Science and Technology

KEY PEOPLE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Click here to access the Science and Technology Policy Program Web site.

Progress and innovation in society depend on the contributions of science and technology; however, public policy plays a significant role in the funding of research, the contemporary ethical debates, and the application of scientific innovation in society. The relationship between science and policy is therefore important; yet, an ever-expanding gap in our society between scientific research, application and public policy continues to persist. Today, it is becoming increasingly crucial to enhance communication between the scientific and policymaking communities.

The mission of the Science and Technology Policy Program is to provide a space for policymakers and scientists to engage in substantive dialogue with the hope that policy will more accurately reflect and be more consistent with current scientific knowledge. Through this program, the Baker Institute organizes workshops, lectures, research projects and conferences designed to bring attention to and help bridge the gap between science and public policy. Issues of interest include space, health and medicine, energy and the environment, national and domestic security, science education, and the public’s understanding and trust of science.

The Science and Technology Policy Program engages in research and projects related to four fields: science education, advice to policymakers, biomedical research and policy, and health care disparities. Through these projects the program tackles discussion on topics such as improving international scientific collaborations, climate change, funding of scientific research and development and the uninsured in Texas. In addition, the program has two cornerstone projects: the International Stem Cell Policy Program and the Civic Scientist Program, the latter consisting of a series of talks by leading scientists from around the country who have impacted public policy, as well as a community outreach project matching Houston scientists and engineers to local underserved schools. Furthermore, in 2008, the Science and Technology Policy Program, in partnership with The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, will start a new lecture series, “Medicine, Research and Society,” aimed at discussing important issues at the intersection of science, medicine, health and policy.

PUBLICATIONS
2009: Baker Institute Policy Report 41: Sustainable U.S. Policy Options to Address Climate Change: Highlights of the Debate
Jun 29 2009

Lauren A. Smulcer, Kirstin R. Matthews, Amy Myers Jaffe, Neal Lane; Frequently Asked Questions: Stem Cells
May 28 2009

Kirstin R. Matthews; WANTED: Federal stem cell oversight
Feb 15 2009

Kirstin R. Matthews
2008: American Physics, Policy and Politics: An Uneasy Relationship
Dec 29 2008

Neal Lane; Science and Technology: Recommendations for the Next Administration
Dec 23 2008

Neal Lane, Kirstin R. Matthews; Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Recommendations for the Next Administration
Dec 19 2008

Kirstin R. Matthews, Neal Lane; Conference Report – Beyond Science: The Economics and Politics of Responding to Climate Change
Dec 15 2008

Kirstin R. Matthews, Lauren A. Smulcer, Amy Myers Jaffe, Neal Lane; Considering Sea Level Rise
Apr 02 2008

Neal Lane; Ideas That Will Actually Cut Into Global Warning
Feb 08 2008

Neal Lane, Malcolm Gillis; Stem Cell Research: A Science and Policy Overview
Feb 01 2008

Kirstin R. Matthews
2007: Hot Topic: Stem Cell Controversy: Are Human Skin Cells Really the Breakthrough?
Dec 07 2007

Kirstin R. Matthews; Nuclear Nonproliferation: Policy Implications
Nov 02 2007

George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane; Hot Topic: Innovation And Economic Competitiveness Through Science And Technology
Oct 19 2007

Neal Lane, Kirstin R. Matthews; U.S. Stem Cell Policy - Unintended Consequences
Oct 12 2007

Kirstin R. Matthews, Neal Lane; Avenues for Advancement: Conference Summary
Aug 09 2007

Kirstin R. Matthews

EVENTS

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Science and Technology