Science, The Endless Frontier (1945)

Science, the Endless Frontier
Information
Author	Vannevar Bush (Director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development)
Language	English
Genre	Government Report
Publisher	United States Government Printing Office
Publication Date	July 1945

Science, The Endless Frontier is a 1945 seminal report by Vannevar Bush of the National Science Foundation (then the Office of Scientific Research and Development) about the future of scientific work and the role of government in it, commissioned by President Franklin Roosevelt in November 1944.

The report laid the foundation for the modern relationship between the U.S. government and scientific research, advocating for government support of basic research, the crucial role of universities, and the establishment of a National Science Foundation (NSF) to ensure the nation's leadership in scientific advancements. It highlights the importance of a robust scientific enterprise for national security, economic growth, and societal well-being. The report's recommendations have had a lasting impact on U.S. science policy, fostering a historically well-funded and independent scientific community.

• On NSF Website
• NSF Archival
• 75th Anniversary Edition

President Roosevelt's Letter

In a letter addressed to Vannevar Bush dated November 17, 1944, President Roosevelt requested his recommendations on the following points:

1. What can be done, consistent with military security, and with the prior ap- proval of the military authorities, to make known to the world as soon as possible the contributions which have been made during our war efort to scientifc knowledge?
2. With particular reference to the war of science against disease, what can be done now to organize a program for continuing in the future the work which has been done in medicine and related sciences?
3. What can the Government do now and in the future to aid research activities by public and private organizations?
4. Can an efective program be proposed for discovering and developing scientifc talent in American youth so that the continuing future of scientifc research in this country may be assured on a level comparable to what has been done during the war?

Introduction

Summary

Bush states that scientific progress is essential for (1) the war against disease, via extended government financial support to basic medical research in U.S. medical schools and universities; (2) national security, via military research during peacetime, supported by a civilian-controlled organization with funds from Congress and close liaison with the U.S. Army and Navy; and (3) public welfare, via a plentiful number of men and women trained in science, strengthened centers of basic research, where creative scientific exploration can flourish with minimal pressure for immediate, tangible results.

Reference

• Clean version of the report
• Older version of the report

See Also

• The Evolution of U.S. Science and Defense Research Policies
• Mansfield Amendment (1969)
• Bayh-Dole Act (1980)
• Eilberg Amendment (1976)
• IMMACT90
• Science Since Babylon

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