As White House shifts focus toward AI and tech, U.S. science leaders defend role of the American university

The White House is planning to shift research funding away from universities and towards industry, which could lead to a drought in basic research, according to American science leaders.

This shift in focus towards AI and tech is part of the administration's effort to maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge in the global economy.

However, university leaders argue that basic research is crucial for driving innovation and that the proposed changes could stifle scientific progress.