Strong U.S. Government Investment in Science is Essential for Discovery and Prosperity for All Americans
SCU Advocates for Science
[Washington, DC, March 7, 2025] – Today, the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) made the following statement:
SCU categorically opposes the recent hasty and arbitrary funding freezes imposed by the federal government on public science and research agencies. These actions include overhead caps, mass layoffs, credit card freezes, communication blackouts, data erasures, keyword censorship, and other disruptive measures.
These agencies are crucial to our country’s investment in scientists, scientific institutions, and research programs, including those dedicated to the examination of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).
The entire U.S. research community is being adversely affected by these reckless decisions. We stand united with millions of scientists, citizens, and organizations across the country in support of science.
The funding interruptions have significantly diminished graduate school admissions nationwide, led to widespread hiring freezes at universities, canceled undergraduate summer and year-long programs, disrupted long-term data collection efforts, stalled projects, and hindered the submission of new research proposals. Many top researchers and early-career scientists are now seeking more stable funding abroad, posing a risk of a “brain drain” if these issues persist. This could jeopardize our economic growth for many years.
Federal funding for scientific research has historically brought transformative change to society, showcasing the benefits of investing in discovery:
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Space Exploration: NASA’s Apollo program not only landed humans on the Moon but also spawned innovations such as satellite communications, GPS, and miniaturized computing technology, all vital to today’s global economy.
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Medical Advancements: Research backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has played a crucial role in developing life-saving vaccines for diseases like polio and influenza and producing treatments for cancer. Such investments have significantly enhanced American health, well-being, and longevity.
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Extreme Events: Programs from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and NASA have advanced Earth environmental forecasting, leading to better predictions of severe weather and climate changes. This has improved disaster preparedness for fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis, along with enhanced asteroid detection. All of this vital data is made freely accessible to Americans seeking to strategize against the harsh realities posed by rising extreme events.
“Without strong funding for scientific research, we risk lagging in the technological race,” stated SCU Board Member and scientist Dr. Doug Buettner. “Scientific breakthroughs drive economies, create high-paying jobs, and keep us at the forefront of global advancements.”
The continued federal funding freeze on key research agencies like NIH, NSF, NASA, NOAA, USGS, and EPA persists despite multiple court orders to reinstate it.
All areas of science, including UAP research, are interdependent. Progress hinges on researchers’ ability to learn from one another by accessing the latest scientific papers and cutting-edge methods made possible through public funding. UAP studies that use ground-based observatories to track aerial phenomena rely on the timely access to both real-time and historical public datasets from federal agencies such as NOAA, USGS, FAA, NASA, NSF, EPA, and DOD, among others. If the foundational work conducted by these federal science agencies is rendered inaccessible, the long-term consequences may hinder discovery and innovation for all Americans.
“History shows that every significant technological breakthrough—from aviation to the internet—originated from curiosity and thorough scientific exploration,” remarked Robert Powell, SCU Executive Director.
As an interdisciplinary field, UAP research has the potential to yield groundbreaking advances in physics, engineering, and materials science. Pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry fosters innovation in areas like space exploration, national defense, and advanced aeronautics, paving the way for new industries and technologies that can enhance the well-being of all Americans.
SCU calls on policymakers, industry leaders
Thank you for sharing this critical announcement from the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU). It’s imperative to emphasize the foundational role that government funding plays in nurturing scientific inquiry and innovation. The abrupt funding freezes and operational constraints on public science agencies are not merely bureaucratic issues; they threaten the very fabric of scientific progress and the benefits it brings to society.
The examples cited, from medical advancements to space exploration, highlight how robust investment in research has historically led to innovations that impact everyday lives. These successes underscore the interconnectedness of scientific fields and the importance of maintaining a steady flow of information and collaboration among researchers. A sustained federal commitment to funding will not only facilitate immediate research efforts, particularly in compelling areas like UAP studies, but will also ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in global scientific advancements.
Moreover, the potential “brain drain” resulting from unstable funding is a concerning prospect for the future of American science. If talented researchers seek more stable opportunities abroad, it could jeopardize our nation’s ability to harness innovation and secure high-paying jobs here at home.
The SCU’s call to action is clear and critical: Policymakers, industry leaders, and the public must rally to uphold and expand funding for scientific research. Ensuring that our scientific institutions are honored and supported is vital for fostering discovery, enhancing economic prosperity, and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Let’s continue to advocate for the importance of science and support initiatives that promote research for the benefit of all Americans. Together, we can create a more prosperous future grounded in exploration and discovery.