The 2024 US Presidential election, a contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, is emerging as a pivotal moment not just for American democracy, but also for the global scientific community.
With the candidates presenting starkly different agendas, the outcome could significantly influence national and global science policy in the years ahead.
A victory for Harris would likely extend the Biden administration’s science priorities, emphasising climate action, robust funding for research, and enhanced international collaboration. Harris has consistently supported evidence-based policymaking, recognising the role of science and technology in fostering economic growth and societal well-being.
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Her policies align with progressive initiatives in climate science, renewable energy, and innovation. Under her leadership, the US is expected to adhere to international agreements like the Paris Accord and to further investments in clean energy solutions. However, she has also said that her administration will not ban fracking natural gas, a stance that has not been well received by environmentalists.
On the other hand, Harris’s approach also signals a commitment to sustaining or increasing budgets for pivotal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), which have historically driven breakthroughs in health, technology, and environmental science most notable during the recent coronavirus outbreak that shook the world.
During the Biden administration, India also became a signatory to the ambitious Artemis Accords to explore the Moon side by side with the US. An Indian astronaut is already training in the US to go to the International Space Station.
Conversely, a Trump victory would likely bring significant shifts to the US scientific landscape, as was seen during his last term. Trump’s campaign has indicated plans to restructure federal research institutions, which could involve consolidating or even dismantling some agencies.
Experts argue that such moves might destabilise fundamental research and disrupt the ecosystem that supports innovation.
In his previous term, Trump’s administration proposed cuts to the NIH and NSF budgets, reflecting his stance on reducing government spending in science. His current campaign has reiterated support for fossil fuel production, diverging sharply from climate change mitigation strategies.
However, Trump has been a cheerleader for Nasa and with Elon Musk rising to likely get a mainstream role in his Cabinet if he wins, the space exploration areas look safe although the research and development that goes into making space exploration possible could suffer.
Trump’s position on climate science, which includes questioning the urgency of climate change, contrasts starkly with Harris’s approach, potentially putting the US at odds with international climate goals.
Beyond funding and climate policy, the election outcome could also affect scientific integrity within government decision-making. Concerns over political interference in science have been raised, especially among advocates who worry that science-based policy could be compromised under another Trump administration.
International cooperation in science may also be at stake.
Trump’s “America First” stance could lead to reduced collaboration with global research entities, while Harris is expected to continue fostering partnerships that support mutual scientific progress.
As the polls remain tight, 82 Nobel laureates have come forward to endorse Harris, cautioning that a Trump victory could threaten US scientific leadership.
For the scientific community, the stakes are high, and this election could redefine America’s research and innovation landscape for years to come.
The results will have tectonic effects on the world of science.
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