professor george h. atkinson, ph.d. director, institute on science for global policy (isgp),...

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Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), (ISGP), University of California University of California former former Science and Technology Adviser to the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretaries of State Powell and Rice (2003-2007) Secretaries of State Powell and Rice (2003-2007) Science and Technology in 21st Century Global Societies Science and Technology in 21st Century Global Societies Fermi National Laboratories Chicago, Illinois October 8, 2008

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Page 1: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D.Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D.

Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP),Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP),University of CaliforniaUniversity of California

formerformer Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretaries of Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretaries of State Powell and Rice (2003-2007)State Powell and Rice (2003-2007)

Science and Technology in 21st Century Global Science and Technology in 21st Century Global SocietiesSocieties

Fermi National LaboratoriesChicago, IllinoisOctober 8, 2008

Page 2: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Overview of RemarksOverview of Remarks

1. Questions: What are the “American” principles on which decisions are made?

2. Evolution of U.S. science and technology (S&T) models

3. S&T in 21st century global affairs: Challenges

4. Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP)

5. The “Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy”

Page 3: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

1. “American” principles for decision making:1. “American” principles for decision making:Ratification of the U.S. ConstitutionRatification of the U.S. Constitution

““Reason and Reflection” versus “Force and Violence”Reason and Reflection” versus “Force and Violence”

““Almost all the governments that have arisen among mankind, have Almost all the governments that have arisen among mankind, have sprung from sprung from force and violenceforce and violence. The records of history inform us . The records of history inform us of none that have been the result of of none that have been the result of cool and dispassionate reason cool and dispassionate reason and reflection.and reflection.

Anonymous Anti-Federalist, New York, 1788Anonymous Anti-Federalist, New York, 1788

“… “… it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country [United States]… to decide the important question, whether [United States]… to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from government from reflection and choicereflection and choice, or whether they are forever , or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and accident and forceforce.”.”

Alexander Hamilton: The Federalists I, 1787-1789Alexander Hamilton: The Federalists I, 1787-1789

Page 4: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

1. “American” principles for decision making:1. “American” principles for decision making:A 20A 20thth Century Government View Century Government View

“… “… attempting to relate moral (ethical) considerations to foreign policy attempting to relate moral (ethical) considerations to foreign policy [involves] the behavior of governments, not of individuals.”[involves] the behavior of governments, not of individuals.”

““... the functions, commitments, and ... the functions, commitments, and moral obligations of governments moral obligations of governments are not the same as those of the individualare not the same as those of the individual.”.”

“ “ [government’s] primary obligation is to the interests of the national [government’s] primary obligation is to the interests of the national society it representssociety it represents, not to the moral impulse that elements of that , not to the moral impulse that elements of that society may experience.”society may experience.”

““The interests of the national society for which governments must be The interests of the national society for which governments must be concern itself are basically those of its concern itself are basically those of its military security, the integrity of military security, the integrity of its political life, and the well-being of its people.its political life, and the well-being of its people.””

George F. Kennan, George F. Kennan, At A Century’s Ending: Reflections, 1982-1995At A Century’s Ending: Reflections, 1982-1995

Page 5: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

2. Evolution of the U.S. S&T model2. Evolution of the U.S. S&T model

Vannevar Bush (1945): Vannevar Bush (1945): Science: The Endless FrontierScience: The Endless Frontier

““The U.S. government supports basic science research in universities, The U.S. government supports basic science research in universities, while industry pursues applied research”while industry pursues applied research”

Established NIH and NSF, and set the paradigm for the Established NIH and NSF, and set the paradigm for the ascendance of American science and technology.ascendance of American science and technology.

Basic Research Basic Research Applied Research Applied Research Development Development Commercial ProductionCommercial Production

House Speaker Newt Gingrich (1997):House Speaker Newt Gingrich (1997):

““With the collapse of the Soviet Union, … With the collapse of the Soviet Union, … the Vannevar Bush the Vannevar Bush approach is no longer valid. …. approach is no longer valid. …. the competition we are engaged in the competition we are engaged in

now is less military and largely economic. now is less military and largely economic. Science today is an Science today is an international enterprise, and we must assume a leadership role in international enterprise, and we must assume a leadership role in

guiding international science policyguiding international science policy…. ….

Page 6: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

What characteristics of the U.S. system made it successful and What characteristics of the U.S. system made it successful and which are relevant to the future?which are relevant to the future?

1. U.S. made a consistent commitment to 1. U.S. made a consistent commitment to education, and especially education, and especially to higher education and scientific research.to higher education and scientific research. U.S. research U.S. research universities would not be what they are today without 50 universities would not be what they are today without 50 years of Federal support.years of Federal support.

2. U.S. fostered an open, welcoming environment that encouraged 2. U.S. fostered an open, welcoming environment that encouraged students and researchers from around the world to students and researchers from around the world to participate in the U.S. system.participate in the U.S. system.

3. U.S. private sector converted many scientific advances into 3. U.S. private sector converted many scientific advances into world-class technologies promoting societal well-being and world-class technologies promoting societal well-being and creating new global economies.creating new global economies.

4. U.S. policy decisions were based largely (but NOT always 4. U.S. policy decisions were based largely (but NOT always correctly) on an correctly) on an anticipatory view concerning emerging and anticipatory view concerning emerging and “at-the-horizon” S&T“at-the-horizon” S&T

2. Evolution of the U.S. S&T Model2. Evolution of the U.S. S&T Model

Page 7: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Gross domestic product (Billion 2004 US$)Gross domestic product (Billion 2004 US$)

Page 8: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

BohrBohrPure basic Pure basic researchresearch

Pasteur Pasteur Use-inspired basic Use-inspired basic

researchresearch

DescriptiveDescriptive Pure applied Pure applied researchresearch

Edison Edison

Pasteur’s Quadrant: S&T InnovationPasteur’s Quadrant: S&T Innovation

Consider use?Consider use? NONO YESYES

YESYESQuest for Quest for basic basic research?research?

NONO

2. Evolution of U.S. S&T models2. Evolution of U.S. S&T models

A new appraisal of basic S&T research and innovationA new appraisal of basic S&T research and innovation

Page 9: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

2. Evolution of U.S. S&T models:2005-present2. Evolution of U.S. S&T models:2005-present

U.S. Commission on National Security 21st CenturyU.S. Commission on National Security 21st Century

“Americans are living off the economic and security benefits of the last three generations’ investment in science and education, but we are now consuming capital. Our systems of basic scientific research and education are in serious crisis, while other countries are redoubling their efforts. In the next quarter century, we will likely see ourselves surpassed, and in relative decline, unless we make a conscious national commitment to maintain our edge.

President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

… it is the entire U.S. innovation ecosystem that is at risk. The loss of global market share in STEM talent could have dramatic future impacts”.

Page 10: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

3. Recognizing 21st century global S&T challenges3. Recognizing 21st century global S&T challenges

Consider three primary issues affecting S&T strategies at Consider three primary issues affecting S&T strategies at the outset of the 21the outset of the 21stst century century

• worldwide innovation systems based on emerging worldwide innovation systems based on emerging S&T that are increasingly competitive intellectually S&T that are increasingly competitive intellectually and in global marketsand in global markets

• a significantly expanding global population with a significantly expanding global population with rapidly aging demographics in specific countriesrapidly aging demographics in specific countries • S&T advances that could dramatically alter S&T advances that could dramatically alter societal and governmental institutions as well as societal and governmental institutions as well as challenge ethical and social moreschallenge ethical and social mores

Page 11: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Critical Critical Role of S&T Human ResourcesRole of S&T Human Resources

Countries in Journal of Physical ChemistryCountries in Journal of Physical Chemistry

ArgentinaArgentinaAustraliaAustraliaAustriaAustriaBelarusBelarusBelgiumBelgiumBrazilBrazilBulgariaBulgariaCanadaCanadaChileChileColombiaColombiaCroatiaCroatiaCzech Czech RepublicRepublic

DenmarkDenmark Finland Finland FranceFrance GermanyGermany GreeceGreece Hong KongHong Kong HungaryHungary IndiaIndia IrelandIreland IsraelIsrael ItalyItaly JapanJapan KoreaKorea

LebanonLebanon LithuaniaLithuania MexicoMexico MoroccoMorocco NetherlandsNetherlands New New

ZealandZealand NorwayNorway PolandPoland PR ChinaPR China Puerto Rico Puerto Rico RussiaRussia

Slovak Slovak SpainSpain SwedenSweden SwitzerlandSwitzerland TaiwanTaiwan TurkeyTurkey UkraineUkraine UruguayUruguay United KingdomUnited Kingdom United StatesUnited States (41%)(41%) VenezuelaVenezuela

Of the 12,543 pages published in 2003, 59% were contributed by authors working in countries outside the United States

Page 12: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Courtesy ofThe American Physical Society

Physical Review and Physical Review Letters (1983-2004)Physical Review and Physical Review Letters (1983-2004)

Page 13: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

  Trends in Internat’l Graduate Applications: 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06

2003-’04 2004-’05 2005-’06

U.S. Citizens & Perm. Res. 0% - 1% --International - 28% - 5% +

11% Country of Origin

China - 45% - 13% + 21%

India - 28% - 9% + 23%

Korea - 14% 0% + 3%

Middle East + 4% + 6% + 4%

 Field of StudyBusiness - 24% - 8%

+ 7%Education - 21% - 3%

+ 3%Engineering - 36% - 7% +

17%Humanities - 17% + 2%

+ 4%Life Sciences - 24% - 1% +

16%Physical Science - 22% - 3%

+ 10%Social Sciences - 20% - 4%

+ 10%

Council on Graduate SchoolsCouncil on Graduate Schools

Page 14: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Source: United Nations, World Population Prospects, The 1998 Revision; and estimates by the Population Reference Bureau.

Population Growth; Developed and Developing Countries

Population Growth; Developed and Developing Countries

Page 15: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Median Age: 37.4 Total Population: 1.19 Billion Dependency Ratio: 483.4

Europe, North America, Australia/New Zealand and JapanEurope, North America, Australia/New Zealand and Japan

Page 16: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Median Age: 18.2 Total Population: 658 Million Dependency Ratio: 860.3

48 countries designated by the United Nations“Least Developed”

48 countries designated by the United Nations“Least Developed”

Page 17: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000

40

50

60

70

80

life e

xp

ecta

ncy,

20

00

gdp per capita, 2000, current PPP $

USA

Japan

Germany

FranceItaly

UK

Spain

Korea

Argentina

South Africa

Equatorial Guinea

Mexico

Russia

Brazil

Botswana

Namibia

Gabon

China

India

Indonesia

Pakistan

Bangladesh

Nigeria

Life expectancy vs. GDPLife expectancy vs. GDP

Page 18: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

S&T as a bridge between cultures

Global S&T cooperation can infuse the liberal principles of Global S&T cooperation can infuse the liberal principles of science throughout the fabric of societiesscience throughout the fabric of societies

• Promotes access to information and knowledge, factors that empower citizens

• Promotes transparency through open publication

• Promotes meritocracy of ideas through peer review

• Supports creativity and critical thinking

• Promotes mutual respect for diverse views for diverse views

Builds a “Knowledge-Based Society”Builds a “Knowledge-Based Society”

3. Recognizing the Challenges for 21st Century S&T3. Recognizing the Challenges for 21st Century S&T

Page 19: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Data from Pew Global Attitudes Project:What the World Thinks in 2002 – from Nye, J. 2004

S&T: “Soft Power” in 21S&T: “Soft Power” in 21stst Century Diplomacy Century DiplomacyS&T: “Soft Power” in 21S&T: “Soft Power” in 21stst Century Diplomacy Century Diplomacy

RegionRegionAdmire U.S. for S&T Admire U.S. for S&T

Advances (%)Advances (%)

Good that American Good that American Ideas/Customs Ideas/Customs Spread Spread

(%)(%)

EuropeEurope ~67~67 ~33~33

S.E. AsiaS.E. Asia ~82~82 ~33~33

AfricaAfrica ~85~85 ~42~42

AmericasAmericas ~76~76 ~36~36

Islamic World Islamic World (**) (**)

~70~70 ~14~14

(**) Seven countries with majority Muslim populations(**) Seven countries with majority Muslim populations

Page 20: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser
Page 21: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Lessons Recalled and RelearnedLessons Recalled and Relearned

1.1. Global Leadership in S&T is transitoryGlobal Leadership in S&T is transitory

• In the 19th century, and at the outset of the 20th century, the In the 19th century, and at the outset of the 20th century, the dominant global S&T power was dominant global S&T power was Europe.Europe. • Since the mid-20th century, the dominant global S&T power has been Since the mid-20th century, the dominant global S&T power has been

the the United States.United States.• A new A new internationally collaborativeinternationally collaborative reality is rapidly emerging. reality is rapidly emerging.

2.2. S&T present increasingly difficult and complex challengesS&T present increasingly difficult and complex challenges

• S&T advances are S&T advances are global in their technical and societal impactglobal in their technical and societal impact..• The sources of The sources of scientific understandingscientific understanding (research) are (research) are increasingly increasingly internationalinternational..• TechnologyTechnology is developed within a is developed within a global frameworkglobal framework. .

3. Recognizing the Challenge for 21st Century S&T3. Recognizing the Challenge for 21st Century S&T

Page 22: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

1. Expand international engagements1. Expand international engagements

““Successful 21st century innovation in any country will increasingly Successful 21st century innovation in any country will increasingly depend on the degree to which it can establish international S&T depend on the degree to which it can establish international S&T cooperationcooperation.”.”

2. Promote long-term, risk taking S&T research2. Promote long-term, risk taking S&T research

““A system of societal investments in scientific research and A system of societal investments in scientific research and technological development that does technological development that does notnot anticipate and accept a anticipate and accept a reasonable degree of failure as the price for successful innovation reasonable degree of failure as the price for successful innovation is a system itself doomed to failure.”is a system itself doomed to failure.”

Conclusion:Conclusion:““Accurate, timely understanding of the global significance of Accurate, timely understanding of the global significance of emerging emerging

and “at-the-horizon”and “at-the-horizon” S&T advances requires yet a new S&T advances requires yet a new commitment to bridge the increasing gap between S&T commitment to bridge the increasing gap between S&T researchersresearchers and and societal and governmental decision makerssocietal and governmental decision makers. Balance the . Balance the short- versus long-term. ”short- versus long-term. ”

New DirectionsNew Directions

Page 23: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Institute forInstitute for

Many of the most significant global challenges for 21st century Many of the most significant global challenges for 21st century societies, and especially for governments, are directly related to societies, and especially for governments, are directly related to the remarkably rapid and profound scientific achievements of our the remarkably rapid and profound scientific achievements of our timetime, and the technologies that emanate from them., and the technologies that emanate from them.

Success in fostering safe, secure, and prosperous Success in fostering safe, secure, and prosperous “knowledge-“knowledge-based” societies based” societies often reflects how well governments recognize often reflects how well governments recognize the opportunities and risks associated with emerging science and the opportunities and risks associated with emerging science and technology (S&T) andtechnology (S&T) and how effectively governments institute how effectively governments institute policies that balance short- versus long-term issues.policies that balance short- versus long-term issues.

Unfortunately, the gap between science-based understanding and many political and governmental agenda and polices remains large.

Motivation for ISGP

Page 24: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

University of California, Santa Cruz and University of California, Santa Cruz and University of California, Washington, D.C.University of California, Washington, D.C.

ISGPISGP

Conference Rationale:

Creates Creates face-to-face dialoguesface-to-face dialogues as as effective venues for effective venues for critical debatescritical debates and detailed understanding and detailed understanding between the between the global science and global science and technology communitiestechnology communities and those and those governmental and societal governmental and societal decisions makersdecisions makers relying on an relying on an anticipatory, accurate anticipatory, accurate understanding of emerging understanding of emerging scientific advances and scientific advances and technological developments.technological developments.

Participants:• Selected governments:Selected governments:

US, UK, Italy, Japan, US, UK, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Singapore, Germany, FranceFrance

• International network of International network of university faculty and university faculty and studentsstudents

• Foundations, private Foundations, private donors and selected donors and selected private sector private sector companiescompanies

Page 25: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Function: to assist governments and NGOs to formulate and implement policies involving S&T that can effectively guide the investments of financial and human resources needed to meet the reasonably anticipated challenges in the 21st century.

Goals: ISGP programs seek to: enhance the capability of policy makers to develop practical, anticipatory “strategic roadmaps” by recognizing the potential societal impact and policy relevance of emerging and “at-the-horizon” S&T.

foster continuing, critical discussions and debates between policy makers and articulate, credible members of global S&T communities to increase the impact of numerous highly respected written reports (often expensive, delayed and unread with recommendation rarely implemented).

educate the next generation of scientists and engineers to the challenges of translating technical understanding into societal policy.

Goals and Function

Page 26: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

use a unique format of use a unique format of multiple, not-for-attribution” conferencesmultiple, not-for-attribution” conferences and and government-only caucusesgovernment-only caucuses to address a specific S&T topic to address a specific S&T topic previously vetted as a priority with previously vetted as a priority with participating governmentsparticipating governments..

address address separate S&T topicsseparate S&T topics (e.g., infectious diseases, energy, climate (e.g., infectious diseases, energy, climate change, nano-materials and human health. information security, etc.) change, nano-materials and human health. information security, etc.) in parallel series (4 conferences/year on each S&T topic).in parallel series (4 conferences/year on each S&T topic).

invited S&T speakers and the topic are selected for each conference invited S&T speakers and the topic are selected for each conference

following extensive consultations with participants and through a following extensive consultations with participants and through a peer-review conducted with affiliated universities worldwidepeer-review conducted with affiliated universities worldwide..

invited S&T speakers invited S&T speakers write 3-page statements on a specific topic to:write 3-page statements on a specific topic to:

identify the identify the central S&T advances and their policy significancecentral S&T advances and their policy significance,,

provide reasons provide reasons why governments and societies need to be attentive why governments and societies need to be attentive to opportunities and risks to opportunities and risks (short- or long-term),(short- or long-term),

suggest potential suggest potential “actionable decisions”“actionable decisions” and the associated and the associated ““foreseeable consequences”foreseeable consequences” to be considered. to be considered.

4. ISGP Conferences

Page 27: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Institute for Advanced Studies:Institute for Advanced Studies:Science for Global Policy (IAS/SGP)Science for Global Policy (IAS/SGP)

Governmental CaucusesGovernmental CaucusesAfter each conference, ISGP organizes a After each conference, ISGP organizes a private caucus for each private caucus for each

participating government.participating government.

Caucuses are designed to Caucuses are designed to facilitate discussions of the “next steps” to facilitate discussions of the “next steps” to be considered by governmentsbe considered by governments (no commitments or policy (no commitments or policy decisions are anticipated at the caucuses). Caucus feedback also decisions are anticipated at the caucuses). Caucus feedback also shapes subsequent ISGP conferences.shapes subsequent ISGP conferences.

Academic ISGP Interns and FellowsAcademic ISGP Interns and FellowsThe ISGP seeks to educate the next generation of S&T students in the The ISGP seeks to educate the next generation of S&T students in the

challenges of creating global science policy, by acting as a challenges of creating global science policy, by acting as a “practical policy laboratory”“practical policy laboratory” for students to learn how for students to learn how S&T S&T expertise can, and cannot, influence policyexpertise can, and cannot, influence policy..

State of Global Science PolicyState of Global Science PolicyTo ensure the long-term, worldwide impact of perspectives from ISGP To ensure the long-term, worldwide impact of perspectives from ISGP

programs, an annual report on the programs, an annual report on the “State of Global Science Policy”“State of Global Science Policy” is published and discussed at a VIP conference designed is published and discussed at a VIP conference designed to to heighten public recognition of S&T in global policy, to stimulate heighten public recognition of S&T in global policy, to stimulate societal debate, and to shape worldwide government policysocietal debate, and to shape worldwide government policy..

4. Structure and Process

Page 28: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

““What man desires in not knowledge, but What man desires in not knowledge, but certainty.”certainty.”

Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill

““If all economists (scientists?) were laid end to If all economists (scientists?) were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion.”end, they would not reach a conclusion.”

George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw

““The aim of science is not to open the door to The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite

error.”error.”Bertolt Brecht, Bertolt Brecht, The Life of Galileo (1939)The Life of Galileo (1939)

5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy

Page 29: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

““There are costs and risks to every course of action, There are costs and risks to every course of action, but they are less that the long-term costs and risks of but they are less that the long-term costs and risks of

comfortable inaction.”comfortable inaction.” U.S. President, John F. KennedyU.S. President, John F. Kennedy

““...there is no idea so stupid that you can’t find a ...there is no idea so stupid that you can’t find a professor who will believe it.”professor who will believe it.”

H.L. Mencken

““The trouble with the world is that the stupid are The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.”cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.”

Bertrand RussellBertrand Russell

5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy

Page 30: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy

Scientists (nor the media) are not always correct !!Scientists (nor the media) are not always correct !!

““All this stuff about traveling around the universe in All this stuff about traveling around the universe in space suits … belongs back where it came from, on space suits … belongs back where it came from, on

the cereal box”the cereal box”Edward Purcell, 1952Edward Purcell, 1952

““If that’s the formula of penicillin, I’ll give up chemistry If that’s the formula of penicillin, I’ll give up chemistry and grow mushrooms”and grow mushrooms”

John Cornforth to Dorothy HodgkinJohn Cornforth to Dorothy Hodgkin

““Newspaper (media) are unable, seemingly, to Newspaper (media) are unable, seemingly, to discriminate between a bicycle accident and the discriminate between a bicycle accident and the

collapse of civilization”collapse of civilization”George Bernard Shaw, Nobel Laureate 1925George Bernard Shaw, Nobel Laureate 1925

Page 31: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Scientists (nor the media) are not always correct !!Scientists (nor the media) are not always correct !!

““the most important fundamental laws and facts of the most important fundamental laws and facts of physical science have all been discovered”physical science have all been discovered”

Albert Michelson, 1903Albert Michelson, 1903

““physics as we know it will be over in six months”physics as we know it will be over in six months”Max Born, 1928Max Born, 1928

““[ I do not have ] the smallest molecule of faith in aerial [ I do not have ] the smallest molecule of faith in aerial navigation other than ballooning”navigation other than ballooning”

Lord Rayleigh, 1896Lord Rayleigh, 1896

5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy

Page 32: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

““The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error.”wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error.”Bertolt Brecht, The Life of Galileo (1939)Bertolt Brecht, The Life of Galileo (1939)

““Most of us are more responsible for what we decide not Most of us are more responsible for what we decide not to do than for what we do.”to do than for what we do.”

Voltaire

““Eternity (and perhaps this presentation!!) is very long, Eternity (and perhaps this presentation!!) is very long, especially towards the end”especially towards the end”

Woody Allen (as quoted by Prof. Martin Rees, Britain’s Woody Allen (as quoted by Prof. Martin Rees, Britain’s Astronomer Royal)Astronomer Royal)

5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy5. The Conundrum for Science Advice in Policy

Page 33: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser
Page 34: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser
Page 35: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

ISGP programs offer:ISGP programs offer:

New opportunities to incorporate New opportunities to incorporate educational programs educational programs attractive future generations interested in S&Tattractive future generations interested in S&T..

Access to Access to excellent “laboratories”excellent “laboratories” in which to learn in which to learn how S&T understanding how S&T understanding can, and cannot,can, and cannot, effectively effectively influence policy decisions.influence policy decisions.

Exposure for the next generation to the Exposure for the next generation to the challenges challenges permeating S&T-policy discussionspermeating S&T-policy discussions..

Educational and research opportunities are led by the Educational and research opportunities are led by the institutions of higher learning affiliated with the ISGP institutions of higher learning affiliated with the ISGP through its international network.through its international network.

Academic PartnershipsAcademic Partnerships

Page 36: Professor George H. Atkinson, Ph.D. Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), University of California former Science and Technology Adviser

Establish ISGP as a major international forumEstablish ISGP as a major international forum in which the major in which the major 2121stst century S&T issues between credible scientists and century S&T issues between credible scientists and decision makers to reach actionable decisions.decision makers to reach actionable decisions.

Recruit some of the most talented, scientifically-trained Recruit some of the most talented, scientifically-trained individuals from across generations and from throughout the individuals from across generations and from throughout the global communityglobal community as ISGP staff. as ISGP staff.

Engage faculty, students, and subject matter expertsEngage faculty, students, and subject matter experts from the from the international network of ISGP-affiliated universities and international network of ISGP-affiliated universities and research organization to participate in ISGP programs.research organization to participate in ISGP programs.

Attract governments, foundations, and selected private sector Attract governments, foundations, and selected private sector enterprises as supporting participants in ISGP programs.enterprises as supporting participants in ISGP programs.

Institutional GoalsInstitutional Goals