Science Serving the Nation 



By Lee A. DuBridge 



President, California Institute of Technology 



We are sometimes inclined to think that the phenomenon of 

 science being of service to the Nation is a development of recent 

 years — say since 1940. However, as a matter of fact, science has 

 always been a national asset and has always been in the Nation's 

 service. Science and technology indeed have been among the deci- 

 sive influences that have improved the condition of the American 

 people, and thus made this Nation fine and strong. 



However, even if we think of science directly serving the govern- 

 ment, rather than serving the people generally, we are still not dealing 

 with a new phenomenon. Beginning with the day Benjamin Franklin 

 invented the postage stamp, the United States Government has needed 

 and has used science and teclinology, not only to promote the general 

 welfare of the people but also to advance the special functions of the 

 Federal Government, including, of course, the function of national 

 defense. 



This long experience has led this Nation to the conclusion — a conclu- 

 sion not always expressed or adequately implemented, but nevertheless 

 definite — that the Government and the Nation are heavily dependent 

 for strength, welfare, and security on science and technology. Hence, 

 it follows that the Government must do two things: (1) Make pro- 

 vision for the carrying on of scientific and technological activities 

 within the framework of government to serve specific government 

 needs, and (2) encourage and support throughout the country a strong 

 nongovernment science and technology. Both of these activities are 

 necessary for a strong and prosperous nation in time of peace; both 

 are vital to bring military strength in time of war. 



However, it is one thing to recognize these two facts and obligations ; 

 it is quite another thing to do anything sensible about them. The 

 history of government relations with science is replete with examples 



^ Address delivered at opening ceremonies of new building of The Johns Hop- 

 kins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Howard County, Maryland, October 

 16, 1954, Reprinted by permission of the Laboratory. 



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