US Science Policy Overview

The government's role in setting the research agenda and regulating scientific research.

Research conducted within federal agencies or national labs.

Research funded by grants and contracts with organizations outside of the government.

Federal support for universities that funds research and educates future scientists.

Research projects are selected based on their merit and potential impact, not on location or personal connections.

The government covers the direct costs of research (salaries, materials) and indirect costs (facilities, administration).

The government's evolving role in science, driven by events like World War II, the Cold War, and the need for national security.

The government's role in science is largely decentralized, with no single agency responsible for all research.

Technological advancements can drive the need for new scientific research. For example, the rise of computers led to a boom in basic research on information storage and processing.

Individual scientists have an incentive to highlight new or groundbreaking discoveries, which can sometimes overshadow the accumulation of reliable knowledge that benefits society.

Many scientific questions are "trans-scientific" because they involve complex systems with changing variables and are influenced by researcher choices, making definitive answers difficult.

Different researchers may define a complex concept like "the economy" differently, resulting in disagreements about its current state. This shows how definitions can influence scientific conclusions.

The idea that scientific inquiry should be driven by the needs of society and its problems, and that scientists should be accountable for the societal impact of their work.

Scientists should be free to explore any research topic without government interference, and the government should focus on funding research that has the potential for societal benefit.

A linear model of science where basic research leads to applied research, which eventually leads to technological innovation. This model assumes that progress flows naturally from basic science to societal applications.

The argument that scientific progress should be measured by its contribution to solving real-world problems and delivering tangible benefits to society.

Scientific inquiry should focus on addressing urgent societal problems, with a clear standard for evaluating the advancement of knowledge and its impact on society.

Using scientific knowledge to create better policies, often called "evidence-based policymaking."

The idea that policies should be built on solid scientific evidence and research findings.

Researchers prioritize gaining new knowledge and statistical significance, while policymakers prioritize solving problems, gaining re-election, and building political support.

The process of identifying and synthesizing scientific evidence to inform policy decisions.

The challenge of bridging the gap between scientific findings and policy decision-making, due to different needs and priorities.

The federal agency responsible for funding all areas of scientific research and education. It is led by a director and deputy director appointed by the president for a six-year term.

A board of 25 individuals from academia and industry that sets policies for the NSF. They are appointed by the president of the United States.

A temporary role within the NSF where researchers from outside the agency work for 2-3 years.

This office was created in 1976 to advise the president on science and technology matters. Its director serves as the president's science advisor.

Created in 1990, this council is the highest-level science advisory group to the president. It is composed of experts from academia and industry.

Established in 1993, this council coordinates science policies across all federal agencies with responsibility for science and technology.

This office within the executive branch is responsible for preparing the president's budget proposal to Congress, including funding requests for research programs.

The largest biomedical research funder in the U.S., both internally (intramural) and externally (extramural). It is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The largest federal funder of R&D, with a focus on defense-related research, but also supporting basic and applied research in other areas.

This agency focuses on space flight and aeronautics research. It was established in 1958 in response to the launch of Sputnik.

This department's Office of Science funds basic research in the physical sciences. It also runs several national laboratories.

This agency within the Department of Commerce sets standards of measurement for commerce and industry.

This agency within the Department of Commerce conducts research and provides information regarding weather, oceans, and climate.

This agency within the Department of Homeland Security conducts research focused on securing the nation against threats.

This department supports agricultural research through its land-grant universities and extension programs.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a nonpartisan research arm of Congress that provides objective information and analysis on public policy issues without making policy recommendations.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent watchdog agency that audits government programs and provides evaluations on their effectiveness. It has no authority to punish agencies, but its findings can influence policy decisions.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a nonpartisan agency that provides objective economic and budget analysis to Congress. It helps lawmakers make informed decisions about spending and taxation without advocating for specific policies.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972 regulates the use of advisory committees, especially in public health regulatory agencies like the EPA and FDA, ensuring transparency and public involvement.

Chevron deference is a legal principle where courts defer to an agency's interpretation of a law when the law is ambiguous, as long as the agency's action is reasonable and permissible. It helps ensure consistent and expert-driven decision-making.