The current scientific consensus is actually pretty good - the consensus being that standard theory, quantum theory, big bang theory, particle theory, universe

The current scientific consensus is actually pretty good - the consensus being that standard theory, quantum theory, big bang theory, particle theory, universe expansion model all have as good a likelihood as not of going down in history the same way as miasma theory, phlogiston theory and Newtonian classical mechanics, given the apparent and vast shortcomings of basic science around our universe's constitution, composition and origins. It's a mature and constructive recognition of our limitations and where we can improve. One of the proximate causes around our failure to progress in this and other areas is the funding model of publish or perish. Many researchers are trying to carve out a career, but not necessarily to contribute to progress or advancement. An examination of the funding structure and incentives for universities and researchers appears to be in order. One suggestion would be to limit grants for private universities and colleges. Another would be to cap compensation for university and college staff. Yet another would be to add funding or tax breaks for technology scale up and application development in the private sector. And another would be cutting funding to masters', PhD and post-doc levels, and increasing funding for 1-, 2- and 4- year career oriented and skill development programs. Yet another suggestion would be limiting loan eligibility to 1-, 2- and 4- year degree or lower programs. Another would be tying university and college funding to the success of attached technology scale up and application development programs. Another would be requiring undergraduate and lower grants and tuition revenue to be spent directly on those programs and facilities, and research funds to be kept and spent separately. I would like to know some examples of how recent, publicly funded PhD, masters degree and postdoc work or research has materially advanced or will advance our world's knowledge and progress and has resulted in material benefits to society, and not just unreproducible studies on paper and unviable technologies and products.