Government and Science – A Troubled, Critical Relationship And What Can Be Done About It

The US Government –science relationship, which helped win World War II, put a man on the Moon, unravel the human genome, and nurture economic growth, is troubled. Money is one reason. However, far more than money, the tensions between government and science are about politics and policy management. Many scientists and their allies argue that the Bush administration crossed the line separating appropriate control of information from political interference. That is, there has been "politicization of science." This essay examines the current debate about "politicization" in historic context; the tensions among scientists, politicians, and administrators; and suggests possible ways to strengthen the government-science partnership in the future.