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Published online 3 December 2008 | Nature 456, 561 (2008) | doi:10.1038/456561a
Column: Party of One
The Sputnik fable
Oversimplifying the effect of the space race on US science funding could lead scientists down the wrong path, says David Goldston.
In these days of economic uncertainty and political transition, science advocates understandably seek guidance (and solace) from an earlier age when, supposedly, the issues were clearer and success was assured. As a result, a common refrain in speeches and articles is that what's needed to jump-start US research spending now is a 'Sputnik moment'.
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