ASME Supports Science Debate 2008

ASME has joined a coalition of more than 100 American universities, businesses, and technical organizations on a new citizens' initiative to bring together the presidential candidates to debate science and technology policy.

The initiative, named Science Debate 2008, calls for a public debate in which the presidential candidates share commentary and viewpoints regarding the environment, health care and medicine, the nation's transportation infrastructure, energy, and other science and technology issues.

Science Debate 2008 will take place April 18 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, four days prior to the Pennsylvania primary. The goal of the debate is to help America's voters determine where each candidate stands on this nation's pressing science and technology challenges, including the need to rebuild national economic competitiveness through innovation and scientific discovery.

"Few would argue that America's long-term economic growth and standard of living is due in large measure to engineering and technology innovations which have created jobs and strengthened U.S. competitiveness in the global economy," wrote ASME President Sam Y. Zamrik, in a letter submitted to the presidential candidates urging them to participate in Science Debate 2008.

The ASME letter cites Science Debate 2008 as an effort that "underscores the importance of science, education, research, and innovation in the 2008 presidential race."

ASME has advocated a strong federal government role in technology development and innovation, calling for robust spending on R&D programs. The Society's support of Science Debate 2008 and interest in reaching out to the presidential candidates are based, in part, on the inadequate level of spending for research programs as reflected in the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Budget.

Other players in Science Debate 2008, in addition to ASME, include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Council on Competitiveness.

To find out more about Science Debate 2008, visit www.sciencedebate2008.com.

To read a copy of President Zamrik's letter, visit www.asmenews.org/features/szletter208.html.

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