How can science answer the big questions we face today? What is the role of the scientist in forming public policy? More importantly, what are the best ways to educate the public about scientific and technological development, and encourage the next generation of scientists?

Science provokes questions and demands strong leadership.

On Thursday, April 10, President Shirley Jackson will address the 28th Annual Colloquium for Science and Technology Policy in Washington, D.C. The colloquium is sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Jackson will present the 2003 William D. Carey Lecture, “Standing on the Knife Edge: The Leadership Imperative.”

Jackson is the president-elect of AAAS and will address the critical importance for science and technological leaders to actively participate in policy making, in public outreach, and in educating the next generation of leaders.

“Science is not an either/or proposition,” says Jackson. “But today’s rapid scientific and technological advances are posing ‘knife-edge’ questions. How can we derive maximum benefit from scientific discovery, for example, without unleashing maximum danger? It is up to the science and engineering community to lead us through these critical times. Only with strong scientific, technological, and policy leadership can we equip ourselves with the proper information to move forward or to stay the course.”

Jackson notes that the AAAS has a unique opportunity to play a significant role in education and in science and technology public policy. The challenge, she says, will be to unite as a powerful triumvirate with research universities and corporate laboratories.

“Scientists and engineers at research universities and those at the corporate laboratories will develop the technological solutions and the applications,” says Jackson. “AAAS can work toward inserting them into the political and policy process, and by doing so, will help to educate the public and inspire a new S&T generation.”