Although I personally think that principles like Science and Education are above the concepts of patriotism for nationalities.
I agree, but as countries always subsidize Science (or almost) to get any political/economical/military advantage ... Seriously, do you think the Manhatan project has been funded for "human species" ? That's as if I was telling France chose Nuclear to learn about Nuclear Physic. You'd answer me "no, that was just to be able to generate its own energy". It is often thought that great scientist are making Science just because they love that and want the mankind in general to improve. Some are like that. But not that much, that'd be forgetting the fact the 2 things that probably contribute the most to Science (as for money): army and big companies