Why Discovery Science?
The focus of the Alliance’s work is discovery science, also known as discovery science or foundational, earlystage scientific research, the eventual applications of which cannot always be anticipated at the outset. It is fundamental research that can be driven by curiosity, focused on discovery, inspired by potential use, or motivated by hoped-for outcomes. Funding for science deepens our understanding of nature by chipping away at what obscures the truth; it makes little presumption as to exact applications. Sometimes it reveals fundamental principles that ripple across science, technology, and imagination, revolutionizing ideas that previously felt well understood.
Why discovery science?
Discovery science can answer fundamental questions about our world, and lead to wide-ranging applications, tremendous benefits, and value. According to National Institutes of Health, every dollar spent on basic research yields returns ranging from $10 to more than $80. Hear what some scientists have to say about the importance of discovery science.