Statements of AIP Governing Board Chairman, APS on Science Policy Report

Members of the scientific and science policy communities have responded to the Administration’s science policy report, “Science in the National Interest” (see FYIs #120 through #122). Below are statements by the chairman of the AIP Board of Governors, Roland Schmitt, and the American Physical Society.

STATEMENT OF ROLAND SCHMITT: "`Science in the National Interest’ is a significant step forward in setting national science policies that match the needs of our nation today. The policies launched by Vannevar Bush five decades ago served the nation well, creating the most dynamic, productive scientific enterprise in history. But the world has changed and these policies need to be modernized and redesigned. `Science in the National Interest’ does this constructively, comprehensively, and sensitively. It addresses the principle issues of today and proposes steps to deal with them. It addresses the balance and alignment of goal-seeking science with pioneering science, of frontier academic research with education, of excellence with diversity, of national pre-eminence with international cooperation, of educating scientists with educating the public, of classroom learning with work-place experience.

"`Science in the National Interest’ is a much needed statement of the evolving role of the federal government in our scientific enterprise. It gives new clarity to current issues and a roadmap for further progress.”

STATEMENT OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY: “America’s efforts to create a more secure, healthy and prosperous society must involve the wise use of science. With the abrupt end of the Cold War, it became essential to reexamine the assumptions that have governed U.S. science policy since World War II. President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy are to be commended for meeting this challenge, recasting American science policy in a form appropriate to today’s and tomorrow’s world.

"`Science in the National Interest’ recognizes that long-term investments in education, research, and in the scientific infrastructure are essential for the nation’s well being in the 21st century. It assesses the balance between research directed toward the immediate needs of society and long-range fundamental research aimed at a better understanding of Nature. The new policy not only recognizes the need to invest in the training of tomorrow’s scientists but also in the scientific education of the general public. It also recognizes the need for more effective coupling of the universities with industry.

“The American Physical Society’s 43,000 members serve the nation by conducting research in industry, university and government laboratories and training the next generation of physicists. We welcome the Administration’s challenge to the scientific community to advance the scientific frontiers and simultaneously to participate more vigorously in addressing broad societal needs, particularly improvements in science education and in the diversity of the scientific workforce. We look forward to working with the Administration and with Congress to translate this policy into new programs.”