America Leads the World in Science and Technology
With the support of federal investments in basic research, generations of scientists have channeled American ingenuity to unlock more breakthroughs than any other country on Earth.
Vannevar Bush established a unique and lasting framework with his 1945 report Science – The Endless Frontier, fortified by the creation of agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as support from the Department of War and Department of Energy. This highly successful model has since sustained U.S. competitiveness and innovation.
As the nation’s 250th anniversary invites us to reflect on our past and imagine our future, university research stands out as one of the clearest through lines connecting the country’s founding ideals to its modern‑day strengths in innovation and prosperity.
The Institutions That Power America’s Research Enterprise
Since World War II, federal funding for basic research at U.S. colleges and universities has delivered unparalleled breakthroughs across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Our “250 Years of Innovation” Video Series celebrates the nation’s semiquincentennial and recognizes the integral role that higher education institutions play in catalyzing America’s world-class research ecosystem.
The series features Vice Presidents for Research (VPRs) and Vice Chancellors for Research (VCRs) from TSC member institutions, who share how federal investments in fundamental science fuel new discoveries, unlock novel technologies, strengthen our economy, improve medical treatments, and so much more. The VPRs and VCRs also note how strong and sustained government funding for basic research on university campuses will position the United States for 250 more years of scientific excellence.
Jeanne Hossenlopp, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Innovation—Marquette University
“One of the real opportunities that federal funding gives us that we cannot realize through private sector funding is the ability to explore new ideas — where the application and the pathway to commercialization are not clear initially. That's really what seeds the next generation of innovation.”
Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp is Vice President for Research and Innovation and professor of chemistry at Marquette University. A Marquette faculty member since 1989, she previously served as vice provost for research, dean of the Graduate School, interim dean of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, and chair of chemistry. Her research spans laser-induced chemical reactions, nanomaterials, chemical sensors, fire retardants, and water-quality remediation, supported by NSF, NIST, and USDA funding. She leads initiatives advancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship, compliance, and technology transfer. Hossenlopp earned degrees from Colgate University, Siena Heights College, and Syracuse University and was named a 2020 Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence.
Duncan Brown, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research—Syracuse University
“One key thing that every taxpayer and lawmaker should know when they invest in basic sciences, they're investing in the economic future of our country.”
Duncan Brown is Vice President for Research and the Charles Brightman Endowed Professor of Physics at Syracuse University. An internationally recognized leader in gravitational-wave astronomy, he played a pivotal role in LIGO’s discovery of gravitational waves and contributes to the development of Cosmic Explorer, a next-generation U.S. observatory. Brown has strengthened Syracuse University’s research enterprise by establishing its Research Computing group and Open Source Program Office. He also leads the university’s Collaboration and Commercialization Center within the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, supporting regional semiconductor innovation and university-industry partnerships.
All profiles A to Z by institution
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Breakthroughs Born from University Research
Click each icon below to explore the innovations!
CUTTING-EDGE HEALTH CARE
Publicly funded research drives disease prevention and life-saving treatments that improve outcomes and extend lives.
ALZHEIMER’S DIAGNOSIS
MRNA VACCINES
CAR T-CELL THERAPY
MS TREATMENT
HPV VACCINE
BLOOD BANKS
BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION
Biomedical research leads to new innovations that make healthcare more precise, effective, and accessible.
PACEMAKERS AND DEFIBRILLATORS
BLADELESS LASIK
MRI MACHINES
IVF AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
FOUNDATIONAL GENETIC RESEARCH
MEDICAL SIMULATION TRAINING
AGRICULTURAL SOLUTIONS
These endeavors allow us to produce better, more abundant foods while making our systems more efficient and sustainable.
MAPPING THE CORN GENOME
BREEDING BETTER HARVESTS
FLOOD-RESISTANT RICE
SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
PLANT TAXONOMY
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
University research powers smarter tools and technologies that are transforming how we live and work.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
GOOGLE® ALGORITHMS
CRISPR GENE EDITING TECHNOLOGY
WEB BROWSERS
GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
VIRTUAL REALITY
Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation
NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE
With federal funding, universities pioneer innovative technologies and approaches that help keep Americans safe and support U.S. leadership.
TRANSISTORS
WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
RARE EARTH MINERAL MINING
DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGIES
NEW STATE OF MATTER
MILITARY BASE PROTECTION
Investing Now for the Next 250 Years
As America celebrates 250 years, the nation faces a defining choice: whether to sustain the partnership that made it the world leader in science and innovation or risk falling behind.
Federal investment in university research has powered discoveries that strengthen the economy, protect national security, and improve Americans’ lives. But leadership is not guaranteed.
Over the next 250 years, meeting new challenges — including global competition, technological transformation, energy and food security, and public health — will depend on the breakthroughs that begin in research universities today.
If the United States wants to remain the world’s leader in innovation, it must recommit to robust and sustained federal support for university-led basic research and continue building the Endless Frontier for generations to come.
Download the 250 Years of Innovation report on our website.