Computer scientist David Gelernter of Yale and physicist William Happer of Princeton have both met with President Donald Trump to discuss the roles of Science Advisor to the President and director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. In interviews with The Scientist, Gelernter and Happer expressed their views on federal funding, climate change research, the planned science marches and more. “Trump is not walking around pontificating on science,” said Gelernter. “He has no science policy.”
It is unclear how many other people are being considered for the role. A White House spokesperson said he could not provide further information.
Organic chemist Donna Nelson of the University of Oklahoma told The Scientist she was contacted by the Trump transition team prior to the inauguration. She has not heard from the administration since. “The Science Advisor to the President is going to have to work across a lot of different ...
