We are witnessing the destruction of science in America | Paul Darren Bieniasz

Many of the best scientists in the world are drawn to the US , joining many Americans who choose to build a career in science.

America values unfettered scientific enquiry more so than any other country.

The vast majority of fundamental scientific research in the US is funded by American taxpayers, through bodies such as the National Institutes of Health .

Science in the US is entering a phase resembling the Lysenko era in the Soviet Union .

Paul Darren Bieniasz is a British -American virologist whose main area of research is HIV/Aids.

He says the destruction of science will not immediately affect many Americans who are not scientists.

Economic development is dependent on scientific innovation, he says.