Science and Technology Policy

Featured Publications

Modern Medical Research Laboratory, Young Scientists Using Microscope, Digital Tablet, Doing Sample Analysis, Talking. Diverse Team of Specialists work in Advanced Lab.

Science and Technology Policy | Commentary

Reimagining Science Education To Build Capacity for Collaboration

Science and engineering graduate education often isolates students in narrow subfields, overlooking the broader social, political, and economic context shaping their work. In this commentary, Elise H. Zimmerman, Alicia L. Johnson, and Callie R. Chappell call for interdisciplinary training in ethics, governance, sociology, and history to better prepare scientists for collaborative, socially engaged research.

Server racks in computer network security server room data center, 3d rendering. Downloaded Server racks in computer network security server room data center

Science and Technology Policy | Commentary

Techno-Optimism, Techno-Pessimism, and Techno-Realism

Science and Technology Policy | Commentary

All Government Shutdowns Disrupt Science — In 2025, the Consequences Extend Far Beyond a Lapse in Funding

image of the earth with data transfer symbology

Election 2024: Policy Playbook | Science and Technology Policy | Policy Brief

Ground Research Security in Science, Not Speculation

About the Program

The Science and Technology Policy Program provides a space for policymakers and scientists to engage in substantive dialogue on critical scientific issues facing the U.S. and the world. Through this program, scholars 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 of interest include space science and technology, science education, social factors impacting science and scientists’ work, scientific advice in the federal government, and the government’s support of science and technology.

To learn about the latest updates from the Science and Technology Policy Program, sign up for SciTech Notes, a monthly newsletter that presents our research projects and events in an easy-to-read format.

For more information:
Kaylee Waldrip
Program Manager
[email protected]

Programs and Initiatives

Civic Scientist Program

The Civic Scientist Program brings scientists and engineers together with society to increase knowledge as well as interest in science.

Vaccine Project

We live in a world where the threat of another viral outbreak is real. This project examines how policies impact vaccine development and distribution.

Research Security

The Research Security program examines existing and proposed U.S. research security policies, identifies challenges and best practices, and studies the impact of these policies on US science, innovation, and national security.

Synthetic Biology

In this program, Baker Institute experts focus on understanding the ethical, regulatory, and social implications of synthetic biology and their products. .

Biomedical Research

The Biomedical Research Program addresses key aspects of the U.S. biomedical research infrastructure, such as funding and sustainability; ethical, political and regulatory challenges of emerging technologies, and more.