The American Institute of Physics, the American Physical Society and the American Astronomical Society were among 180 organizations that signed letters to President-Elect Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, urging them to appoint a White House Science Advisor by Inauguration Day. The letter also suggested the position be called the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology.
An excerpt from the letter reads: “The next President must lead our country in addressing the national issues of concern to us all. To do so effectively, science and technology must be part of the solution. Putting a science advisor in place early, and providing this individual with adequate stature and authority within the White House, will help the new President effectively address the challenges we face.”
