The next space race may be in a different place: behind your face. According to The New York Times, President Obama will unveil his $100 million initiative to “map the human brain” later today. The goal of charting the interactions between millions of brain cells is ambitious and scientifically interesting. However, the broader purpose of the project is clear: to reestablish the reputation of the United States as the leader in cutting-edge research.
Over the last few years, the United States has cut back on its funding for a wide range of research and development:
Meanwhile, China has consistently increased its funding for research in the last decade, and is on track to surpass the United States by 2022. In particular, large amounts of Chinese research funds have been directed towards neuroscience with the putative goal of recruiting the world’s best neuroscientists.
Whether or not Obama’s brain mapping initiative is a direct response to Chinese investments, it will be interesting to see if China answers by directing even more funding towards neuroscience.