For all of the good they do to improve public understanding of science, the Nobel Prizes also have major issues. The laureate selection lacks diversity and rewards individuals, promoting competition versus collaboration in science. Continue Reading
The Nobel committee’s choice to broaden the scope of its science awards, which has historically been conservative in its interpretation of what counts as “physics,” to include climate science is a welcome — and much needed — change in the long history of the physics prize, rewarding how science is conducted today, rather than how it was defined and performed in 1901. Continue Reading
Nearly three years into his administration, President Trump has reestablished the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Policy (PCAST), which advises the White House on policy issues related to science, technology and innovation. However, the first round of appointments raises serious questions about the council. Continue Reading
Despite internal changes in how scientists are nominated for the Nobel Prize, there is still a substantial gender bias in prize recipients. Concrete policy changes are needed to ensure more diversity is reflected in the world’s most visible and prestigious scientific honor. Continue Reading
While the U.S. still maintains the overall lead in Nobel prizes (with the exception of literature), the rate at which American scientists have been awarded the prize has declined since the late 1970s. Continue Reading
This presidential election cycle has seen a storm of controversies and campaign promises from both major party candidates. While science and technology (S&T) policy is unlikely to make headlines in the two weeks leading up to the election, it is… Continue Reading
Forty years ago today, on May 11,1976, President Gerald Ford signed the “National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976” into law. The act outlined a national policy for science and technology (S&T) and established the Office… Continue Reading