The United States government is planning a major shift in how it funds scientific research. Instead of giving large grants to big universities and institutions, the government wants to send money directly to individual scientists. The goal is to speed up technological discoveries and help the US stay ahead of China in science and technology.
Under the new plan, federal agencies have 90 days to create action plans for putting the changes in place. The strategy focuses on using artificial intelligence and setting up new types of research organizations. Officials say this will make American science more competitive and ensure that new advances benefit people across the country.
The move comes as the US tries to keep its edge in fields like AI, biotechnology, and advanced computing. For decades, most federal research money has gone to large schools such as MIT and Stanford. Now the government thinks that funding individual researchers directly could produce faster results and more breakthroughs.
Some experts say the change could help smaller labs and startups, while others worry it might weaken major universities. But the White House believes that supporting scientists directly, rather than through big institutions, will help the US win the global technology race.
The plan is part of a broader effort to revitalize American science and technology. Officials say the new approach will make research more focused and efficient. They also want to make sure that the benefits of science reach every part of America, not just wealthy areas.