Explore how the U.S. government deals with science- and technology-related policy issues, and discuss ways to foster federal agencies’ creativity, innovation, and effectiveness. Hear directly from renowned scientists on their new discoveries, and learn whether the political environment threatens or supports current research and development and policies. Notable speakers, such as the chairman of the House Science Committee, key staffers and the White House Director of Science and Technology Policy, provide insights to potential hurdles and challenges facing federal science-related agencies.
Speakers in 2010 included:
- Edward Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer, AT&T
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer, (D-Ore.), member of House Ways and Means, Budget, and Select Energy Independence and Global Warming Committees
- Francis Eberle, Executive Director, National Science Teachers Association
- Juliet Eilperin, Environmental Correspondent, The Washington Post
- Jonathan Epstein, Professional Staff Member, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- William M. Ferretti, Vice President, Chicago Climate Exchange
- Kevin T. FitzGerald, Professor, Catholic Health Care Ethics, Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University; Research Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center
- William Hubbard, Senior Advisor, Coalition for a Stronger FDA; former Senior Associate Commissioner for Policy, Planning and Legislation, FDA
- Robert Kahn, Chairman, CEO, and President, Corporation for National Research Initiatives; former Director, DARPA’s Information Processing Techniques Office, and co-inventor of the TCP/IP Protocols
- Thomas A. Kalil, Deputy Director for Policy, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President
- Kei Koizumi, Assistant Director for Federal Research and Development, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President
- Michael Korens, Aviation Consultant and former Senate Aviation Subcommittee Counsel
- Andrew Light, Senior Fellow, Coordinator, International Climate Policy, Center for American Progress
- Arun Majumdar, Inaugural Director, ARPA-E, Department of Energy
- Adam Riess, Astronomer, Space Telescope Science Institute; Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Johns Hopkins University
- Adam Silverman, Deputy Director, Administrative Services, National Science Foundation
- Robert Walker, Chairman, Wexler and Walker Public Policy Associates; former Congressman (R-Penn.), and Chairman of the House Science Committee
- Spencer Wells, Project Director, Genographic Project; Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic
For a sample agenda with speakers and topics, click on the full agenda above.
Program Benefits
- Understanding of how science policy makes its way through Congress and how the White House guides science policy
- New perspectives on how government agencies handle technological innovation
- Skills to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences
Competencies - Technical credibility
- Political savvy
- External awareness
Praise for this Program
"Eye-opening, provocative, informative, and truly an asset to my career aspirations!"
—
Steven Kremer, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
"Brookings creates an educational environment for current and future leaders that is second to none. After each Brookings program, I feel like I've exercised my brain with the important issues of our government."
—Peter Wilczynski, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration