Working with Congress:
What can physicists bring to the table?
SPS and AAPT Southeastern Pennsylvania Section Joint Meeting
Aline McNaull
amcnaull@aip.org
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
Physicists and Congress Communicate
Differently
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By cartoonist Sidney Harris
American Scientist
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
Members of Congress Have Questions
About the Scientific Process
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• The outcomes of scientific research are unpredictable
• The value of a particular research project is rarely
immediately apparent
• Investments in science do not pay off within one election
cycle
• Job creation that results from innovation is long-term and not
always easily quantifiable
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
There Are Cultural Differences Between
Physicists and Politicians
Physics
Politicians
Numbers
Objectives and facts
Hate to make promises
Quantitative
Technical
Problem seekers – focus on process
Seek to define “why”
Money = research
Long term planning and thinking
Science journals
Specialists
Words
Subjective interpretation of facts
Like to make promises
Qualitative
Political
Problem seekers – focus on issue
Ask why it is important
Money = getting re-elected
Short term planning and thinking
Front page newspapers
Generalists
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SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
5
Politicians are Driven by the News Cycle
“science news cycle”
published 5/18/2009
Piled Higher and Deeper
Jorge Chan
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
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The Legislative Process is Complex
“Understanding the process by which a bill
becomes a law requires no astrophysics. But
understanding the system by which a bill
becomes a law requires about the same amount
of patience as the study of this technical
science.”
-- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
Words Are Defined Differently in Physics
Than in Politics
“duplication”
“Oh great! My results are
“Why are we spending
reproducible and it wasn’t money on the same thing
just a glitch in equipment!” twice?”
“basic research”
“the fundamental research
that is just performed for
the sake of learning
something about science”
“Why aren’t you working
on advanced research”
“almost certain”
“It’s publishable”
“Scientists still have a lot of
questions”
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SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
What Are Current Topics Under Discussion
in Congress and the Executive Branch?
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• High-skilled immigrations for those with degrees in science,
engineering, technology and mathematics
• How should the federal government organize its science and
engineering education resources?
• Social Science Funding at the National Science Foundation
• High Quality Research Act
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
There Have Been Positive Outcomes From
Science Advocacy Efforts
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•Increased support and understanding of basic
research
•GRANT Act
•Helium Issues
•Critical Elements
•STEM Teacher Corps
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
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How Laws are Made
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
There Are Many Factors That Influence
Political Decisions
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•All politics are local – what are the concerns of
the constituents?
•Which group is presenting an idea?
•Influence of the news – timing issues
•What are you willing to compromise?
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
12
How to Have an Effective Meeting
•Use resources to figure out the “science topic of the day”
•Call the office and ask their process for scheduling a meeting
•When setting up a meeting, include your name, organization,
times you are available, and what issues you would like to
discuss
•Be prompt! Be precise! Be courteous!
•Have an “ask”
•Bring a hand out and/or be able to email them information
about what issue you are there to discuss
•Follow up with a thank you!
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
How to Navigate Discussions with
Politicians
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•All politics truly are local!
•Demonstrate your interest in your research
without discussing the specifics of your problem set
or any technical equations
•Know when to talk
•Know who to talk to
•Use science societies as resources!
•Build a relationship with your Member of Congress
 Of trust
 That is mutually beneficial
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
14
Science Policy Resources
•American Institute of Physics - FYI
 www.aip.org/gov
•American Physical Society – Physics Frontline
 www.aps.org/policy
•American Geophysical Union – Science Policy Alert
 www.agu.org/sci_pol
•The Optical Society – Washington Updates
 www.osa.org/en-us/about_osa/public_policy/
•American Astronomical Society
 http://aas.org/policy
•American Association of Universities
 http://www.aau.edu/policy/
•AAAS
 http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013
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Thank You
Aline McNaull
amcnaull@aip.org
SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting
April 27, 2013