We Will Always Need Strong Basic Science

摘要

Basic science often deals with the study of the fundamental behavior of the materials in our world. Whether the material being examined is plutonium or human biological tissue or an optical material or an anthrax sppre, its structure and properties must be fully understood for researchers to be confident in predicting performance. I believe strongly that a place like the Laboratory excels in part because for us basic science is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. At Livermore, we strive for strong basic science, but we do so in areas that are driven by our mission as an applied science laboratory serving the national interest.