Science and public policy

Politicians generally do not look to scientists to help them get votes. But issues of science policy become extremely important when politicians and scientists, together, grasp the degree to which science and technology are transforming the business of the president and Congress. The author discusses the uneasy relationship of two institutions--political governance and the progress of science--that, while possibly irreconcilable, have an ongoing alliance of convenience. The author indicates issues confronting the Bush presidency in which scientific and technical factors are crucial, raises questions about the future relationship of science and government, defines the political framework for this relationship, and documents the encouraging and significant science-policy commitments made by president-elect Bush.