Discover
/
Article

The independent research institution

MAY 01, 1954
Some remarks concerning the role played by independent research institutions in the advancement of basic scientific research.
Vannevar Bush

It is sometimes maintained that the day of the independent research institution is over, that henceforth fundamental research belongs to the universities with heavy governmental subsidy, and that such an institution no longer occupies a unique position in the national scene as it once did. When this view is based on more than a casual estimate of national trends, it usually implies two criticisms: first, that the research institution is isolated and that the interchange and cross‐fertilization of a university community is necessary for best progress in these days when disciplines are becoming more intimately interlinked; second, that fundamental research and the education of brilliant students should be closely related and that the research institution is prone to become ingrowing and stodgy in the absence of the continual impact of young minds.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Vannevar Bush, Carnegie Institution of Washington.

Related content
/
Article
The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.
/
Article
With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.
/
Article
A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.
/
Article
Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1954_05.jpeg

Volume 7, Number 5

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.