This is the 436th most frequent Japanese word.
科学
Science.
Here, '科学' is used generally to refer to the field of science as a pillar of human advancement.
科学は人類の進歩を支えています。
Science supports the progress of humanity.
'科学的' is an adjective derived from '科学', meaning 'scientific', emphasizing reliance on science for evidence.
科学的な根拠に基づいた結論を出すべきです。
We should draw conclusions based on scientific evidence.
In this context, '科学技術' refers to scientific technology, showing the applied aspect of '科学' in inventions.