The Fragile Foundation of Progress: Why Investing in Science is Crucial for America’s Future

For centuries, humanity operated under assumptions about the world that, in retrospect, seem astonishingly naive. We believed the sun revolved around the Earth, that diseases were caused by “miasmas” – foul vapors in the air – and, as recently as the 1950s, that lobotomies were a viable treatment for mental illness. What overturned these long-held beliefs? The rigorous application of the scientific method: hypothesizing, experimenting, observing, analyzing, and publishing results. Today, that very method is facing a new wave of skepticism, one that threatens not only future progress but also the hard-won gains of the past.

The Power of the Scientific Method

The scientific method isn’t merely a collection of techniques; it’s a powerful tool for converting the unknown into the known, resolving uncertainty, and adapting to new information. It’s the engine behind countless breakthroughs that have improved human life, from eradicating diseases to developing life-saving technologies. As Vannevar Bush, head of the Office of Scientific Research and Development during World War II, wrote, “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.”

America’s Scientific Legacy and Economic Growth

Following World War II, strategic investments in science propelled the United States to global leadership in economics, technology, and military strength. Innovations like the telephone, lightbulb, airplane, semiconductors, and the internet all stemmed from scientific inquiry. More recently, scientific advancements were instrumental in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Science Foundation, approximately 85% of U.S. GDP growth since the end of World War II can be attributed to advances in science and technology. [1]

A Growing Threat: Erosion of Trust in Science

However, this progress is now at risk. A concerning trend of skepticism, fueled by misinformation and the spread of unsubstantiated claims, is undermining public trust in science. This isn’t simply healthy debate; it’s the presentation of personal opinions as facts, disregarding experimental data and established evidence. The consequences are already visible, with declining vaccination rates leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles. [1] In the first two months of 2026, the U.S. Has already documented 1,281 measles cases, exceeding half the total cases reported for all of 2025 (2,283 cases). [1]

The Global Competition: China’s Investment in Science

Although skepticism towards science grows in some corners of the U.S., other nations are doubling down on investment. China, for example, has increased its spending on biopharma research and development by a staggering 400-fold in the last decade. [1] China now files a comparable number of biotech patents as the U.S. And has a similar number of novel medicines in development. This strategic investment positions China to become a global leader in innovation, potentially leaving the U.S. Reliant on other countries for critical medicines and technologies.

The Stakes are High: Health, Security, and Prosperity

The implications of abandoning the scientific method are profound. We risk reversing decades of progress, returning to a time when preventable diseases were rampant and life expectancy was significantly lower. We jeopardize our health, national security, and economic prosperity. Ignoring scientific evidence isn’t just a matter of intellectual disagreement; it’s a threat to our collective future.

Protecting the Future of Innovation

The choice is clear. We must reaffirm our commitment to the scientific method, encouraging skepticism to be expressed through rigorous experimentation and data analysis. We must defend the institutions that support scientific research and innovation. By doing so, we can ensure a future of health, security, and continued progress for generations to approach. [1]