SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting April 27, 2013 SPS and AAPT Southeastern Pennsylvania Section Joint Meeting Aline McNaull [email protected]

SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT MeetingApril 27, 2013

SPS and AAPT Southeastern Pennsylvania Section Joint Meeting

Aline [email protected]

Working with Congress: What can physicists bring to the table?


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Physicists and Congress Communicate Differently

By cartoonist Sidney HarrisAmerican Scientist


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Members of Congress Have Questions About the Scientific Process

• 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


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There Are Cultural Differences Between Physicists and Politicians

PhysicsNumbersObjectives and factsHate to make promisesQuantitativeTechnicalProblem seekers – focus on processSeek to define “why”Money = researchLong term planning and thinkingScience journalsSpecialists

PoliticiansWordsSubjective interpretation of factsLike to make promisesQualitativePoliticalProblem seekers – focus on issueAsk why it is importantMoney = getting re-electedShort term planning and thinkingFront page newspapersGeneralists


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Politicians are Driven by the News Cycle

“science news cycle”published 5/18/2009Piled Higher and DeeperJorge Chan


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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


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Words Are Defined Differently in Physics Than in Politics

“duplication” “Oh great! My results are reproducible and it wasn’t just a glitch in equipment!”

“Why are we spending money on the same thing 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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What Are Current Topics Under Discussion in Congress and the Executive Branch?

• 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


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There Have Been Positive Outcomes From Science Advocacy Efforts

•Increased support and understanding of basic research•GRANT Act•Helium Issues•Critical Elements•STEM Teacher Corps


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How Laws are Made


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There Are Many Factors That Influence Political Decisions

•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?


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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!


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How to Navigate Discussions with Politicians

•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


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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/


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Thank You

Aline [email protected]

Documents

SPS and Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT Meeting April 27, 2013 SPS and AAPT Southeastern Pennsylvania Section Joint Meeting Aline McNaull [email protected]