Insights from a 1985 science policy hearing This volume records the early sessions of the House Task Force on Science Policy, featuring Dr. George C. Pimentel of the University of California, Berkeley. It explores how the federal government funds and guides biomedical and environmental research, and how scientific advances translate into public health and policy decisions.
The discussion covers the role of basic research, the social contract between science and society, and mechanisms for transferring new knowledge into medical practice, industry, and regulation. It includes questions and answers on evaluating research programs, funding priorities, and the balance between scientific exploration and practical outcomes.
- Context for why federal investment in science matters and how priorities are set
- Examples of program analyses and how NIH and institutes assess outcomes
- Discussion of environmental health research, air quality, and cancer prevention themes
- Views on the relationship between science, policy, and public welfare
Ideal for readers interested in science policy, biomedical research funding, and the history of how government and researchers interact to advance health and technology.