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 appointments?including 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 advice?to 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-Maker's 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