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Science and Technology

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Progress in society depends 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. Through this program the Baker Institute sponsors a series of workshops, lectures, research projects, and conferences designed to bring attention to and bridge the gaps between science and public policy. The aim is to address a broad range of policy issues that affect scientists and their research as well as the application of science for the public good. Issues addressed by the program include space, health and medicine, energy and the environment, national and domestic security, science education, and the federal government's support of science and technology. The program’s goal is to encourage scientists and policymakers to work closely together to ensure that public policy will more accurately reflect current scientific knowledge and be more consistent with the scientific consensus.

Currently, the Science and Technology Policy Program is engaged in research and projects related to four specific fields: science education; advice to policymakers; biomedical research and policy; and health disparities. Through these projects the program tackles discussion on topics such as: increasing the role of women in science and engineering; scientific integrity in policymaking; genetic testing; and the uninsured in Texas. In addition, the program has a series of conferences on embryonic stem cell research and policies titled “Stem Cells: Saving Lives or Crossing Lines” and a new Civic Scientist Lectures Series, which comprises talks by leading scientists from around the country who have impacted public policy in order to expose scientists and future scientists to the notion that their roles expand outside of the laboratory.

PUBLICATIONS
2008
Considering Sea Level Rise
Apr 02 2008
Neal Lane
Ideas That Will Actually Cut Into Global Warning
Feb 08 2008
Neal Lane, Malcolm Gillis
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
Hot Topic: Navigating the Fact and Fiction of Climate Change
Jul 13 2007
Neal Lane
House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing: Science and Technology Leadership in the 21st Century Global Economy
Mar 13 2007
Neal Lane
2006
Baker Institute Policy Report 33: Lessons Learned: U.S. Embryonic Stem Cell Policies
Oct 01 2006
Kirstin R. Matthews
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society: The Relationship Between Policy and Research in National Laboratories, Universities, Government and Industry
Sep 01 2006
Neal Lane, Kirstin R. Matthews, Amy Myers Jaffe
On the Role of Commercial Projects in U.S.-R.F. Proliferation Cooperation
May 01 2006
Rose Gottemoeller
2005
Baker Institute Policy Report 32: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Technology
Nov 01 2005
Neal Lane
Baker Institute Policy Report 31: Stem Cells: Saving Lives or Crossing Lines
Sep 01 2005
Kirstin R. Matthews, Neal Lane
United States Space Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
Sep 01 2005
George W.S. Abbey, Neal Lane
EVENTS