It's Time for a Presidential Debate on Science Policy
The candidates talk about national security, guns and the economy—but almost never about the science policy issues that have a huge impact on our lives
On Wednesday we'll watch another Republican presidential debate, but how much do you expect to hear about topics like mental health and climate change? Funding for biomedical research and energy? Research innovation and global leadership? Given these are the issues that will impact the way all Americans live for decades to come, why are they so often the exception in debates, rather than the expectation?
ScienceDebate's argument is simple: It's time for a presidential debate dedicated to the major science, health, tech and environmental policy. Join our effort in 2016 and help to share this message that science and technology policy matters because it will shape our future for generations to come.
Here's how some members of one of those generations see it.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Scientific American.
Sheril Kirshenbaum is executive director of Science Debate, a nonpartisan org working to get presidential candidates on record on science policy. She co-directs Michigan State University's Food Literacy and Engagement Poll and hosts the NPR podcast Serving Up Science. Follow Sheril Kirshenbaum on Twitter
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