Science is like any other study. It is nationalistic in nature. Nations want to lay claim on discoveries, they want the names from their countries to be put front and center. Especially in a men's world, which science very much is, competition is rampant.

That being said, science doesn't belong to a single soul. It is a study and a practice that is experienced individually and sometimes within in a group. No one can own any part of science. What a boring world that would be.