In a groundbreaking speech, National Academy of Sciences president Marcia McNutt warned that the U.S. is losing its position as a global leader in science, with China quickly catching up. This decline, she said, threatens not only the economy but also national security. McNutt highlighted how the U.S. once dominated the world in science by investing heavily in research and innovation but has since slipped due to reduced funding and lack of coordination. She called for urgent action, including improving STEM education and developing a national research strategy, to prevent further decline and reclaim America's scientific leadership.

This speech, which was the first of its kind, was similar to the State of the Union address given by the U.S. president. McNutt's talk highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of American science and stressed the urgent need for a new approach to research and development (R&D).

Carrie Wolinetz, a science policy expert, agreed with McNutt's mes...