Top Researchers to Presidential Candidates: Share Your Views About Science

What policies will best ensure that America remains at the forefront of innovation? What steps will you take to protect biological diversity? What will you do to reduce the human and economic costs of mental illness?

These are among the 20 questions sent to presidential candidates from ScienceDebate.org, Research!America and other top scientific groups to learn more about their views regarding science, engineering, technology, health and the environment.

“Science, research, technology and innovation impact nearly every aspect of our lives. What actions will the next President take to assure that the U.S. sustain its role as a global leader in these areas to drive our economy, find solutions and assure medical progress? Will the new President work tirelessly to provide robust resources for science to support a healthier population? These are just a few of the important questions that must be answered.”- Mary Woolley, president and CEO Research!America.

Why do voters need to hear from Presidential candidates about science?

“Taken collectively, these twenty issues have at least as profound an impact on voters’ lives as those more frequently covered by journalists, including candidates’ views on economic policy, foreign policy, and faith and values,” said ScienceDebate.org chair Shawn Otto, organizer of the effort, in a press release.

A national survey commissioned by ScienceDebate.org and Research!America revealed that a large majority of Americans (87%) say it is important that candidates for President and Congress have a basic understanding of the science informing public policy issues.

Candidate responses are due September 6. Stay tuned!