Senators have the herculean task of ensuring that our nation’s future is in the hands of competent leaders. Through the Senate confirmation processthey are responsible for selecting candidates for top leadership positions in federal agencies.
More than 1,300 positions require Senate confirmation, many of which will shape policies and programs that rely heavily on scientific expertise and knowledge. These are positions critical to protecting public health and the environment, ensuring the security of the nation’s food and drug supplies, and promoting U.S. interests. Senators must ensure that nominees are the right fit for the job and avoid costly mistakes that endanger human lives and the health of our planet.
Some positions you may have heard of include Undersecretary for Nuclear Security at the Department of Energy; the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Department of Defense; Administrators for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and directors of the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
My colleagues have already expressed concerns about President-elect Trump’s choices on head the EPATHE Department of Housing and Urban Developmentand the Ministry of Justiceand why the new NOAA Administrator must understand and defend science.
The scientific knowledge of appointees matters
Why should we care that presidential appointees know how to understand and apply science appropriately in their decision-making? One of the main reasons is that President-elect Trump’s scientific knowledge does not inspire confidence. So senators should at least ensure that the people who run the executive branch have a solid scientific foundation.
Maybe you remember “Sharpiegate» in 2019, when then-President Trump falsified the predicted path of Hurricane Dorian with a black Sharpie maker. He changed the official weather forecast to suggest the hurricane could hit Alabama. Despite corrections made by the National Weather Service, President Trump continued to insist that he was right, creating public confusion about who should evacuate and where emergency response resources would be needed . It endangered the lives and livelihoods of Americans and wasted taxpayer dollars.
Senators evaluating nominees who will oversee policies and programs deeply rooted in science should evaluate them for the following:
- Solid scientific background. Does the candidate know his quarks from his quasars or his atoms from his amino acids? Do they consult real experts on the subject? Do they vet people posing as experts who are actually purveyors of misinformation or misinformation? Do they check the potential conflicts of interest of the experts they consult? Good mastery of technical equipment is essential to carry out rules that protect usfor example from environmental contaminants such as ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas.
- Analytical skills. The candidate must be able to analyze complex data, interpret scientific research, and apply the results to policy or program development and implementation. Maximizing the reliability of the electricity grid, for example, requires that our leaders integrate data on the costs and benefits of energy storage options taking into account multiple factors such as local growth projections, increased electricity demand, solar and wind profiles over time, energy production energy through fossil gas technologies and the impacts of political incentives.
- Critical thinking. Look for someone who questions assumptions, even questions their questions about assumptions! A candidate must be aware of the heuristics and biases that challenge all human cognition and implement strategies to address these limitations. For example, prejudices that block financing because all federal research that uses fetal tissue jeopardizes progress in vaccines, transplants and the treatment of degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease.
- Communication skills. The candidate must be able to communicate complex scientific concepts so clearly that your grandmother (and even the President) will understand. For example, explain nuclear toxicology These concepts are important in helping the public understand why and how to avoid radiation exposure.
- Problem-solving skills: They must be able to identify problems and develop innovative solutions based on science. There will be no shortage of opportunities to test this skill, especially during periods such as “dangerous season“, the time of year when climate change impacts like hurricanes, extreme heat and wildfires peak and collide with each other.
- Ethical judgment: Senators must ensure that the candidate has a strong sense of belonging scientific integrity and intellectual honesty, as they will make decisions that can have a significant impact on public health and safety. For what? Because lives and livelihoods are at risk. Lessons from previous administrations And examples of anti-science actions under the first Trump administration are well documented by UCS.
- Collaboration and teamwork: The candidate should play well with othersincluding scientists, policy makers and members of the public who are directly or indirectly affected by their programs. The candidate has a particular responsibility to respect and defend the federal scientific staff because these experts are essential to keeping people and our planet safe and healthy.
- Adaptability: Having the ability to adapt to new scientific developments and changing policy landscapes is essential because science evolves, as does the social-ecological system in which scientists work. Candidates will need to integrate the latest scientific knowledge with other considerations to decide on optimal solutions to complex problems.
- Leadership skills: This includes the ability to inspire and guide teams, and make difficult decisions when necessary. The captain of the ship must navigate an ocean of scientific jargon, uncertain evidence, and differing assumptions and values. Dialogue on the New Treaty on Strategic Arms Reduction is just one example in which leadership plays a vital role in global stability, in this case preventing an uncontrolled arms race.
- Passion for public service: A real commitment to use science for the benefit of society and improving public policies is a necessity. Taxpayer money will be used to pay this candidate’s salary, so I want them to act in my best interest.
Some of these may seem like “no duh” suggestions. But you don’t have to look very far back to see when a lack of scientific expertiseA lack of respect For scientific methodsor a predilection For ignore science resulted in avoidable death and illnessor deep harm our planet. For senators who find science intimidating, this simple heading can help highlight who should be trusted to lead the federal government. departments and agencies who rely on science to address the important concerns and needs of their constituents.