Via a letter, over 2,000 scientists have issued a warning to the United States (US) Congress on Monday that, the termination of the whole National Science Board by the Donald Trump administration impairs the ability of the US to compete with China, a rival.
On Monday, the administration of President Donald Trump terminated the entire National Science Board of more than 20 members, two (2) fired members of the board revealed.
The National Science Board, which is Independent, was created in 1950 to guide the management of the National Science Foundation, as well as, to advise the President and the Congress on policies that concern Science and Engineering.
It encompassed more than twenty (20) members appointed for six-year terms.
The open letter by the scientists requested the Congress to call for reinstatement of the members terminated.
It added, the dismissal of the Board “ramps up an alarming attack on the ability of the U.S. to engage in basic and applied research, and to be competitive globally, particularly given that China is now investing more in R&D than the U.S.”.
The Letter continued: “This dismantling of a critical national advisory body deprives our government of independent, apolitical, oversight and expert advice, not only in the sciences but also in healthcare and technology”.
Photo: White House | NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
