Fiscal cliff, debt ceiling and research funding

[Kholdstare]

Will the recent economic pressure in the US result in funding cuts of the research in the US universities? Let's debate.

 

[nanosiborg]

Will the recent economic pressure in the US result in funding cuts of the research in the US universities? Let's debate.

Probably somewhat. But the Department of Defense related funding, much of which is, arguably, the most wasteful, will, imo, not be significantly affected. This is good news for the scientists and bureaucrats involved, but maybe not such good news for the country, imo.

The biggest, most reasonably cuttable expenditures of the US government (eg., DoD funding, welfare for corporations and the very wealthy) will, imo, probably not be significantly touched. Instead, I predict, a propaganda campaign against government aid to the needy will be mounted, and will result in cuts in medicare, medicaid, social security, and financial, food and housing aid to the poor.

The Obama regime is a pretty conservative one, imo. I don't see it deviating much from traditional conservative actions. In other words, Obama is not about what his rhetoric is intended to lead one to believe he's about ... imho.

Is this a bad thing or a good thing? Imo, it's essentially a good thing. The status quo, and thus a certain predictable stability, will be maintained.

 

[Ai52487963]

If this leaked memo from NASA is accurate, looks like any good NASA-funded REUs are out the window now.

 

[Kholdstare]

If this leaked memo from NASA is accurate, looks like any good NASA-funded REUs are out the window now.

That does not tell anything about research funding, only the useless stuffs get cut off.

 

[LudusRex]

I understand the importance of research funding for the advancement of knowledge and the development of new technologies. The recent economic pressure in the US, specifically the fiscal cliff and debt ceiling, have raised concerns about potential funding cuts for research in US universities.

On one hand, it is possible that the economic pressure may lead to budget cuts for research funding. The government may prioritize other areas of spending, such as healthcare and defense, over scientific research. This could result in a decrease in available funding for universities, making it more difficult for scientists to conduct their research.

However, on the other hand, research funding has historically been seen as a crucial investment for economic growth and innovation. Cutting funding for research could have long-term negative effects on the economy and hinder our ability to remain competitive on a global scale. In addition, universities and research institutions often receive funding from sources other than the government, such as private donations and grants, which could help offset any potential cuts.

It is important to note that research funding is not solely dependent on government funding. Private companies, non-profit organizations, and international collaborations also play a significant role in supporting research. Therefore, while the economic pressure in the US may have some impact on research funding, it is not the sole determinant.

In conclusion, while the fiscal cliff and debt ceiling may put pressure on research funding, it is not a guarantee that there will be cuts. It is important for scientists and universities to continue advocating for the importance of research and its impact on the economy and society. Furthermore, diversifying funding sources and fostering collaborations can help mitigate the potential effects of any funding cuts.