STAT+: White House offers its science blueprint: More AI, less life sciences

STAT PlusPolitics White House offers its science blueprint: More AI, less life sciences ‘Science: A New Golden Age’ report calls for shifting billions from universities to tech companies Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Anil OzaJuly 24, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Anil Oza[email protected]Anil Oza is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the NIH and health equity. You can reach him on Signal at aniloza.16. For 18 months, the Trump administration has been accused by science advocates of shredding a social contract between academic researchers and the federal government that made the United States the world’s most powerful engine of discovery. Now it’s proposing a way to rebuild American science. Taking inspiration from “Science — The Endless Frontier,” a 1945 manifesto that became the blueprint for the rise of American research universities, Trump’s science adviser, Michael Kratsios, this week put forth his version of such a report. Called “Science: A New Golden Age” and drafted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, it calls for shifting hundreds of billions of research dollars from universities to industry, primarily tech and artificial intelligence companies. Advertisement The report acknowledges problems scientists have long attempted to grapple with, but advocates and scientists expressed concern that the report’s espoused goal of improving science is being undermined by other administration actions, chiefly the grievances expressed by President Trump and his aides against immigration, universities, and programs that they deem as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Donald Trump, research, STAT+, White House Submit a correction requestReprints Anil Oza General Assignment Reporter Anil Oza is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the NIH and health equity. You can reach him on Signal at aniloza.16. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Health July 24, 2026 Senate advances MAHA-friendly bill for food warning labels and junk food ad bans Biotech July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: In win for RFK Jr., FDA advisory panel narrowly votes to allow compounding of unapproved peptides Advertisement Health July 23, 2026 Senate health panel delays vote on CDC nominee Health July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Vote on key federal health nominee delayed amid questions over vaccine views Health July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump administration quietly picks Timothy Westlake to lead mental health agency Subscriber Picks