Science Class

By Sebastian Sprenger / November 7, 2008 at 5:00 AM

President-elect Barack Obama should pick a “confidential adviser” to help him fill science and technology-related jobs quickly, according to a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine.

Before Obama’s inauguration, the adviser should help the incoming president “identify and recruit” candidates for key S&T appointments, according to a Nov. 5 National Academies statement.

After the inauguration, Obama should give the adviser the title of special assistant to the president for science and technology and nominate the person for job of Office of Science and Technology Policy director, reads the statement.

As President-elect Barack Obama prepares to take the helm, he should use the best available science and scientists to help manage the nation’s current and future issues, such as climate change, alternative energy, veterans' health, and the nation's infrastructure.

The report itself lists 80 high-level government positions deemed crucial for advising the new president on S&T matters, and it suggests ways of attracting qualified personnel for these jobs.

52101