President-elect Joe Biden’s Team of World-Renowned Scientists will Prepare us to Lead for the Next Generation and Beyond
Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced his White House science team — a deeply respected group of diverse and eminently qualified scientists who will marshal the force of science to drive meaningful progress in the lives of people. The announcement was met with immediate praise from lawmakers, scientists, and leaders across the country.
Melinda Pierce, Legislative Director, Sierra Club: After four years of the worst administration ever for our environment and the climate, President-elect Biden continues to reinvigorate the integrity of science by staffing his administration with climate leaders and experts that will rely on the data, not the wishes of corporate polluters. In doing so, Biden is making it clear he will waste no time in recommitting the United States to addressing the climate crisis — and using the whole of the government to do so. [Statement, 1/15/21]
DR. ERIC LANDER, DIRECTOR OF OSTP AND PRESIDENTIAL SCIENCE ADVISOR
Sudip Parikh, CEO, American Association for the Advancement of Science: The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) applauds the announcement of senior science appointments by President-elect Joe Biden. We strongly support the nomination of Eric Lander as the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Elevating this role to membership in the President’s Cabinet clearly signals the administration’s intent to involve scientific expertise in every policy discussion. AAAS has long maintained that the OSTP director should be a nationally respected leader in science, engineering and policy, and Lander has the requisite skills for this critically important role that works across disciplines and federal agencies. His leadership at the Broad Institute, contributions to the success of the Human Genome Project and experience as a former co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) will enable Lander to ensure that science and technology plays a significant role in addressing the challenges we face as a nation. Lander is a AAAS Fellow and was awarded the AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award in 2016 in recognition of his distinguished contributions to science and society. We also applaud the selection of Alondra Nelson, a social scientist and member of the AAAS Board of Directors, as Deputy Director of OSTP for Science and Society, Maria Zuber and Frances Arnold as co-chairs of PCAST, and Kei Koizumi as OSTP Chief of Staff.
We look forward to Senate approval of Lander’s nomination in the coming weeks so that he is integrated quickly into the Cabinet and can contribute to policy decisions by the Biden administration. From effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, to building an innovation ecosystem that protects our national security and economic interests, the use of science and technology is crucial in informing evidence-based and equitable policy options. AAAS and the scientific community stand ready to assist OSTP and PCAST as they work to address national concerns. [Statement, 1/15/21]
Eric Topol, Founder, Scripps Research Translational Institute: Congratulations @eric_lander, @NIHDirector, @francesarnold @alondra, @maria_zuber, science leaders of the new @JoeBiden/@KamalaHarris administration. And the 1st time the top science advisor will be a Cabinet member ? @WHOSTP @NIH [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, Former CEO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: As a Science and Technology Action Committee member, I commend the appointment of Eric Lander as Director of the OSTP and the decision to elevate the position to the Cabinet level. This was 1/3 key recommendations in our Action Plan: ScienceTechAction.org. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Andrew Freedman, Washington Post: This is a big deal: @JoeBiden announces his science advisor & OSTP head, geneticist Eric Lander. The bigger news – this will now be a cabinet-level position for the first time. Huge contrast w/ Trump, who waited 19 months to name one. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Scott Becker, CEO, Association of Public Health Laboratories: I am now so hopeful for the future. Science is back! Congratulations to @eric_lander who will lead OSTP and serve in the Biden Cabinet. Imagine that—science leads across government. #bestnewsonafriday [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Louis V. Gerstner Jr., Founding Director, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard: We are pleased and honored that the President-elect has selected Eric to serve at a time when the country desperately needs to reimagine and reenergize science throughout our nation,” said Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., chair of the Broad Institute Board of Directors. “We look forward to his return to the Broad Institute in the future. [Statement, 1/15/21]
Association of American Universities: We applaud the decision of President Elect @JoeBiden to appoint Eric Lander (@Eric_Lander) of @MIT & @Harvard to head @WHOSTP and serve as Science Advisor and PCAST member of the President’s Cabinet. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Jason Oxman, President and CEO, ITI: “The Office of Science and Technology Policy represents the critical role science and innovation play in the U.S. government. It’s an essential partner in advancing U.S. technological leadership and, importantly, fostering conversation between the government, industry, academia, and other stakeholders. By elevating the Presidential Science Advisor to his Cabinet and building a team that reflects American communities, President-elect Biden underscores his commitment to relying on science and digital technology to meaningfully advance the United States, especially as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. We congratulate Dr. Lander and his entire diverse and talented team on their selection and look forward to partnering with them to promote innovation in the U.S. and across the globe.” [Statement, 1/15/21]
Ajit Johnson, Cancer Geneticist, Harvard University: Extremely proud to hear that @eric_lander, director of the @broadinstitute will serve as science advisor to President-Elect @JoeBiden and for the first time will became a member of the cabinet. His scientific vision and clarity will set a great scientific course for the country. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation: @eric_lander is an extraordinary American scientist and leader and his appointment shows President-elect @JoeBiden is serious about elevating science and diagnostic testing to ensure Americans are safe and healthy. #scienceisback [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Sek Kathiresan, Professor, Harvard Medical School: @eric_lander to leave @broadinstitute to serve as Presidential Science Advisor & Director of the Office of Science & Technology Policy (with Senate confirmation) Position being elevated for first time as a Cabinet post Wow! & Congratulations Eric. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
John Holdren, Former Director, White House OSTP: Eric is a fabulous choice, and he will make a terrific science advisor,’ predicts Holdren, who calls Lander ‘a science polymath’ for his breadth of knowledge across many disciplines. That’s also true for policy, says Holdren. ‘Eric’s fingerprints were on every one of PCAST’s 39 reports’ issued under Obama, Holdren adds, noting that six of them covered previous pandemics and public health crises. Lander will be the first biologist to hold both jobs, and he’ll be the first to hold Cabinet-level status. Holdren expects Lander to take full advantage of that forum. ‘He’s incredibly good at explaining complex scientific issues,’ Holdren says about Lander’s role in presenting PCAST reports to the president. Biden participated in several of those briefings, Holdren noted, calling the former vice president ‘a real science wonk.’ [Science, 1/15/21]
Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization: Congratulations @eric_lander. This is wonderful news and @WHO looks forward to working with you on how global collaboration in science can help solve major public health challenges @DrTedros @DrSenait @PeterASinger @JeremyFarrar @VictorDzau @NIHDirector @DrEricGoosby [Tweet, 1/16/21]
Eric Schmidt, Former Executive Chairman, Google: Excited to see science elevated to a Cabinet-level position and can imagine no better Presidential Science Advisor than @eric_lander ! [Tweet, 1/16/21]
Senator Elizabeth Warren: More great choices from @JoeBiden. From climate to COVID, the science challenges faced by this Administration are immense, and @eric_lander is a singular talent. [Tweet, 1/16/21]
Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor to Canada’s Prime Minister: Great news! Congratulations @eric_lander on your nomination! Looking forward to working with you and your team to promote scientific collaborations and evidence-based decisions in building a better future for our nations. ?? ?? [Tweet, 1/16/21]
DR. ALONDRA NELSON, OSTP DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Sudip Parikh, CEO, American Association for the Advancement of Science: “The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) applauds the announcement of senior science appointments by President-elect Joe Biden…We also applaud the selection of Alondra Nelson, a social scientist and member of the AAAS Board of Directors, as Deputy Director of OSTP for Science and Society, Maria Zuber and Frances Arnold as co-chairs of PCAST, and Kei Koizumi as OSTP Chief of Staff.
We look forward to Senate approval of Lander’s nomination in the coming weeks so that he is integrated quickly into the Cabinet and can contribute to policy decisions by the Biden administration. From effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, to building an innovation ecosystem that protects our national security and economic interests, the use of science and technology is crucial in informing evidence-based and equitable policy options. AAAS and the scientific community stand ready to assist OSTP and PCAST as they work to address national concerns.” [Statement, 12/15/21]
Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation: Thrilled that President-Elect @JoeBiden has appointed the brilliant @alondra as Deputy Director of the US Office of Science and Technology. A great day for America!” [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Lucky Tran, Molecular Biologist and Organizer, March for Science: Congratulations to Dr. @alondra Nelson, who will be the new Deputy Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. This is such fantastic news, and I am so heartened to see important science institutions centering justice in their leadership and mission. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Danah Boyd, Researcher, Data & Society: I’ve long thought that the Office of Science/Tech/Policy needed more STS/social science minds inside. I literally cannot think of a better person than @alondra to serve as the incoming Deputy Director. I’m giddy thinking about how much good she can do. In the US, we have lost faith in science/data/expertise. We need to restore faith in knowledge-building, but not uncritically. We must integrate different ways of knowing while strengthening the development of knowledge. This is the cornerstone of STS. And why I heart @alondra. [Thread, 1/15/21]
American Sociological Association: Ready for some exciting news before you start your weekend? Alondra Nelson (@sociallifeofdna) will serve as the OSTP Deputy Director for Science and Society. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer, Microsoft: “So critically important having a role focused on influences of technology on people & society. Impressed! Fabulous to see @alondra taking on this leadership at #OSTP.” [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Anil Dash, CEO, Glitch: There is not one better person in the country to be the Deputy Director of the office responsible for Science & Tech policy than @alondra. This gives me so much hope. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Camille Francois, CIO, Graphika: Woohoo! A Friday good news: the brilliant and totally awesome @alondra heading to @WHOSTP. What a fantastic decision by the @JoeBiden team. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Roger Pielke Jr., Professor, University of Colorado Boulder: OSTP Deputy Director to be Alondra Nelson @alondra Inspired choice: alondranelson.com She is an expert in the sociology of science, also with a focus on genetics and health [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Jelani Cobb, Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism, Columbia University: Amazing news. @alondra is a wonderful scholar and leader and I couldn’t think of a better person for this role. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Andrew Rosenberg, Director of the Center for Science and Democracy, Union of Concerned Scientists: The incoming Biden-Harris administration has consistently focused on four key challenges; the pandemic, climate change, racial injustice, and rebuilding a fairer economy. So the appointment of a luminary social scientist, Dr. Alonda Nelson, President of the Social Science Research Council and Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, as Deputy Director of OSTP is significant. Dr. Nelson’s work includes studies of race, injustice and the role of science and technology. As we have recommended, science must play a role in the fight for racial and environmental justice. The science community has a lot of work to do to meet that challenge and we look to Dr. Nelson to lead that effort. [Blog, 1/15/21]
Sherrilyn Ifill, President, NAACP Legal Defense Fund: I feel so good about this. Science. Facts. Research. Thank you for your willingness to serve and helping right the ship. Lifting you all the way up @alondra. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Eric Klinenberg, Director of the Institute for Public Knowledge, New York University: Imagine a world where a renowned scholar of science and society, one whose career is dedicated to promoting racial equity, reversing health disparities, and honoring civic action, is appointed to a top position in the US government, just when we need her most. Because: @alondra [Tweet, 1/16/21]
Dr. Paula Johnson, President, Wellesley College: At a time when our country strongly needs the guidance of science, Eric Lander and Alondra Nelson are brilliant choices to be part of the White House Office of Science and Technology. Congratulations, @eric_lander and @alondra! [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Elizabeth Alexander, President, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation: Adding to the chorus of praise at President-elect Biden’s appointment of Dr. Alondra Nelson to his science team. Bring back facts-based knowledge and justice in making the policy that affects us so profoundly. Beyond proud of my sister-friend @alondra! [Tweet, 1/16/21]
DR. FRANCES H. ARNOLD AND DR. MARIA ZUBER, CO-CHAIRS OF THE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (PCAST)
Sudip Parikh, CEO, American Association for the Advancement of Science: The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) applauds the announcement of senior science appointments by President-elect Joe Biden…We also applaud the selection of Alondra Nelson, a social scientist and member of the AAAS Board of Directors, as Deputy Director of OSTP for Science and Society, Maria Zuber and Frances Arnold as co-chairs of PCAST, and Kei Koizumi as OSTP Chief of Staff.
We look forward to Senate approval of Lander’s nomination in the coming weeks so that he is integrated quickly into the Cabinet and can contribute to policy decisions by the Biden administration. From effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, to building an innovation ecosystem that protects our national security and economic interests, the use of science and technology is crucial in informing evidence-based and equitable policy options. AAAS and the scientific community stand ready to assist OSTP and PCAST as they work to address national concerns. [Statement, 12/15/21]
Lori Garver, CEO, Earthrise Alliance: Elevating the President’s Science Advisor to the Cabinet says it all! @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris making science a priority. Congrats to this stellar science team – special shout-out to my friend @maria_zuber who is going to be a fantastic leader of PCAST! [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Chris Bourg, Director of Libraries, MIT: so pleased that my @MIT colleague Maria Zuber – a brilliant scholar and an champion for open science—will be co-chairing the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer, Microsoft: Fabulous to see @francesarnold in this role @JoeBiden @eric_lander. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Thomas F. Rosenbaum, President, CalTech: ‘The announcement by President Biden of the distinguished co-chairs of PCAST once again elevates the role of science and technology in helping advance our nation’s well-being, from sustainable solutions to medical breakthroughs,’ says Caltech president Thomas F. Rosenbaum, the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and professor of physics. ‘Frances Arnold is the epitome of the brilliant scientist who has translated her discoveries into interventions that improve people’s lives. [Statement, 1/15/21]
Laura Kiessling, Professor of Chemistry, MIT: Exciting news that the science leaders of the Biden team are outstanding scientists themselves: @eric_lander to be Biden’s lead science advisor (Cabinet). PCAST will be headed up by @francesarnold and @maria_zuber [Tweet, 1/15/21]
L. Rafael Reif, President, MIT: With his piercing intelligence and remarkable record as scientific pioneer, Eric Lander is a superb choice for this new role. And given her leadership of immensely complex NASA missions and her deep engagement with the leading edge of dozens of scientific domains as MIT’s vice president for research, it is difficult to imagine someone more qualified to co-chair PCAST than Maria Zuber. This is a banner day for science, and for the nation. [MIT News, 1/15/21]
Kathy Giusti, Co-Chair, Harvard Business School: A huge congratulations to Francis Collins on your continued role as @NIHDirector. Your contributions will continue to be invaluable. [Tweet, 1/16/21]
Joseph DeSimone, Professor, Stanford University: Quality leadership all around!!! Bravo to the picks of @eric_lander @francesarnold and @maria_zuber by @PresElectBiden!! #BuildBackBetter [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Holden Thorp, Editor in Chief, Science Family of Journals: Such joy looking at this. Better days ahead. @francesarnold @alondra [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Kayla Iacovino, Experimental Petrologist, NASA: Congratulations to Maria Zuber, the first woman to lead a NASA spacecraft mission (the GRAIL mission) and the first woman to lead a science department at MIT. Wonderful to see such an icon for women in science appointed to this role in the upcoming administration. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Ellen Ochoa, Former NASA Astronaut and Former Director of the Johnson Space Center: Congratulations to @NSF_NSB member @maria_zuber on this nomination! We’re very fortunate to have her wisdom and experience promoting science. [Tweet, 1/16/21]
DR. FRANCIS COLLINS, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Representative Frank Pallone, Jr: It’s great to hear that President-elect Biden has asked @NIHDirector Francis Collins to continue to lead the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Collins is a proven leader who played a key role in the development of the lifesaving #COVID19 vaccines. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Joshua Gordon, Director, National Institute of Mental Health: Congratulations, @NIHDirector! So happy my boss is staying on! [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Association of American Universities: We also look forward to continued collaboration with @NIHDirector Francis Collins on the critically important work taking place to advance therapies and create cures @NIH. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities: President-elect Biden has also wisely chosen to keep @NIHDirector , the longest-serving Director of the @NIH . He has done an extraordinary job and his experience at this time is more important than ever. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Mary Woolley, President and CEO, Research!America: Our nation is exceptionally well-served by the President-elect’s decision to ask Dr. Francis Collins to continue his tenure at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Collins earns and commands enormous respect and deep gratitude; he is a key national leader who brings extraordinary vision, expertise, and commitment to a role that bears crucially on the health and wellbeing of Americans and populations across the globe. [Statement, 1/15/21]
Jeffrey Flier, Professor and Former Dean, Harvard Medical School: Continuity at NIH. Francis Collins will continue @NIHDirector. Good decision. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
KEI KOIZUMI, OSTP CHIEF OF STAFF & NARDA JONES, OSTP LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
John Paul Farmer, Chief Technology Officer, City of New York: Wow — OSTP to be headed by @eric_lander and elevated to a cabinet-level position! And he’ll have the awesome @Keiindc as Chief of Staff. All-around great news! [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Andy Rathmann-Noonan, Executive Director, National S&T Medals Foundation: This is an exceptional group of incredibly smart people. Congratulations to all of them – especially @NSTMF #expertconnect member Kei Koizumi. #OSTP #STEM. [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Alexander Macgillivray, Former U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer: “So excited that @eric_lander, @alondra and @Keiindc will be at @WHOSTP!!! Wooohooo Science!” [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Tobin Smith, Vice President for Policy, Association of American Universities: Congrats to @Keiindc on his return to OSTP where he will be serving as Chief of Staff. Kei is the immediate past chair of the @aaas Section on Science, Engineering and Society (Section X) and is a GREAT choice! [Tweet, 1/16/21]
Jedidah Isler, Assistant Professor of Astrophysics, Dartmouth College: Congrats @keiindc ! Incoming OSTP Chief of Staff! Wooo hooooo!!! [Tweet, 1/15/21]
Clint Odom, Civil Rights Lawyer: “Congrats to my friend, the brilliant Narda Jones, for her new role in @WHOSTP. #Science is back. @sblsc1977 @NULpolicy.” [Tweet, 1/15/21]