News Breaks About Obama's Choice for Science Advisor
Dec 18, 2008
The organizers of ScienceDebate 2008 applauded today's news that President-elect Barack Obama is planning to name Dr. John Holdren to be his next White House science advisor. During the 2008 election cycle, ScienceDebate called on the presidential candidates to take a stand on key technology and science issues, and Dr. Holdren was one of those who endorsed the grassroots effort.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), where Dr. Holdren served as president in 2006, announced the pick on its ScienceInsider blog, saying that "initial plans are to release the official news of the appointment on a weekly radio program that Obama records and will be broadcast on Saturday."
Dr. Holdren is a physicist affiliated with Harvard University where he is the Teresa and John Heinz professor of environmental policy, director of the program on Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Kennedy School, and a professor of environmental science and public policy. He also serves as the director the Woods Hole Research Center, which specializes in studying environmental change.
To get a brief introduction to Dr. Holdren, check out this video from last February where he explains his support of ScienceDebate 2008. You can also watch a clip of Dr. Steven Chu, another recent Obama nominee who is likely to be the next Energy Secretary.
UPDATE: The Washington Post has written about early reactions to Obama's pick of Dr. Holdren, as well as his expected nomination of Jane Lubchenco to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Tags:
AAAS, Barack Obama, John Holdren, presidential transition, science, sciencedebate, Steven Chu, technology policy, White House
