An Introduction to Science Policy(Week 3)

Astronomy 408/508(and var. cross-listed identifiers)

Dr. Kevin B. MarvelVisiting Faculty

AndExecutive Officer, American Astronomical Society

Definitions

• Science – “…more than a body of knowledge; a way of thinking” (Sagan)– In conflict with other ways of thought?– A search for new knowledge, or truth. ?– Essentially you ‘know it when you see it’.• But sometimes boundaries are challenged….

The Congressional War on the Social Sciences: 2013

• In March Congress voted to eliminate NSF funding for political science research unless certified by the NSF director as “promoting national security or the economic interests of the United States”

• A bill was also introduced to eliminate health economics research at the NIH; NIH announced they would undertake an productivity review of their social science program

• What’s going on exactly?– The nation’s basic science policy, is being challenged by our political

leaders. They have two concerns. First, are the social sciences real science? And second, Congress is concerned with the impact, productivity, pay-off and performance of scientific research—what justifies science’s claim on public funds?

• Science policy is always under review…

A Key Point

• If citizens are paying for science, then science should serve their needs…but who gets to decide what those needs are?

• Policymakers who are non-scientists?• How can they do that in an informed way?• If scientists inform them….• However, ideologies can also guide thinking– E.g. cloning research.

Reading

• Take a minute or two and read– “George F. Will: Obama’s brainy idea”

– http://www.nih.gov/science/brain/

• If you’re really interested check out Charlie Rose’s program on this initiative later:– http://www.charlierose.com/watch/60241001

Discussion

a)In light of the large funding for NIH vs. other agencies, what are your thoughts about this presidential initiative?

b)Is $100M small? Why would Mr. Will state that it is?c)Of what potential benefit to the government or

society is this proposed research? Is this a valid use of tax dollars?

d)Do you agree with Mr. Will’s proposal that Obama will be remembered for this investment?

Science Policy “Ecosystem”

• There is no “Department of Science”• There is no law or even small set of laws

defining the government’s role in science• The science policy “ecosystem” has developed

over decades through incremental decisions, laws, policies and practices.

• National security, however has always been an (sometimes unspoken) driver…

Who is who?

• Executive Branch– President• Science Advisor• OSTP• PCAST• NSTC (not a huge player right now)• OMB (Huge…HUGE…driver of policy)• Federal Departments and Agencies• Presidentially appointed commissions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCLgRyKvfp0

Who is who?

• Congress – creates, authorizes, funds and oversees– House & Senate• Authorization• Appropriation

• Supportive bodies– CRS– GAO– CBO

Who is who?

• Judicial Branch– Limited participation in science policy…but• Dover case on Intelligent Design

– Kitzmiller342.pdf

• Rules for testimony• Ownership of intellectual property

Who is who?

• NGO’s– National Academies– Scientific Societies & other non-profits– Coalitions– Think Tanks

Taking it Local

• Take a minute and read:– “Seeing stars in Tucson’s brilliant night sky”

Discussion

a)What’s the policy issue here? How is it connected to science? There are many connections.

b)Who has control over lighting policies?c)What motivations are there for controlling bad lighting?d)Note that an NGO advocacy group is cited here…e)Do you think it could at all be possible to establish dark-sky

policies elsewhere? What makes Tucson special? What strategies might you use to motivate such a policy in, Portland? Miami? Los Angeles?

f)Anyone been to the Sky Bar? Does such a venue help or hurt the public’s perspective of science generally?