'The next 'moon landing' will be a new science-driven way of approaching automobiles that goes beyond substituting gas with electricity,' said Dennis Assanis of the University of Michigan.

'The 21st Century equivalent (of the moon landing) will be our understanding of the human brain - and in particular, achieving the ability to stimulate the brain to repair itself, including restoring old memories and learning new information after damage and disease,' said Elissa Newport of the University of Rochester.

'That understanding will revolutionise the way we treat neurological injuries and diseases,' said Newport, who is the head of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the university. 'We're almost there - if we merely stop cutting science funding, these discoveries are around the corner.'

These ideas are dedicated to sustaining the federal government's investment in basic research as a means to stimulate the economy, drive innovation and secure America's global competitiveness.