A Research Agenda for America's Health, Safety, and Food
National Science and Technology Council
Committee on Health, Safety, and Food
February 1996 Executive Office of the President
Office of Science and Technology Policy
About the National Science and Technology Council
President Clinton established the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) by Executive Order on November 23, 1993. This cabinet-level council is the principal means for the President to coordinate science, space, and technology policies across the Federal Government. NSTC acts as a "virtual" agency for science and technology to coordinate the diverse parts of the Federal research and development enterprise. The NSTC is chaired by the President. Membership consists of the Vice President, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Cabinet Secretaries and Agency Heads with significant science and technology responsibilities, and other senior White House officials.
An important objective of the NSTC is the establishment of clear national goals for Federal science and technology investments in areas ranging from information technologies and health research, to improving transportation systems and strengthening fundamental research. The Council prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies to form an investment package that is aimed at accomplishing multiple national goals.
To obtain additional information regarding NSTC, contact the NSTC Executive Secretariat at (202) 456-6100.
About the Office of Science and Technology Policy
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP's responsibilities include advising the President in policy formulation and budget development on all questions in which science and technology are important elements; articulating the President's science and technology policies and programs; and fostering strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, and the scientific communities in industry and academe.
To obtain additional information regarding the OSTP, contact the OSTP Budget and Administration Division at (202) 395-7347.
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks
Cover Acknowledgement
Photomicrograph of retinoic acid, a Vitamin A derivative commonly found in green vegetables and carrots, courtesy of Michael W. Davidson, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida.
Improved health and a better quality of life are goals we all seek for our families and ourselves. Achieving these goals in the 21st century requires that we continue our strong commitment to a Federal role in supporting research and education and fostering the scientific talent of our young people.
Since the 1860s, the Federal Government has invested in health, safety, and food research and development -- a sustained investment that has paid off for all Americans. The average life expectancy of 76 years for Americans today represents an increase of more than 60 percent over the typical life expectancy of 47 years at the turn of the century. Much of that increase in life span can be attributed to better food, better sanitation, and medical advances, including vaccinations, that have reduced or eliminated many childhood diseases.
Our strategy for continuing to improve America's health, safety, and food emphasizes investing in the fundamental research necessary to assure our future well-being; promoting prevention in the areas of both health care and environmental protection; and educating Americans so they can improve their own health and safety decisions. This strategy will lay the foundation for a healthier, safer future for all Americans.
Acknowledgements
This policy statement is the result of a broad review and consultation undertaken by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and prepared under the leadership of its Committee on Health, Safety, and Food. The member agencies of the NSTC have reviewed and concurred with this statement.
As part of the public consultation, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the NSTC, and the Institute of Medicine convened a national forum on November 21-22, 1994 at the National Academy of Sciences. The forum addressed questions fundamental to the health and well-being of Americans and elicited a remarkable outpouring of sound advice from a cross section of the country's outstanding leaders in science and technology drawn from industry, academia, research laboratories, government, and professional societies. We thank each of the participants, more than 300, who generously shared their ideas and advice.
We would like to acknowledge the individuals who contributed to the success of the forum, the co-sponsoring foundations and professional societies for providing support and participation, the executive team of federal scientists who devoted considerable time and commentary and critiques on early drafts. We would like to give special thanks to members of the Office of Research and Development at the Veterans Health Administration for their particular role in analysis and synthesis of the wealth of information shared at the forum and for their dedication to the preparation and editing of this statement.
The Committee on Health, Safety, and Food
Dr. Philip Lee
Chair |
Assistant Secretary for Health
Department of Health and Human Services |
Dr. Floyd Horn
Vice Chair |
Acting Under Secretary
Department of Agriculture |
Dr. David Kessler
White House Co-Chair |
Commissioner
Food and Drug Administration |
Dr. M.R.C. Greenwood
White House Co-Chair |
Associate Director for Science
Office of Science and Technology Policy |
Dr. Catherine E. Woteki
White House Co-Chair |
Acting Associate Director for Science
Office of Science and Technology Policy |
Dr. Ernest J. Moniz
White House Co-Chair |
Associate Director for Science
Office of Science and Technology Policy |
Members
Dr. Claire Broome
|
Deputy Director, Centers for Disease Control |
| Nils Daulaire |
Health Policy Advisor, Agency for International Development |
| Dr. Raymond Sphar |
Associate Chief Medical Director for Research Development, Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Nancy-Ann Min |
Associate Director for Health and Personnel, Office of Management and Budget |
| Ronald L. Medford |
Acting Assistant Executive Director for Hazard Identification & Redemption, Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Dr. Ricardo Martinez |
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| Dr. Joseph Osterman |
Director of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Defense |
| Dr. Anthony S. Fauci |
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health |
| Lynn Goldman |
Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Environmental Protection Agency |
| Dr. Tara O'Toole |
Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health, Department of Energy |
| Dr. Harry Holloway |
Director of Aerospace Medicine & Occupational Health, National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
| Dr. Mary E. Clutter |
Assistant Director for Biological Sciences, National Science Foundation |
| Rolland Schmitten |
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Department of Commerce |
| Judith Heumann |
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education |
Staff
| Dr. Martin Albert |
Director, Medical Research Center, Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Ms. Bonnie Kalberer |
Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Science and Technology Policy |
| Ms. Deborah Hanfman |
Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Science and Technology Policy |
| Ms. Victoria Spears |
Program Specialist, Office of Science and Technology Policy |
Executive Summary
In the 21st century, the expectations of an ever-growing world population coupled with competition for finite resources will create an urgent need for innovative solutions to long-standing and emerging problems. The health and secur
Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP)
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
