Part 1: New Constructs for Science Policy
This session took place on March 25, 2021.
The next four years may feature changes in not only the direction of science policy, but also the structure of the U.S. research system itself. Our keynote speaker discussed President Biden’s elevation of the science adviser role to Cabinet status and the expected priorities of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Afterwards, a panel of experts from Congress, academia, and industry discussed the prospects of legislative proposals to alter how science agencies are structured, such as the Endless Frontier Act. Panelists will also explore options for promoting the domestic STEM workforce and maintaining an open scientific environment amid geopolitical tensions. Thanks to those society leaders who joined us in exploring how federal policy shifts may change how the physical sciences enterprise functions in America.
Keynote
Neal Lane, Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Rice University; former director of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy
"President Joe Biden's Science and Technology Agenda"
Panel
Richard Obermann, Democratic Chief of Staff, U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
"Congressional Perspectives on Evolving Science Policy Issues"
Cherilyn Pascoe, Republican Deputy Policy Director, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
(withdrew)
Victor McCrary, Vice President for Research and Graduate Programs, University of the District of Columbia / Vice Chair of the National Science Board
"All Hands on Deck: A Vision for America's S&E Enterprise"
Robert Atkinson, Founder and President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
"Science Policy in an Age of China Competition"
Rita Colwell, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland at College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health / Former Director of the National Science Foundation
"Science Policy in the Age of Interdisciplinary Science"