Big Science

Scientific breakthroughs are improving the quality of life for Americans. These advances also will be the economic engine of the twenty-first century and will be crucial for the economic competitiveness of states. Moreover, an awareness among the public and policy makers of scientific studies is important for finding solutions to critical issues facing states.

Science and public policy frequently intersect at the state level. The most prominent examples are the debate over stem cell research and the recent proliferation of state research and development funds. But science-related public policy issues extend far beyond biomedical research to the search for alternative energies, solutions to global warming, health care issues (such as the future of Medicaid), and even corrections and public safety, where neuroscience is playing an increasing role.

Meanwhile, for the public at-large, negotiating the ins and outs of daily life requires unprecedented knowledge of science and technology—navigating the Internet, choosing a health care plan, deciding what education and job training to pursue. As Susan Hockfield, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said recently: “We are now in an era where technical and scientific literacy are as critical as language literacy.” A science-literate public is a better informed electorate, more likely to lobby policy makers on important science and technology issues.

Policy makers themselves need to understand science to make sound policy and budget decisions. At the federal level, the president has access to a variety of sources, including the National Science Foundation and the National Science Board, but state policy makers may not have access to similar expertise.

Yet states must keep up with “Big Science” to enhance both prosperity and quality of life for their citizens. This requires that states develop well-informed policy makers and residents—all the while attracting and retaining the nation’s brightest thinkers to take advantage of the opportunities Big Science offers.

Is your state up to the challenge of keeping up with Big Science?