Comment from James Kadonaga
James KadonagaOpposeAcademic
Summary: Dr. James T. Kadonaga, a professor at UC San Diego and member of the National Academy of Sciences, opposes the proposed rule. He argues that scientific progress requires broad investigation with minimal barriers and recommends that the OMB withdraw the proposal.
Comments on Docket OMB-2026-0034, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
I am a Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of California, San Diego. In addition, I am a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. In 1992, I was one of 15 scientists selected as a Presidential Faculty Fellow by President George H.W. Bush.
As a scientist, I can say that we cannot predict today exactly what knowledge would be most useful for tomorrow. We should therefore broadly investigate a wide range of scientific problems so that we can gain sufficient new information to increase the health and well-being of current and future Americans. This goal could be achieved by allowing scientists to seek new knowledge with the fewest possible barriers and restrictions. We Americans need to continue this bold approach to science. I therefore recommend that OMB withdraw the proposed rule.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
James T. Kadonaga, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology
UC San Diego