The Studies Show Episode 55: Government science funding
Nov 5, 2024
The hosts dive into the impact of government funding on science, especially in light of the US election. They discuss the anxiety within the scientific community over potential budget cuts and the balance between politics and research integrity. The financial returns from science investments are examined, revealing how ÂŁ1 spent can yield significant returns. The conversation also touches on the influence of political agendas on public health and research funding, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous economic assessments.
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Trump's Science Policies
- Nature criticized Trump for ignoring research and undermining science agencies.
- He questioned using disinfectants for COVID-19 and proposed budget cuts to NIH, EPA, and CDC.
Science Funding Concerns
- Scientists' concerns about funding cuts aren't surprising, as they benefit from government subsidies.
- Trump's proposed cuts to science agencies and similar actions by European far-right parties illustrate these concerns.
Claimed ROI of Science Funding
- Scientists argue that science funding has a high return on investment, citing a 12x return per pound invested.
- Andre Geim, known for graphene, recently made this claim in The Guardian.