The Office of Science and Technology Policy

[science_spot]

Politics is a subject that has never really interested me.  There never seemed to be much of a link between politics and science, at least not how I saw it.  There has been a fair amount of hype in science circles, regarding Obama in the White House.  He promised many things, such as incresed money for scientific researh, relaxing te stem cell ban, and a new focus on education, particularly math and science.

Today I wandered through the White House website, intent on finding out what's going on in terms of science.  It led me right to The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).  Here I would just like to review what I have learned this morning.

The Office's purpose, quoted from their website:

The Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the Federal Government. OSTP leads an interagency effort to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets. The office works with the private sector to ensure Federal investments in science and technology contribute to economic prosperity, environmental quality, and national security.

John Holdren was confirmed as Director, but surprisingly, there isn't any information about him on that website.  So I went looking to find out a little more about him.  As expected from someone appointed to direct the President, he has quite a long scientific history, full of awards, important publications, and prestigious appointments.  Some interestng notes......

He is the current director of Woods Hole Research Center, current professor of Environmental Science at Harvard University (on leave), and former Chair of the board at AAAS.  He is a trained physicist and environmental scientist, currently focusing on environmental change and analysis of public energy policy.  With these interests, he seems a good match for a President with a strong interests in reducing our energy consumption, reducing reliance on oil for energy needs, providing cleaner energy, and reducing the effects of Americans' lives on the Earth (global warming).

Picture above from OSTP

By understanding the interests of the director, we can better understand the path forward, in terms of our Science and Technology Policy.  It appears this man will be able to drive our policy of environmental conservation, with a focus on global warming and changing the way we provide energy.  This post amy also be considered part of the Earth Day series, as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, 2009!

The OSTP has four issues they focus on: 

First, Energy & Environment.  They have set the outline to achieve a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emission.  Again, I say, we may have the right man for the job. 

Second, Technology.  Under this header, they plan to address issues such as health care, broadband infrastructure, advancing science education (woohoo!!), and manufacturing techniques.

Third, National Security and International Affairs.  Here are important issues such as bioterrorism, cyber-terrorism and defense research.

Fourth (I saved the best for last) - Science.  Here, the administration recognizes the need for increased funding for research in a variety of scientific fields, as well as increased education in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) so ALL Americans will have the information they need to understand science around them.  This also happens to be my mission, which I currently carry out here on Cafemom.  I have a passion for educating the community.  Hopefully my posts show this passion and don't appear to be me pressing an agenda.  I would love feedback on this note.  Anyway, back to the (exciting) topic at hand.  I quote from the website (science issues section):

The Obama administration and the Office of Science and Technology Policy are committed to restoring science to its rightful place in America as a tool for crafting smart policies that will strengthen the nation. That means getting the best available evidence to decision-makers; hiring highly qualified public servants to interpret that evidence; and strengthening and making full use of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).

I hope you take some time to explore the website a bit.  It will be interesting in the future to see the budgets, and how they compare to Bush's budgets of years past (and present - 2009).  There is also a few sections I did not mention here - I don't like to ruin the adventure if you care to explore on your own!

Tonya

AKA sunmoonstars

The Science Spot

 

 

 

[0Jenna0]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Thank you for putting this together. It's good to see a president in office who is truly concerned with not only our country, but the world and it's environment.

I'm pretty sure Bush didn't even know how to pronounce the word environment, never mind understand how to preserve it or it's impact on future generation.

[Della529]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 11:03 AM

I'm the opposite of you because I really have a hard time with science.  I love your passion for it though, and that's part of why I am so thankful for your journals; you really help me in understanding scientific ideas and I don't see an agenda in your points of view.

I am curious about some of President Obama's choices, so I googled Dr. Holdren and found this article: http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/flawed-science-advice-for-obama/

If you have time and would like to read, I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[science_spot]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 2:22 PM

Hi Della, it's always a pleasure to hear your thoughts, particularly because you don't have alot of science background :)

I did read the article you posted (twice, actually), and some of the links from there, as well. 

My take on it?  First, as they say, yes, scientists are not always right.  Well, I guess I would rather say it this way - part of a scientist's job is to analyze the data and offer their hypothesis.  Which is precisely what Holdren has done all along.  his hypothesis has many supporters, and also some that do not agree.  This is really very common.  Even if two scientists have the same data set, they can analyze it differently and reach different conclusions.

I agree, a man who is willing to learn from his mistakes is more valuable, particularly as an advisor to the President.  I don't think the author has proved that Holdren doesn't learn from his mistakes.  Sure, he may have spouted off in the SciAm article, etc... but over the course of a lifetime, particularly one as rich as his, I am not convinced that makes him a bad choice for an advisor.

I think his many other achievements far outweigh what I read in that article.

I do find it interesting he lost that bet...... Sortof goes to show you making predictions about anything is not that easy.  My first thought is to NEVER makea bet with an economist.... his knowledge of trends probablly would be hard to beat no matter what the topic at hand!

Thanks for the article.  It was refreshing to read another point of view!

Tonya

AKA sunmoonstars

 

(Original Poster)

[Della529]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 5:06 PM

I wish I had worked harder in science because it certainly didn't come very easily for me.  Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

Well, he certainly has a fascinating background and lengthy, too, I might add.  It seemed like they were speculating with regard to the bet, but more to the point; I thought it was interesting that the author focused so much toward economics instead of science.

[science_spot]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 5:31 PM

Yes he has an interesting background!!

And as far as advisement goes, he is the director of the group - there are probablly dozens of advisors working together to aid the President, so many thoughts will be brought up, not just his, right?

(Original Poster)

[Goodwoman614]

Apr. 9, 2009 at 12:21 AM

Lol, take one look at the guy...and it proves what I say (tongue firmly in cheek!): Nerds save the world!

It is the scientists and technologists who do this work, research, experimenting...that is what is behind every advance, every convenience, every life-saving, life-enhancing, life-everything discovery.  Not to mention planet-saving discoveries...

Nerds are my heros.