An Introduction to Science Policy(Week 1)

Astronomy 408/508(and var. cross-listed identifiers)

Dr. Kevin B. MarvelVisiting Faculty

AndExecutive Officer, American Astronomical Society

Administrative Details

• Syllabus Distribution– Grading is attendance & participation (50%) and project

(50%)• The project will be an analysis and strategy document and

presentation on a self-selected science policy topic.

– Schedule is subject to modification, but I’ll let you know in advance

– Reading is important (!), books and supplementary materials distributed in class

– I’m going to assume a basic level of understanding of civics, BUT if you have any doubt, ask

– Questions?

Who Am I?

• An Astronomer & Non-Profit Executive– Undergrad UA, BS Physics & BS Astronomy– Grad, NMSU, MS & PHD Astronomy• Diss. Research at Very Large Array

– Postdoc, Caltech’s Owens Valley Radio Obs.– American Astronomical Society• Associate Executive Officer for Public Policy and

Employment Policy Programs 1998-2001• Deputy Executive Officer 2001-2006• Executive Officer 2006 to present

Who Are You?

• Introduce yourself to me and the class– Name– Major/Research/Background– Interest in Science Policy…why are you here?– Any policy interests outside of science you find

interesting.– Any experience in politics, policy or advocacy?

Course Philosophy

I’m a science policy practitioner, a ‘lobbyist’ and work in the non-profit, member-society sector and an astronomer. These provide biases in how I view science policy and how I practice science policy. I will try and break out of these biases during the course, but keep them in mind as you participate in the course. Point out to me in class or otherwise if I’m not getting far enough outside my boxes.

Course Philosophy

Online you will find science policy classes ranging from the highly theoretical (yuck!) to the extremely practical. I’m shooting for something more on the practical side. I want to enable you, as scientists, to fully engage in science policy as an integral part of your career from an informed perspective. To do so will take knowledge, understanding and a fundamental shift in your thinking, away from the scientific training you have to the policy mentality.

What is Science Policy Practically?

• Presidential priorities – Energy vs. Human Space Flight vs. Jobs vs. Defense vs. Research on Black Holes

• Agency decisions – e.g. the importance of research grants vs. projects…

• Funding decisions...balance of investment• To build or not to build• To cancel or not to cancel• Rules regulating publishing or data archiving• Visa issues relating to free movement of engineers &

scientists (and information sharing)• Etc.

The Government and Science• Government is the major funder of fundamental

research…• If you work in fundamental research, you need to

pay attention to what the government is doing at the biggest and smallest scales.

• If you don’t know the lingo, schedule and process, you are unlikely to have a positive impact.

• If you don’t engage, if you don’t make noise, you DO NOT EXIST from the policy perspective.

• However, it is not valuable to make enemies…

Some Reading• Take a few minutes and read:

– “After six budget showdowns, big government is mostly unchanged”, David A. Fahrenthold

Discussion

• Thoughts?• My questions…

AAAS US R&D Budget Analysis

Best source of information on the budget

Special chapters on agencies

Special chapters on disciplines

Special chapters on trends and budget context

$744B Deficit…

Reading

• Take a minute or two and read– “George F. Will: Obama’s brainy idea”

– http://www.nih.gov/science/brain/

• If you’re really interested check out Charlie Rose’s program on this initiative later:– http://www.charlierose.com/watch/60241001

Discussion

A Non-Political, Factual ViewCGPGrey

Third Article

• Take a minute and read:– “Treasury Prods Lawmakers on Raising Debt

Ceiling”, Annie Lowrey

Discussion

Reading

• Take a look at the email I received on Tuesday– “American League of Lobbyists mailing”

Discussion

Taking it Local

• Take a minute and read:– “Seeing stars in Tucson’s brilliant night sky”

Discussion

Wrap-Up

• Remember, no class next week• Read Chapters 1-5 in the course textbook

“Beyond Sputnik”• Scan one or two newspapers a day for articles

discussing issues that could impact science policy. Start saving them.

• Keep up with Science, Nature and Science News during the course.