Science: A New Golden Age
- Course Number: G1044T
- Credits: 6 hours
- Instructor: Ellen C. Huang, PE
- Price: $60
Course Outline
This course examines the changing landscape of American science, engineering, research, and technological innovation as presented in the July 2026 report Science: A New Golden Age. The report was prepared by Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, as a report to the President.
The course reviews the report’s assessment of the U.S. research enterprise, including declining research productivity, administrative burdens, institutional inertia, weaknesses in traditional grantmaking, the growing role of private-sector research and development, and the challenges of translating scientific discoveries into domestic technological and manufacturing capabilities. It also explores recommended reforms involving alternative funding models, public-private partnerships, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, artificial intelligence, autonomous laboratories, scientific reproducibility, and new systems for publication and collaboration.
At the end of this course, there will be a multiple-choice, open-book quiz, which is designed to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Explain how the organization, funding, and performance of the American science and technology enterprise have changed since the mid-20th century.
- Identify major institutional, administrative, and incentive-related barriers affecting scientific research and technological innovation.
- Describe alternative mechanisms and organizational models proposed for supporting high-risk, interdisciplinary, and mission-driven research.
- Discuss the relationship among scientific discovery, engineering, manufacturing, skilled craft, and national technological capability.
- Evaluate how artificial intelligence, autonomous experimentation, improved verification, and new research infrastructure may transform the future of science.
Course Content
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