Why science must reinforce its social contract0

• SCIENCE, Science / Health, Science Mission Directorate, scientists, Space, Space Communications & Navigation Program, Space Launch System (SLS), Space Telescope, space-x-ipo, SpaceX
• August 8, 2026

Public funding for science relies on a social contract: in return for support, science demonstrates its value to society. Until now, the scientific community has enjoyed a great deal of autonomy in deciding where to focus its research. But some governments are intruding on that self-regulation and narrowing how science budgets are spent — away