A study released by the National Science Foundation (NSF) shows that, in the last twenty years, the American contribution to global science publications has plateaued, while articles from Asian and European nations have increased.

The report, Changing U.S. Output of Scientific Articles: 1988 – 2003, finds changes occurred despite continued increases in funding and personnel for research and development. Flattening occurred in nearly all U.S. research disciplines and types of institutions … Numbers of articles published and their citation in S&E journals is a widely accepted indicator of research capability. When paired with trends in patenting, licensing, research and development expenditures and advanced training of personnel, publication trends may be viewed as a factor affecting a nation’s ability to spur technological innovation.

Is the NSF certain about the increases in funding and personnel, when contradicting news stories suggest a decrease in science spending and fewer people attracted to academic research positions here, not to mention visa problems for foreign students since 2001?  At least as long as I’ve been in it, the scientific R&D realm has been one of budget cuts and not increases.

Citation, however, is the bread and butter of research scientists and that number, thankfully, remains in favor of America. 

“The more often an article is cited by other publications, the higher quality it’s believed to have. While citation is not a perfect indicator, U.S. publications are more highly cited than those from other countries.”

I still remember the day in 2001 when the funding for my second master’s project fell through – the money was taken out of Department of Energy R&D and placed in the Department of Defense budget.  “What is this administration planning now?” I asked myself, and vowed soon after never to become a science professor at the mercy of funders and their capriciousness. 

Despite funding, it all comes down to education and the lack of excitement towards it.  When college professors speak to me of the nobility of their profession and how they can never work for a corporation, I ask them what and how well they teach — often very little and not very well — and silly me is reminded that professors seek employment at universities to further their own research, not teach.  Academic or corporate researchers, we’ve established what we are, and are simply dickering about the price. 

So much for building knowledge in the future scientists and engineers of America.  Into this economic system come students, ripe and ready to learn despite the falling standards in school-level science education.  Where in this mess will American kids finally acquire the skills of critical thinking sorely needed to make us competitive again?