Science: A New Golden Age

Key claim: OSTP blueprint for restructuring federal R&D: refocus support on individual scientists, diversify funding mechanisms beyond consensus peer review, stand up agile research organizations, institutionalize metascience.

Abstract

SCIENCE A N E W G O L D E N A G E A REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT BY MICHAEL KRATSIOS DIRECTOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY JULY 2026

i “The American story is one of boundless creativity and bold ambition, driven by an indomitable pioneering spirit that propels exploration and discovery. It is this spirit that illuminated the world with Edison’s lightbulb, carried the Wright brothers into the skies, and sent Armstrong to the moon. Today, a new frontier of scientific discovery lies before us.” President Donald J. Trump January 23, 2025 SCIENCE: A NEW GOLDEN AGE

ii letter of transmittal v president trump’s letter viii summary of the report x chapter i introduction Scientific Progress Remains Essential 1 As the Source of Our Triumphs 2 The Landscape Is Changing 3 New Frontiers and New Approaches 4 Growing Private Sector R&D 5 The Linear Model No Longer Holds 7 Our Researchers Face Mounting Challenges 8 A Time of Urgent Scientific Need 8 Regaining Leadership 10 The President’s Charge 11 chapter ii revitalizing america’s science and technology enterprise The Scientific Machine Is Getting Bogged Down 13 Slowed by Growing Frictions 15 The Incumbency Tax 15 Weakened Meritocracy 17 Misaligned Incentives 17 The Reproducibility Crisis 18 A Lack of Accountability 19 A Better Path Forward 20 Adapting to the Changing Nature of Science 22 Novel Performers 24 New Mechanisms 26 Better Grantmaking 27 Prize Challenges 28 Future Ideas 29 A Portfolio-Based Approach 30 Driving Constant Innovation 31 Table of Contents

iii chapter iii securing u.s. dominance in critical and emerging technologies We Must Choose Our Technological Future 33 Failure of the Passive Model 34 Choosing to Lead 35 Fighting in Our Own Arena 35 Unleashing Innovation 36 The Freedom to Build 37 Places to Test 38 Opening America’s Laboratories 40 Tapping Our Private Sector 41 Closer Partnerships 42 Marshaling Grand Efforts 43 Pre-Competitive Consortia 44 Our National Character 45 chapter iv ensuring that science and technology better the lives of all americans The Marriage of Science and Craft 47 Our Manufacturing Base 48 Vast Potential Remains Untapped 49 Our Educational System Tilted the Scales 50 We Must Restructure Science as a Broader Endeavor 51 Expanding Participation 52 Integrated Models of Training 53 New Paths for Translation 54 Making Progress Available to All 55 Table of Contents

iv chapter v a new golden age The Age of Intelligence 57 Adapting Our Institutions 59 Buildi

Why this matters

OSTP blueprint for restructuring federal R&D: refocus support on individual scientists, diversify funding mechanisms beyond consensus peer review, stand up agile research organizations, institutionalize metascience.

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