Chapter 1: Science and Technology Interactions with Policy
Chapter 2: Departments and Independent Agencies
Chapter 3: Science and Technology Advice in the Government
Chapter 4: Federal Budget Process
Chapter 5: Federal Research and Development Funding
Chapter 6: Public Science Awareness
Chapter 7: Ethics in Science and Research

Ethics is a broad topic that covers both the behavior of professionals and the manner in which S&T are used, particularly in the area of health. The rapid pace of biomedical research advances (e.g., in genomics, proteomics, stem cells, and cloning) raise ethical concerns that challenge the scientific process.

For many segments of society, ethics and religion go hand in hand. Some religious beliefs are in conflict with scientific consensus, the most prominent example being evolution.   The AAAS has a program focused on improving communication between the scientific and religious communities called Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion.

In the biomedical area, President Bush receives advice from the presidentially appointed President's Council on Bioethics.   In the Clinton Administration, this advisory function was carried out by the National Bioethics Advisory Commission.   It is interesting to compare the positions of the two administrations on stem cells and human cloning.

Please contact Kirstin Matthews for questions, problems or comments about this web site