Science and technology play a critical role in addressing the complex challenges facing our world, from climate change and public health to national security and economic competitiveness. In this context, science advice has never been more important to effective policymaking, nor more publicly debated.
We hosted a panel discussion featuring three former presidential science advisors: Kelvin Droegemeier (Trump), Neal Lane (Clinton), and Alondra Nelson (Biden), moderated by Baker Institute director David M. Satterfield. The conversation explored the panelists’ experiences leading the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). They also discussed the OSTP's critical role in shaping national policies to advance science, technology, innovation, and higher education.
The event was complemented by an exhibit inside Baker Hall that displays the history of science advisors and the role of OSTP in presidential policymaking. Exhibit materials were curated from the collections of U.S. presidential libraries and the White House Scientists Archive at Woodson Research Center Special Collections and Archives at Rice University’s Fondren Library. The event followed the annual Baker Institute Civic Science Lecture presented by Darío Gil, chair of the National Science Board and vice president for research at IBM, on Mar. 4, 2025. Together, these events highlighted critical issues facing the U.S. national research and education enterprise.
This event was organized by the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program and Rice Innovation. Additional support was generously provided by gifts from the Kavli Foundation and Rice University’s Fondren Library, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, Science and Technology Studies Program, and Creative Ventures Fund: Conference and Workshop grant.
The event was free and open to the public.
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Agenda
5:30 pm CST — Reception
6:30 pm CST — Welcome Remarks
6:45 pm CST — Panel Discussion
7:15 pm CST — Q&A Session
7:55 pm CST — Closing Remarks
Participants
Featured Speakers
Kelvin Droegemeier, Ph.D.
Professor, Atmospheric Science and Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Science and Policy, University of Illinois; Former Presidential Science Advisor, OSTP (2019-21)
Alondra Nelson, Ph.D.
Harold F. Linder Professor, Institute for Advanced Study; Former Presidential Science Advisor, OSTP (2021-23)
Neal Lane, Ph.D.
Senior Fellow, Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Professor, Physics and Astronomy Emeritus, Rice University; Former Presidential Science Advisor, OSTP (1998-2001)
Moderator
The Honorable David M. Satterfield
Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy; Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy; Former Ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey
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