Science funding and immigration fuel America's innovation

The symbiotic relationship between the federal government and American universities is now at risk

- JAMES B. MILLIKEN GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

PROFESSOR OMAR YAGHI of Berkeley was among the UC researchers to earn Nobels this year.

JUSTIN SULLIVAN Getty Images.

OVER THE COURSE of just three days recently, five scientists affiliated with the University of California won Nobel prizes for discoveries that can help us more effectively treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis, clean pollutants from the atmosphere, capture drinking water from desert air, and help build the world's most powerful quantum computers.

This is a testament to more than the UC system's research prowess. It also demonstrates America's unmatched leadership in science and innovation, the longstanding partnership between our federal government and our universities, and our country's ability to attract the best and brightest from around the world.

But the symbiotic relationship between the federal government and our universities—one that has delivered so much for America, its people and its economy—is now at risk.

Currently in Washington, there are plans to cut research funding by as much as 50%, threatening to cede America's position as a leader in research to other nations, including some of our most determined competitors.