WASHINGTON — The health of the U.S. scientific enterprise and its ability to compete globally and contribute to the nation’s economy, security, public health, and quality of life will be explored at the inaugural State of the Science address, to be delivered by National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt on June 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The event will bring together policymakers and leaders in academia, government, the private sector, and philanthropy to discuss opportunities and challenges within the research ecosystem — with the goal of better positioning science to make vital advances in the future.

“Just as the annual State of the Union address gives Americans a sense of how the nation is doing on key priorities, I hope that the State of the Science address will provide policymakers and the public with a clear picture of the overall direction of the U.S. research enterprise — including its strengths, potential shortcomings, and possible pathways for the future,” McNutt said. “Science has provided the foundation for decades of American prosperity and improved quality of life and well-being. By taking stock of where we are now, we will be better able to steer efforts toward ensuring that our research community can maximize its contributions to our nation and to all Americans.”

To inform the address, scientific leaders will identify trends and contribute data on issues such as the quality and vitality of the research enterprise and its impact on society, strategic and funding priorities, and public confidence in science. After the address on June 26, a panel of representatives from government, research institutions, industry, and philanthropic organizations will discuss the findings.

The State of the Science address is an initiative of the Strategic Council for Research Excellence, Integrity, and Trust of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Launched in the fall of 2021 and charged with advancing the overall health, quality, and effectiveness of the research enterprise across all domains that fund, execute, disseminate, and apply scientific work in the public interest, the Strategic Council seeks to optimize the excellence and trustworthiness of research for the benefit of society.

“We are looking forward to some important and timely discussions about the data on where science is now, so that we can best monitor future trends to evaluate what we hope will be the ever-increasing rigor, excellence, and impact of our nation’s scientific enterprise,” said David Allison, co-chair of the council and dean, distinguished professor, and provost professor at the Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health.

“Science is essential for the future success of our nation, and we need to be doing everything possible to ensure that we have a thriving research enterprise in the years ahead,” added France Córdova, council co-chair, president of the Science Philanthropy Alliance, and former director of the National Science Foundation. 

Details:

The State of the Science address, panel discussion, and a reception will be held Wednesday, June 26, at the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington, D.C.

• Click here for more information or to register to attend.