You don't have to win an election to participate in government. Scientists like Holt and Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neurobiologist and member of the British House of Lords, are the rare white tigers of politics. Most government scientists in Washington, London and other world capitals work for agencies or ministries. They guide and translate for lawmakers who craft science- and technology-sensitive legislation, just as Greenfield guides the public with her press interviews and popularizing books. This year, the US Department of State has 25 scientists on its payroll, most of whom work on issues like AIDS, genetically modified food, and arms control. "Science and technology cooperation has become an instrument for building better relationships with countries," says Norman P. Neureiter, an organic chemist and science and technology adviser to the secretary of state.
So, short of running for office, how can scientists influence critical government decisions about science? Holt and ...
