The new president-elect promises to usher in a “new era of scientific innovation” (of course, exactly how much funding that will entail/receive remains to be seen).
Alternative-energy industries, shrug off your wounds—there may yet be hope on the horizon.
Stem cell researchers, re-start your engines.
Another huge winner last night: The Internet.
Also consider it a huge win for academia: The president-elect, his vice president, and both their spouses have all worked in higher education.
The Senate and the House didn’t do so badly either.
And we hate to do this, but here’s the bad news.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
What we’ve heard and seen so far certainly bodes well for science and technology regaining their rightful place on the political agenda.
And just in case wills begin to waver, http://2020science.org has a list of essential bed-time reading for the next administration which, while rather unconventional, might help reinforce the receptive and innovative thinking on science policy that has characterized Obama’s campaign:
http://2020science.org/2008/11/05/five-good-books/
November 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
More bad news: Obama is considering RFK Jr. for EPA head. In case you don’t remember, Kennedy advocates for a connection between vaccines an autism (a connection that lacks any scientific evidence). While anti-science nuts have no place in federally appointed office, it would be especially bad to see one in a post that relies so heavily on science to make informed decisions.