartime to the very different conditions of peace. It is estimated that an adequate program for Federal support of basic research in the colleges, universities, and research institutes and for financing important applied research in the public interest, will cost about 10 million dollars at the outset and may rise to about 50 million dollars annually when fully underway at the end of perhaps 5 years. We will not get ahead in international trade unless we offer new and more attractive and cheaper products. Government initiative, support, and coordination can be very effective in this development phase. The Endless Frontier: The Next 75 Years in Science. How will we find ways to make better products at lower cost? We have been living on our fat. The Members should elect their own chairman annually. The Members of the Foundation should have the following functions, powers, and duties: And with the advice of the National Research Foundation Divisions concerned -, 2. In the Government the arrangement whereby the numerous scientific agencies form parts of larger departments has both advantages and disadvantages. First issued when Vannevar Bush was the director of the US Office of Scientific Research and Development during the Second World War, this classic remains vital in . Since 1900 a large number of scientific agencies have been established within the Federal Government, until in 1939 they numbered more than 40. Policy for the Endless Frontier: "Origins and Ambitions of the CHIPS and Science Act". Modern war requires the use of the most advanced scientific techniques. Now, lets get on with the work of getting science to do its part in our society. Scientific progress on a broad front results from the free play of free intellects, working on subjects of their own choice, in the manner dictated by their curiosity for exploration of the unknown. It's one thing to have equations describing the way a single molecule of water behaves. BERNHARD RUST (1883 - 1945) Nazi Minister of Science, Education and National Culture. Steps should be taken to reduce that handicap. Progress in the war against disease results from discoveries in remote and unexpected fields of medicine and the underlying sciences. Research is also affected by the patent laws. The National Academy of Sciences hosted a symposium on February 26, 2020, that gathered top business, academic, and government leaders to explore whether the modern research architecture that fuels U.S. innovation needs to be reconfigured to meet the challenges of our time. In this manuscript, we study . the report Science: The Endless Frontiers "Bush produced a political document, a textual weapon for the political battles that took place from 1945 to 1950 on the form, objectives, and de . "In his companion essay to this new edition of Science, the Endless Frontierthe blueprint for American science since World War IIRush Holt argues that a more expansive philosophical vision of the value of science is needed, one that embraces the public as a more equal partner. Effects of Mobilization of Science for War. There are certain kinds of research - such as research on the improvement of existing weapons -- which can best be done within the military establishment. We shall have rapid or slow advance in this direction or in that depending on the number of really first-class men who are engaged in the work in question. Budget. The plan is, further, that all those who receive such scholarships or fellowships in science should be enrolled in a National Science Reserve and be liable to call into the service of the Government, in connection with scientific or technical work in time of war or other national emergency declared by Congress or proclaimed by the President. To get top leadership there must be a relatively large base of high ability selected for development and then successive skimmings of the cream of ability at successive times and at higher levels. There is, however, a very real need for some measure of coordination of the common scientific activities of these agencies, both as to policies and budgets, and at present no such means exist. Our ability to overcome possible future enemies depends upon scientific advances which will proceed more rapidly with diffusion of knowledge than under a policy of continued restriction of knowledge now in our possession. While additional physicians, hospitals, and health programs are needed, their full usefulness cannot be attained unless we enlarge our knowledge of the human organism and the nature of disease. 20 as a In War. One of the peculiarities of basic science is the variety of paths which lead to productive advance. Save Cancel CONTENTS Preface 1: Introduction 2: Pathways to Leadership Then and Now 3: Responding to an Evolving Research Enterprise 4: Science and the Public 5: Science and Philanthropy Apart from teaching, however, the primary obligation of the medical schools and universities is to continue the traditional function of such institutions, namely, to provide the individual worker with an opportunity for free, untrammeled study of nature, in the directions and by the methods suggested by his interests, curiosity, and imagination. Other examples can be cited in which medical progress has been similarly advanced. This is our present position despite the fact that in the last three decades notable progress has been made in civilian medicine. Yet, uncertainties in the operation of the patent laws have impaired the ability of small industries to translate new ideas into processes and products of value to the nation. CHAPTER 2. United States Penicillin reached our troops in time to save countless lives because the Government coordinated and supported the program of research and development on the drug. CiteSeerX - Document Details (Isaac Councill, Lee Giles, Pradeep Teregowda): On February 16, 1999, the federal governmentannounced a major change to its science policy.Some $450 million in public funds will be spent to create research institutes and networks of centres of excellence with the goal of promoting research activities and targeting specific scientific objectives. Rush Holt offers incisive reflections on Bushs blind spots and bold plan, making this the definitive edition for our era.Angela N. H. Creager, Princeton University, "Vannevar Bushs Science, the Endless Frontier had an immense influence on the development of US science and technology as forces for public good. 7. Alert. These industries generate new jobs and new products, all of which contribute to the welfare and the strength of the country. Further, we cannot expect industry adequately to fill the gap. - The function of this Division should be to support research in the physical and natural sciences. 3. Some of us know the vital role which radar has played in bringing the United Nations to victory over Nazi Germany and in driving the Japanese steadily back from their island bastions. Uncertainties as to the attitude of the Bureau of Internal Revenue regarding the deduction of research and development expenses are a deterrent to research expenditure. In making such appointments the Members should request and consider recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences which should be asked to establish a new National Research Foundation nominating committee in order to bring together the recommendations of scientists in all organizations. In recent decades, Chinese researchers have become preeminent contributors to the scientific enterprise, as reflected by the number of publications originating from Chinese research institutions. Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS. Without scientific progress the national health would deteriorate; without scientific progress we could not hope for improvement in our standard of living or for an increased number of jobs for our citizens; and without scientific progress we could not have maintained our liberties against tyranny. II. Available as To a considerable extent this progress reflected the liberal financial support from university endowment income, gifts from individuals, and foundation grants in the 20's. Science, by itself, provides no panacea for individual, social, and economic ills. These uncertainties are also attributable to the existence of certain abuses, which have appeared in the use of patents. In order, however, to secure the part-time services of the most competent men as Members of the Foundation and the Divisions, these stringent prohibitions should be relaxed to the extent indicated. Since research does not fall within the category of normal commercial or procurement operations which are easily covered by the usual contractual relations, it is essential that certain statutory and regulatory fiscal requirements be waived in the case of research contractors. For reasons presented in this report we are entering a period when science needs and deserves increased support from public funds. Organization. The Federal Government should accept new responsibilities for promoting the creation of new scientific knowledge and the development of scientific talent in our youth. Legislation on this point should leave to the Members of the Foundation discretion as to its patent policy in order that patent arrangements may be adjusted as circumstances and the public interest require. Private foundations and other groups partially fulfill some of these functions at present, but their scope is incomplete and inadequate. . This is the American way: a man works for what he gets.". Research within the Government represents an important part of our total research activity and needs to be strengthened and expanded after the war. It is important that the patent system continue to serve the country in the manner intended by the Constitution, for it has been a vital element in the industrial vigor which has distinguished this nation. SCIENCE AND THE PUBLIC WELFARE We have given much thought to the question of how plans for the use of Federal funds may be arranged so that such funds will not drive out of the picture funds from local governments, foundations, and private donors. Written by Vannevar Bush, president of the Carnegie Institution of . During the war it has been necessary for selected groups of scientists to work on specialized problems, with relatively little information as to what other groups were doing and had done. There are no standing committees of the Congress devoted to this important subject. They must offer research opportunities and sufficient compensation to enable them to compete with industry and government for the cream of scientific talent. Princeton, New Jersey 08540 "David Kaiser, author of Quantum Legacies: Dispatches from an Uncertain World, "Rush Holt introduces Science, the Endless Frontier to a whole new audience, and shows us why we all should be reading Vannevar Bushs landmark report. Technology and Public Purpose Project Study Group. In discharging these responsibilities Federal funds should be made available. In providing government support, however, we must endeavor to preserve as far as possible the private support of research both in industry and in the colleges, universities, and research institutes. Read full-text. This involves improved high school instruction, provision for helping individual talented students to finish high school (primarily the responsibility of the local communities), and opportunities for more capable, promising high school students to go to college. During the nineteenth century the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the Naval Observatory, the Department of Agriculture, and the Geological Survey were established. To devise and promote the use of methods of improving the transition between research and its practical application in industry. There should be no obligation on the research institution to patent discoveries made as a result of support from the Foundation. In the event that if you are a researcher, educator and understudy occupied with science history, or anybody keen on figuring out how science has been upheld by government authority, you'll value The National Science Foundation's Science: The Endless Frontier" as a helpful chronicled asset for the present academic local area. . Download Citation. For example, the National Research Foundation should be authorized by legislation to make, modify, or amend contracts of all kinds with or without legal consideration, and without performance bonds. Office of Scientific Research and Development; Bush, Vannevar, 1890-1974 Publication date 1960 Topics Science and state -- United States, Research -- United States Publisher Washington, National Science Foundation Collection To formulate over-all policies of the Foundation. Basic research is performed without thought of practical ends. First issued when Vannevar Bush was the director of the US Office of Scientific Research and Development during the Second World War, this classic remains vital in . At the same time, the teaching hospitals are especially well qualified to carry on medical research because of their close connection with the medical schools, on which they depend for staff and supervision. Recommendations regarding the allocation of research programs among research organizations. Many of the leaders in the development of radar are scientists who before the war had been exploring the nucleus of the atom. Further progress requires that the entire front of medicine and the underlying sciences of chemistry, physics, anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, bacteriology, pathology, parasitology, etc., be broadly developed. This is the American way; this is the way the United States has become what it is. In the future we must pay increased attention to discovering this knowledge for ourselves particularly since the scientific applications of the future will be more than ever dependent upon such basic knowledge. VII. The bitter and dangerous battle against the U-boat was a battle of scientific techniques -- and our margin of success was dangerously small. Special Authority. should not prevent us from pointing out some of the shortcomings of that pioneering effort. This has always been true and is likely to remain so. Recommendation of arrangements with State and local authorities in regard to cooperation in a program of science scholarships and fellowships. THE MEANS TO THE END This is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of science in America. Thanks to the wise provision of the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, most of the results of war-time medical research have been published. Much medical progress, for example, will come from fundamental advances in chemistry. Clearly the program should grow in a healthy manner from modest beginnings. Similarly, advance payments should be allowed in the discretion of the Director of the Foundation when required. In some cases coordinated direct attack on special problems may be made by teams of investigators, supplementing similar attacks carried on by the Army, Navy, Public Health Service, and other organizations. Science, the Endless Frontier is recognized as the landmark argument for the essential role of science in society and government's responsibility to support scientific endeavors. These private sources should continue to carry their share of the financial burden. Two of those limitations are especially worthy of our attention. For even if we should start now to train the current crop of high school graduates, it would be 1951 before they would complete graduate studies and be prepared for effective scientific research. SCIENCE, THE ENDLESS FRONTIER AT 75. A report to the President by United States. Maintaining liaison with other scientific research agencies, both governmental and private, concerned with the work of the Division. About this article. A balance between military and other research could thus readily be maintained. The usual controls of audits, reports, budgeting, and the like, should, of course, apply to the administrative and fiscal operations of the Foundation, subject, however, to such adjustments in procedure as are necessary to meet the special requirements of research. As in the case of the research sponsored during the war by the Office of Scientific Research and Development, the research sponsored by the National Research Foundation should be conducted, in general, on an actual cost basis without profit to the institution receiving the research contract or grant. Statistically it is certain that important and highly useful discoveries will result from some fraction of the undertakings in basic science; but the results of any one particular investigation cannot be predicted with accuracy. Science Is a Proper Concern of Government. Science only lives, and progresses, when the status quo is regularly attacked, and disrupted. Overview []. The commercial incentive can be relied upon for that. . There is thus an accumulating deficit of trained research personnel which will continue for many years. It provides scientific capital. The Endless Frontier: The Next 75 Years in Science The National Academy of Sciences hosted a symposium on February 26, 2020, that gathered top business, academic, and government leaders to explore whether the modern research architecture that fuels U.S. innovation needs to be reconfigured to meet the challenges of our time. Working against time, the Office of Scientific Research and Development has been obliged to enforce this practice during the war, although it was realized by all concerned that it was an emergency measure which prevented the continuous cross-fertilization so essential to fruitful scientific effort. In international trade unless we offer new and more attractive and cheaper.. Which work in wartime to the welfare and the underlying sciences required, supplies are more costly, and can. Science Act & quot ; hamstrung by it use of methods of improving the transition between research its. Do its part in our youth the numerous scientific agencies form parts of larger has. 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