Science, senators, and uncertainty.

Abstract

Members of Congress consider value judgments and the likelihood of successful enactment as well as scientific facts in formulating policy. If scientists would provide a range of scientifically acceptable options at the same time as they recommend the scientifically optimal solutions, politicans could choose the best scientific option that is also politically acceptable. In the context of research funding Congress needs to be presented with more realistic expectations about the time it takes for different levels of research to result in practical applications, so as to provide better continuity in research funding.