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 ContentsFront MatterExecutive SummaryIntroductionPresidential Science and Technology AppointmentsScience and Technology Appointments to Federal Advisory CommitteesConclusionAppendix A Committee and Staff Biographic InformationAppendix B The 2000 Recommendations: A Status ReportAppendix C Presidential Appointments Requiring the Advice and Consent of the Senate: Background and Current IssuesAppendix D How Much is Enough? Setting Pay for Presidential AppointeesAppendix E Federal Advisory Committees: Background and Current IssuesAppendix F Political and Professional Considerations in the Appointment of Federal Advisory Committee MembersAppendix G A Decision-Maker’s Guide to Science AdvisingAppendix H Description of Procedures for Gathering Call for CommentsAppendix I BibliographyAppendix J Preemployment Requirements and Post-employment Restrictions