The looming possibility of deep, across-the-board budget cuts-know as sequestration-poses historic risk for U.S. research and development, experts said at a Capital Hill briefing organized by AAAS. Unless lawmakers find a compromise by year's end to avert the cuts, the crippling impact could be felt for a generation, they warned, even as other nations are increasing R&D investments.
Without an agreement, sequestration would be imposed automatically beginning in the first week of January. It could slash the U.S. R&D investment by 8.4%--some $58 billion--over five years. That would mean laboratory closures and layoffs, the experts said, and it would jeopardize current research in areas ranging from genetic medicine and advanced manufacturing to batteries that could allow a 10-fold increase in the range of electric cars. It might also discourage a new generation from careers in science and engineering.
AAAS: "Sequestration" Budget Cuts Would Cripple U.S. Scientific Progress, Experts Warn
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