How Materials Researchers Can Invest in Future Science and Technology Politics
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How Materials Researchers Can Invest in Future Science and Technology Politics In light of the ever-changing dynamics in the U.S. Congress and the Presidential Administration and the efforts to balance the federal budget, the materials community needs to carefully examine how its involvement in the political process can help shape future policies in science and engineering education and in federal funding of research and development (R&D) programs. Participating in the political process are critical for two reasons. First, science and technology policies are receiving much attention due to the transformation of research focus from defense to civilian R&D. Second, all discretionary federal funding levels—of which science is part—are diminishing due to the focus on balancing the budget. Though the short- and long-term political impact on the materials community may be unclear, this article will describe strate-
gies that materials researchers can implement to help weave the materials community perspective into the future needs of the country. Legislators and policymakers are keen on serving and representing the views of their constituents to the best of their ability. Lawmakers operate typically as generalists and look to their community for expertise in many areas as they explore issues, policies, and laws. Relationshipbuilding is the keystone of forging an effective dialogue with any congressional representative. Developing long-standing relationships built on trust, mutual respect, open communication, and enthusiasm in serving as a resource for the legislator will reap benefits for the materials community. Rather than writing letters of complaint, the role of a materials scientist is to inform the legislator on how a scien-
tific issue or program affects her or his state's economy, for example, or society as a whole. Advocates provide the substance and the legislators decide how to get ideas and laws accepted by their peers. Materials researchers can engage legislators by setting up a meeting in their home districts or inviting them to the laboratory for a site visit to foster an understanding of the outcome of the research and development, and to exhibit how the laboratory benefits the local community in terms of jobs, outreach, or education. Bringing key science- and technologyrelated issues onto the legislators' radar screen in annual doses will prompt them to be more alert to the materials community's concerns when science-related legislation is offered in committees or on the House or Senate floor. The Materials Research Society can
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