Nordic Life Science 1
by former US President Donald J. Trump’s administ
ration to the coronavirus crisis at home and dismissal of much of the advice from science and health professionals contributed to hundreds of thousands of deaths and tarnished America’s reputation as a leader in scientific research and thinking. But America’s 46th president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., has indicated from the beginning of his first term that science will play a prominent role in his administration. “I am feeling very optimistic,” says US Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from the state of Connecticut, who is a big supporter of science initiatives. “It is refreshing to once again have a president and an administration that believes in science and is listening to the experts. This is something I certainly took for granted, and will never again.” Biden’s immediate priority has been slowing the spread of the coronavirus and getting as many Americans vaccinated against the virus as possible. He met his goal of vaccinating 100 million people in 100 days in only 58 days, and now he is aiming to reach 200 million by day 100. The new president moved almost immediately to surround himself with science advisors. A statement from the White House in January announced the re-establishment of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which had established in 1990, deactivated in January 2017 and revived on a small scale in 2019. The current PCAST is being co-chaired by the president’s science advisor and will advise the president on policy that affects science, technology, and innovation. The council will also advise the president on scientific and technical information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the economy, worker empowerment, education, energy, environment, public health, national and homeland security, racial equity and other topics. In another sign of Biden’s commitment, he elevated the position of science advisor to a cabinet position. Biden nominated Dr. Eric Lander, PhD., founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, who was the lead author of the first paper announcing the details of the human genome, as director of Office of Science and Technology Policy and adviser on science. Lander is the first life scientist nominated to that position. As of late March, confirmation hearings had not been scheduled. “It [the appointment] says he believes in science, in the importance of science and the need to have the voice of experienced, qualified scientists at the table. It’s a great first step,” says Kevin McCormack, senior director, public communications and patient advocate outreach at California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Those in the administration, including the president himself and senior advisors in the executive office of the president, also will “seek input, advice, and the best-available science, data, and scientific and technological information from scientists, engineers and other experts in science, technology and innovation,” according to a White House statement. Other scientists, lawmakers and business community members are encouraged by what Biden has said and done so far. “Biden is a breath of fresh air,” according to Dr. Michael S. Lubell, PhD., a professor of physics at the City College of New York (CUNY) and an expert on science and technology policy.