Science

Science is?curious.

We continually pursue knowledge, challenge assumptions, and seek a better understanding of our connections to the world. All the best scientists share this same curiosity. One significant example of curiosity in science was determining how to mass-produce penicillin as a viable antibiotic after?Alexander Fleming?discovered it in 1928. Through the determination and curiosity of scientists, it was eventually found that penicillin's best strain for production was on a moldy cantaloupe in?Peoria Market?in 1943.

Science is?collaborative.

On April 11, 1970,?Apollo 13?launched a mission to the moon with three astronauts—Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert. Fifty-six hours into the flight, an oxygen tank exploded, causing the spacecraft to lose oxygen and electricity. The mission instantaneously changed into a story of survival. Regardless of role or rank, crew members in both the spacecraft and at Nasa Mission Control participated in the solution. They used everyday items—including cardboard, a plastic bag, a sock, and a hose—to make air safe to breathe in the lunar module. Finally, the astronauts used the lunar module as a lifeboat for their safe return to Earth. Just like the Apollo 13 team,

Science is?respectful.

Carl Sagan’s 1995 masterwork?The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark?suggests that science works so well partly due to its “built-in error-correcting machinery.” Sagan argued that science is a logical framework for social change and a critical means for advancing society. It respects all questions with no matters too sensitive or delicate to be explored. He wrote that science’s true power lies not in feeding into our culture’s need for simplistic and ready-made answers, but its tools that test their proposed answers.

Science is?giving.

George Washington Carver's?research and innovation improved the quality of life for many farming families, making him an icon for African Americans and white Americans alike. His epitaph reads: "He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world." His contributions include over 300 peanut-based products, numerous developments for the sweet potato, and a revolutionary crop rotation theory that helped preserve farmland. This increased demand for such crops, helping struggling sharecroppers in the South, many of whom were former slaves.

Science demands?integrity.

“The greenhouse gas effect has been detected, and it is changing our climate now.” These words, spoken during a 1988 congressional hearing by?Dr. James E. Hansen, then Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, marked a watershed moment for the climate change movement. It was the first time a high profile government scientist openly stated that global warming had begun and that climate change was a reality. Dr. Hansen continues to show courage, commitment, and integrity by continuously calling for policies that address climate change. Since that day in 1988, he has become the scientific face for this critical issue to which he dedicated his life. We, too, dare to do what is right and contribute to the sustainability of our planet. Our Purpose of Innovating a Sustainable Future reflects our commitment to solving society’s complex problems with sustainable technology, expertise, and constant innovation.

Science drives?success.

Wilbur and Orville Wright?closely followed the research of German aviator?Otto Lilienthal. When Lilienthal died in a glider crash, the brothers started their flight experiments. Determined to develop their airplane design, the Wright brothers headed to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, known for its strong winds, to figure out how to design wings for flight. They observed that birds angled their wings for balance and control, and tried to emulate this, developing a concept called?“wing warping.”?When they added a moveable rudder, the Wright brothers succeeded in flying the first airplane. On December 17, 1903, Wilbur flew their plane for 59 seconds, at 852 feet.

Science is?real.

Even the smallest actions can generate a big impact. Simple, science-backed personal behaviors, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing, are making a demonstrable impact in the fight against Covid-19. Science-backed data is guiding our decisions about when and how to safely return to work, school, and sports, and reopen our economies. And, after this current crisis has abated, science will continue to lead the charge in tackling the big, complex problems facing our planet—