Robust, U.S. Government Investment in Science is Key to Discovery and Prosperity that Benefits All Americans

Strong U.S. Government Investment in Science is Essential for National Discovery and Prosperity

SCU Supports Science

[Washington, DC, March 7, 2025] – Today, the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) issued an important statement:

The SCU staunchly opposes the federal government’s abrupt and arbitrary funding freezes on public scientific research agencies. These measures—such as overhead caps, mass layoffs, widespread credit card freezes, communication restrictions, data deletions, keyword censorship, and other obstructions—pose a significant threat to the scientific community.

These agencies play a crucial role in supporting our nation’s investment in scientists, scientific institutions, and research initiatives, including studies related to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).

Every segment of the U.S. research environment is feeling the adverse effects of these hasty decisions. We stand alongside millions of scientists, citizens, and organizations across the country in defending the integrity of science.

The funding disruptions have led to significant reductions in graduate school admissions nationwide, widespread hiring freezes at universities, the cancellation of undergraduate programs, hindrance of long-term data collection, project delays, and a sharp decline in new research proposals. Many top researchers and early-career scientists are exploring more stable funding options abroad, raising concerns about a potential “brain drain” if these interruptions persist. This trend threatens to undermine our economic growth for generations.

Federally funded scientific research has already brought about profound societal transformations, showcasing the immense value of investing in discovery:

• Space Exploration: NASA’s Apollo program not only succeeded in landing humans on the Moon but also paved the way for innovations such as satellite communications, GPS, and miniaturized computer technology, all of which underpin today’s global economy.

• Medical Progress: National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has been critical in developing lifesaving vaccines, including polio and influenza, and in creating treatments for cancer. These scientific investments have significantly enhanced American health, prosperity, and longevity.

• Environmental Monitoring: Programs run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and NASA have improved environmental forecasting, allowing for more accurate predictions related to severe weather and climate changes. This enhanced forecasting supports disaster preparedness for fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis, along with better asteroid detection. The resulting data, models, and forecasts are freely accessible to all Americans seeking to implement effective strategies for dealing with extreme environmental challenges.

“Without robust funding for scientific research, we risk falling behind in the technological race,” said SCU Board Member and scientist Dr. Doug Buettner. “Scientific advancements stimulate economies, generate high-paying jobs, and keep us at the forefront of global innovation.”

The ongoing federal funding freeze affecting major research grant agencies such as the NIH, NSF, NASA, NOAA, USGS, and EPA persists, despite multiple court orders to reinstate funding.

All scientific research, including that on UAP, builds upon prior knowledge. Progress depends on researchers accessing the latest scientific papers on innovative methods, which are developed and published openly through public funding. UAP research that utilizes ground-based observatories to monitor aerial phenomena relies on real-time and historical datasets from federal agencies—including NOAA, USGS, FAA, NASA, NSF, EPA, and DOD. It is also contingent on research papers funded by government grants and the maintenance of essential websites by agency staff. If the foundational work funded by these federal science agencies is rendered inaccessible, Americans will face significant long-term losses as the pace of discovery slows significantly.

“History has shown us that every major technological breakthrough—from aviation to the internet—began with curiosity and rigorous scientific inquiry,” emphasized Robert Powell, SCU Executive Director.

As an interdisciplinary area of STEM science, UAP research is poised to yield groundbreaking advancements in physics, engineering, and materials science. Research that pushes boundaries guarantees remarkable discoveries in fields like space