State of Union Address calls for support of basic research

In the State of the Union Address last night, President Obama called for continued support from the federal government for basic science research. 

"Innovation also demands basic research," said President Obama. "Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched. New lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. Don’t gut these investments in our budget. Don’t let other countries win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet; to new American jobs and new American industries."

The basic research conducted at FRIB will provide broad benefits to other sciences, homeland security, medicine, and industry. FRIB will also help develop the next generation nuclear physics workforce, critical to U.S. economic competitiveness, energy security, nuclear security, and nonproliferation efforts.

For more information about the benefits of basic nuclear research, visit science.energy.gov/np/benefits-of-np.