Appropriate Use of Science in Public Policy

On October 27, 2010, Professionals for the Public Interest (PftPI) will present a panel discussion on the "Appropriate Use of Science in Public Policy." Although the event will be free, registration is required. The event will be held at 4:00 pm at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Auditorium, 1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

Here is PftPI’s description of the panel topic:

The federal government relies on scientific studies to craft regulations intended to protect the health and safety of American workers, the general public, and our environment. But amid charges of ideology-driven agendas and politicization of science, already-tenuous public faith in the regulatory process can easily be lost. What can be done to improve the process, to ensure that the widest possible range of knowledge and expertise is utilized, that conflicts of interest and inappropriate influence are minimized, and that science is used appropriately to help inform public policy? This event will explore ways to make the regulatory process more open, consistent, and credible to all stakeholders.

The following are scheduled to participate: 

• Susan Wood, PhD, Director, Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health, George Washington University
• Paul E. Almeida, Chair, Professionals for the Public Interest
• Josh Trapani, Senior Policy Analyst, Association of American Universities
• Michael P. Holsapple, PhD, ATS, Executive Director, Health and Environmental Sciences Institute
• Carol J. Henry, PhD, DABT, Professorial Lecturer, George Washington University
• Jennifer Sass, PhD, Senior Scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council

The last PftPI panel featured an address on whistleblower protections by Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.