Science and Technology in the National Interest

In 2004, an ad hoc committee was charged with preparing this third report examining the most senior S&T appointments to federal government positions and updating the accompanying list of the most urgent S&T presidential appointments. Sufficient changes have occurred since the National Academies 2000 report on presidential appointmentsincluding the 2001 terrorist attacks, the anthrax deaths, the reorganization of homeland-security activities in the federal government, new developments in S&T, and concerns about the politicization of S&T decision making and adviceto warrant this new edition. In contrast with previous reports on the subject, this one covers not only presidential appointments to top S&T leadership positions but also the appointment of scientists, engineers, and health professionals to serve on federal advisory committees that focus on science-based policy or on the review of research proposals. The committee recognizes that other areas of federal responsibility are as important as S&T, but S&T appointments are the only ones within its purview.Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary Introduction Presidential Science and Technology Appointments Science and Technology Appointments to Federal Advisory Committees Conclusion Appendix A Committee and Staff Biographic Information Appendix B The 2000 Recommendations: A Status Report Appendix C Presidential Appointments Requiring the Advice and Consent of the Senate: Background and Current Issues Appendix D How Much is Enough? Setting Pay for Presidential Appointees Appendix E Federal Advisory Committees: Background and Current Issues Appendix F Political and Professional Considerations in the Appointment of Federal Advisory Committee Members Appendix G A Decision-Makers Guide to Science Advising Appendix H Description of Procedures for Gathering Call for Comments Appendix I Bibliography Appendix J Preemployment Requirements and Post-employment Restrictions