Wigerzen warns of US scientific decline amid federal cuts

Renee Wigerzen, founding director of ARPA-H and now chief innovation officer at Transfer, expressed concern that the United States may lose its historical lead in scientific competitiveness. She stated that no current scientist has practiced in the US during a time when the country was not at the top, and she fears the nation is not fighting to maintain that edge. Wigerzen acknowledged the 'tragedy and chaos' caused by federal research cuts and controversies over scientific advisory boards under the current administration, including reports of the CDC being hobbled. However, she views these cuts as a forcing function that highlights the unsustainability of relying heavily on federal funding for science. Wigerzen advocates for diversification of scientific funding sources, encouraging universities to generate revenue from intellectual property and fostering stronger connections with the private sector to create a more resilient scientific enterprise. She believes that while federal cuts are damaging, they expose the need for a more diversified, private-sector-supported scientific funding model to ensure long-term US competitiveness.