DNA, quantum theory, and yes quite a few early vaccines were developed without any commercial goal in mind. Some of the biggest scientific discoveries were done purely for the sake of discovery (i.e. basic science). This mentality is toxic and will tank innovation in this country. This is not isolated to the NRC. If you look at how the NIH (the biggest source of research funding in the US) has changed their mission in the past few years, you will see that translational science is being emphasized. Short term this will definitely lead to more cures (the e.bola vaccine and HIV vaccines are the best examples), but long term this will have the effect of stunting basic life science research. Don't think its a big deal? Ask why the NIH is now funding 0 basic science PhD students. That's right not a reduction, zero basic science pre-doctoral fellowships. I'm really glad someone posted this article
Essentially, they are running a coal mine by instructing miners to only use their drills on coal layers.
My favorite example of science for humanity's sake was the development of the polio vaccine. Its always sad to see someone like this who values commercial benefits over scientific progress become head of a scientific organization.
Commercial value is not valuable unless it's used to make a scientiic discovery.