Science, technology and research will again have a special emphasis in his administration, President-elect Barack Obama reiterated in his weekly address to the nation this weekend.
After eight years during which the Bush administration rejected the science of climate change and stem cell research and manipulated the efforts of scientists to fit its narrow ideological agenda, the Obama administration's renewed interest in science is refreshing.
In his address, Obama stated, "Whether it’s the science to slow global warming; the technology to protect our troops and confront bioterror and weapons of mass destruction; the research to find life-saving cures; or the innovations to remake our industries and create 21st century jobs – today, more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our security and prosperity as a nation."
"It is time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America’s place as the world leader in science and technology," he said.
In addition to this renewed emphasis on science as a tool to protect the planet and its people, Obama also expressed great optimism that science would improve our lives. "Right now, in labs, classrooms and companies across America, our leading minds are hard at work chasing the next big idea, on the cusp of breakthroughs that could revolutionize our lives," he continued.
Improving the quality of life and protecting the planet through scientific achievement cannot be accomplished without leadership in Washington, Obama added. "From landing on the moon, to sequencing the human genome, to inventing the Internet, America has been the first to cross that new frontier because we had leaders who paved the way: leaders like President Kennedy, who inspired us to push the boundaries of the known world and achieve the impossible; leaders who not only invested in our scientists, but who respected the integrity of the scientific process," he noted.
Obama also expressed a sharp difference with the Bush administration on how science should operate in the public sphere. "Because the truth is that promoting science isn’t just about providing resources – it’s about protecting free and open inquiry," Obama said. "It’s about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It’s about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it’s inconvenient – especially when it’s inconvenient."
During the address, Obama announced his decision to appoint physicist Dr. John Holdren as technology czar and environmental scientist Dr. Jane Lubchenco to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
