Science Advice for Future Presidents (broadcast Friday, October 10th, 2008)

A recent report issued by the Center for the Study of the Presidency said "the next President will confront major policy challenges that have essential ingredients of science and technology—the renewal of prosperity for Americans in a changed world, environmental protection, climate change, food and water scarcity, energy, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction." In this segment, Ira talks with Thomas Murray, head of the nonpartisan bioethics research institution The Hastings Center, about the role of science and technology in future presidential administrations. How can future administrations ensure that they have the advice and guidance they need to deal with science related issues? How does policy affect science -- and science affect policy?

We'll also look at challenges involving bioethics facing the next presidency, from healthcare reform, to emerging technologies, to coping with the vast array of genetic information now available. How will bioethics stack up as an issue in the election?