While the presidential debates have drummed up all kinds of conversation, little of it centers around important science issues, according to an article from U.S. World News & Report. The article, authored by Bernadette Gray-Little, chancellor, University of Kansas, notes that Hillary Clinton briefly touched on the need to develop clean energy jobs and address climate change in the first debate. However, neither major candidate’s platform prioritizes science issues, though these issues are critical to the country’s economic standing, well-being, global leadership position and national security.
U.S. investment in research has reportedly declined. Although the U.S. still outspends any other country, according to the article, in 2014, the United States had slipped to 10th in research and development investment rankings. Research and development in STEM fields reportedly accounts for only 4% of the federal budget, down from nearly 12% in 1965, during the height of the space race. Additionally, U.S. students have fallen to 27th in math and 20th in science in the ranking of 34 nations in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, according to the article.
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