Science in the Political Process, Vol. 8 : Hearings Before the Task Force on Science Policy of the Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, First Session, June 25, 26, 1985 (Classic Reprint)

A government hearing series on science policy asks hard questions about how scientists and lawmakers share power in shaping research priorities and funding.

Science in the Political Process, Vol. 8 collects the 1985 hearings of a House task force as it examines how science fits into national decisionmaking. The discussions explore who should decide which research to fund, how peer review interacts with politics, and where the boundaries lie between expert judgment and democratic accountability. The volume provides direct testimony from university leaders and policy makers, shedding light on the challenges of aligning scientific advance with public goals.

Readers will gain a clearer view of the tensions between pursuing knowledge for its own sake and meeting broader national interests. It presents historical context, practical concerns about funding and governance, and the ongoing debate over the role of scientists in public policy.

• Examination of the balance between scientific autonomy and public accountability
• Discussion of peer review, grantsmanship, and the funding process
• Insights into how Congress considers science when setting priorities
• Accounts of real-world debates about facilities, programs, and national goals

Ideal for readers of science policy, government, or history who want to understand how research and politics intersect in the U.S..