Golden Goose Awards
Awards honoring federally funded research that unexpectedly benefits society and economy.
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Narrative
The Golden Goose Award, a direct response to politically-motivated attacks on basic research spending, shines a light on the unpredictable path of scientific discovery and its profound societal impacts. It challenges the linear model of innovation, celebrating research projects that seemed odd or wasteful at their outset but ultimately led to groundbreaking advancements. The award fosters a culture of embracing curiosity-driven research, emphasizing the interconnectedness of scientific fields and the value of pursuing unexpected findings.
Unlike programs focused on immediate commercialization, the Golden Goose Award operates on the premise that fundamental research, even if seemingly impractical, provides the bedrock for future innovation. This creates a space where researchers are recognized for pushing boundaries without the pressure of immediate tangible results, encouraging a willingness to explore unconventional ideas and collaborate across disciplines. Its existence sends a clear signal that seemingly absurd or esoteric research can yield transformative outcomes, a vital message particularly in environments prone to short-sighted research funding decisions.
Key People
Representative Jim Cooper: U.S. Representative (D-TN); Co-founder of the Golden Goose Award.
Representative Steve Israel: Former U.S. Representative (D-NY); Co-founder of the Golden Goose Award.
Representative Randy Hultgren: Former U.S. Representative (R-IL); Co-founder of the Golden Goose Award.
Related Entities
AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science): Founder/Administrator: AAAS is a founding organization and administers the Golden Goose Awards.
U.S. Congress: Originator/Funder: The Golden Goose Awards were created in response to criticism from Congress regarding federally funded research.
Association of American Universities (AAU): Founder/Administrator: AAU is a founding organization and administers the Golden Goose Awards.
The Science Coalition: Founder/Administrator: The Science Coalition is a founding organization and administers the Golden Goose Awards.
Rita Allen Foundation: Funder: The Rita Allen Foundation provides financial support for the Golden Goose Awards.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation: Funder: The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation provides financial support for the Golden Goose Awards.
Battelle: Funder: Battelle provides financial support for the Golden Goose Awards.
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation: Funder: The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation provides financial support for the Golden Goose Awards.