Science director’s visit puts focus on research

Innovation and technology are the keys to thriving in an increasingly competitive global economy.

With that thought in mind, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the American Competitiveness Initiative in his State of the Union address earlier this year.

The project commits $5.9 billion in fiscal 2007 and more than $136 billion over the next 10 years to boost research, encourage entrepreneurship and improve science and math education.

On March 10, Raymond L. Orbach, director of the Office of Science at the U.S. Department of Energy, visited Brown University as part of an effort to promote the new initiative and link it to the overall health of the U.S. economy.

As he put it, “increased investments in research and development as well as science and math education are key components to America’s continued economic strength and leadership.”

While at Brown, Orbach, a physicist, got to see some of Brown scientists’ most cutting-edge work.

He took a virtual reality tour through a cell, part of the work of Brown’s Center for Computation and Visualization aimed at finding a cure for cancer, among other projects. He also witnessed a demonstration of a device that takes “snapshots” of atoms in motion, research that is designed to let scientists “see” the molecular effects of a chemical reaction.

Orbach encouraged local researchers to seek out some of the available funding for developing what could be the world’s next innovative breakthrough. State officials hope federal money could help Rhode Island grow its high-tech sector and become less dependent on tourism.

In a speech afterward, Orbach said the United States is still the clear-cut leader in technology, but to remain the leader, the country must continue to invest in innovation. “The relationship between science, research and prosperity is now front and center,” he said.

The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the country. In fiscal 2004, the office provided more than $621.5 million to 315 institutions of higher learning. About $2.7 million was provided for research at Brown and the University of Rhode Island. And there could be more money on the way.

Federal funds for research and development are poised to increase more than 50 percent, to $137 billion, and President Bush has proposed doubling the Office of Science’s budget – $3.6 billion in fiscal 2006 – within the next 10 years.

These research opportunities could create “transformational” solutions that have the potential to change the way energy is produced or enhance the quality of life, said Orbach.

“The transistor did not arrive from improving the operation of the vacuum tube,” he said.

“It was a transformational technology, which has truly revolutionized our world.”

Continued exploration could generate new products or alternative sources of energy that would reduce dependence on foreign oil or create new jobs, he said.

Earlier this year, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri’s Science and Technology Advisory Council.

Among other things, recommended budgeting $4 million for research grants, supporting a bond referendum to build a $140 million science center at URI, and creating science and technology tax credits for entrepreneurs, among other measures.

In addition, funds are being sought to improve collaboration between schools, colleges and employers. Money is also pegged for attracting more science and math teachers and enhancing teacher training.