Science Community Must Reexamine Its Own 'Contract With America'

As the new Republican majority takes its place in Congress, we're beginning to see a fundamental questioning of a wide range of basic assumptions about how our government works. For example, I anticipate a serious examination of exactly what taxpayers should expect from the "technical experts"--scientists and engineers--whose research they fund. So, as one of those engineers, I propose that we must be prepared for that examination with a clear and honest account of our reasons for expecting su

Written byEarl Dowell

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So, as one of those engineers, I propose that we must be prepared for that examination with a clear and honest account of our reasons for expecting support. And, in fact, we should be prepared to forge a new social contract between us and our clients, the taxpayers--our own "Contract with America."

Given that so much--the nation's economy, health, environment--depends on trust and candor between these two groups, perhaps we should seek a breakthrough in understanding one another to rival the breakthroughs in our laboratories.

First, we should be prepared to admit that the public's "technical experts"--scientists and engineers--have basically been telling a few little white lies to their clients.

For one thing, we must admit that we do have some selfish reasons for wanting to do research supported by public tax dollars. Our explorations are fun and exciting, and we enjoy the deep satisfaction of knowing that our work ...

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