Science with military applications is cited more than civilian-only research

Research with potential military applications is cited more frequently in patents than civilian-only scientific research, according to a study published in Nature on June 4, 2026. The analysis examined US patent records and bibliometric databases to quantify the impact of "dual-use" research, which can have both civilian and military benefits. The findings suggest that scientific advancements with dual-use potential garner greater attention and are more likely to be incorporated into patented technologies compared to research solely focused on civilian applications. This increased citation rate in patents indicates a higher perceived value or broader applicability of dual-use research within the innovation ecosystem. The study did not specify the exact percentage difference in citations but highlighted a consistent trend across various scientific disciplines. The researchers utilized data from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and academic publication databases to map the flow of scientific knowledge into technological innovation. The implications of this finding could inform research funding priorities and the strategic development of scientific endeavors, particularly in fields with significant national security relevance. The study's methodology involved analyzing citation networks to identify patterns of influence between scientific publications and patent filings over a ten-year period.