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The responsibility for the creation of new scientific knowledge - and for most of its application - rests on that small body of men and women who understand the fundamental laws of nature and are skilled in the techniques of scientific research. We shall have rapid or slow advance on any scientific frontier depending on the number of highly qualified and trained scientists exploring it.

Vannevar Bush#44

ScienceResearchPolicyEducation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush states that scientific progress depends heavily on the number of skilled researchers understanding fundamental laws.
In plain terms
Science advances based on how many qualified experts explore new frontiers.
What can you take from it?
Investing in scientific training accelerates progress.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • university funding
  • national strategy

Putting it to work

  • training programs
  • research funding
  • scientific literacy

Questions to consider

  • How do we attract talent to science?
  • What defines a qualified scientist?

Another view

Quantity of scientists alone does not guarantee quality or ethical application.

More from Vannevar Bush

  1. Science can be effective in the national welfare only as a member of a team, whether the conditions be peace or war. But without scientific progress no amount …

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  2. On the wisdom with which we bring science to bear in the war against disease, in the creation of new industries, and in the strengthening of our Armed Forces d…

    Permalink to quote #45
  3. The applications of science have built man a well-supplied house, and are teaching him to live healthily therein. They have enabled him to throw masses of peop…

    Permalink to quote #42

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