We shall soon see. Tonight in the State of the Union address, our new "Science President" announced a doubling of the Federal budget for programs in basic research in the physical sciences during the next 10 years. Here's the quote:
I propose to double the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next ten years. This funding will support the work of America's most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources.
Given this President's track record on science, one could be a bit dubious about his sincerity or his choice of programs to highlight. In fact, I'm a bit suspicious of the words 'critical programs.' Nanotechnology, supercomputing, and energy alternative research are valid, useful research programs, but the entire rest of the physical sciences are in dire straits too. Nonetheless, I must admit there was something heartening about just hearing the "Science President" say the budget doubling words. Better yet if it's backed up by actual dollars. Will the "Science President" make good on his words? We won't have to wait long to find out. The Federal budget for Fiscal Year 2007 (1 October 2006 - 30 September 2007) is released this coming Monday. CV readers will be some of the first to know...
