SUMMARY 



Interest in the question of Federal aid to research reflects widespread 

 recognition by the American people that the security of a modern nation 

 depends in a vital way upon scientific research and technological progress. 

 It is equally clear that public health, higher standards of living, conserva- 

 tion of national resources, new manufacturing which creates new jobs and 

 investment opportunities — in short, the prosperity, well-being and progress 

 of the American Nation — all require the continued flow of new scientific 

 knowledge. Even if a nation's manpower declines in relative numbers, even 

 if its geographical frontiers become fixed, there always remains one inex- 

 haustible national resource — creative scientific research. 



In view of the importance of science to the Nation, the Federal Govern- 

 ment, by virtue of its charge to provide for the common defense and general 

 welfare, has the responsibility of encouraging and aiding scientific progress. 

 It has recognized this responsibility by providing research laboratories within 

 the structure of government, by providing a climate of law within which 

 industry could progress on its ov>/n initiative, and by making limited appro- 

 priations to certain types of educational institutions. Study of the present 

 status of research has shown convincingly that certain basic parts of our 

 research structure require increased financial support. Since the evidence 

 is clear that private sources cannot assume the entire burden, the committee 

 has been forced to the conclusion that an increased measure of direct Federal 

 aid is necessary. We believe that it is possible to devise methods whereby 

 great benefits to research may be achieved by such aid without sacrificing 

 the freedom essential for scientific advance or the academic independence 

 of our traditional institutions. 



We therefore urge that the Federal Government take a more active interest 

 in promoting scientific research, and in assuring that the Nation gain there- 

 from the benefits of increased security and increased welfare. We are con- 

 vinced that the most effective way for the Federal Government to serve these 

 purposes is to provide to our educational institutions and research institutes 

 support for basic research and training for research. By so doing, the Gov- 

 ernment will increase the flow of new knowledge and the supply of young 

 scientists trained in research. It is on this new knowledge that applied science 

 must build, and it is from the ranks of those trained in research that the 

 leaders in applied science must come. 



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