Notable speakers—such as members of the House Science Committee, key staffers, and the White House Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy—provide insights into potential hurdles and challenges facing federal science-related agencies.

Confirmed speakers for June 18-22, 2012 include:

• Adam Riess, Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, 2011, Astronomer, Space Telescope Science Institute; Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Johns Hopkins University

• Kei Koizumi, Assistant Director for Federal Research and Development, and STAR Metrics Project Lead, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, White House

• Robert Walker, Chairman, Wexler and Walker Public Policy Associates; former Congressman (R-PA), and Chairman of the House Science Committee

• Eric Svedberg, Senior Program Officer, National Materials and Manufacturing Board, National Academies of Science

• Richard Obermann, Minority Staff Director, Science, Space and Technology Committee

• Spencer Wells, Project Director; Explorer-in-Residence at National Geographic;  Professor, Cornell University; author of The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey

• Richard Batiuk, Chesapeake Bay Program Office, Associate Director for Science, Environmental Protection Agency

• Patricia Dehmer, Deputy Director for Science Programs, Office of Science, Department of Energy

• Kevin T. FitzGerald, David Lauler Chair in Catholic Health Care Ethics, and Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center