What are the three most important things the next U.S. president needs to do for science? To cut through the jargon and find an answer, we bring you the DISCOVER Science Policy Project, in which we give a group of the country’s most celebrated scientists and thinkers the chance to state their views. All past responses can be found here.

JAY KEASLING
Genetic engineering pioneer

Significantly increase funding for energy. As a nation, we spend far too little on energy research. If we spent on energy research at a level comparable to what we spend on health care research (relative to the size of the industries), we would be spending much more than we currently spend.

Invest heavily in basic research. Basic research fuels discoveries, which eventually fuel the economy.

Consider immigration policy for scientists and engineers. As a nation, we train far too few and make it very difficult for foreign trained scientists and engineers to work in this country. Furthermore, our immigration policy makes it difficult for foreign students to attend U.S. universities. [Education] is one of our strongest industries.