I’ll be giving two talks in Seattle later this week, organized by the Forum on Science, Ethics and Policy (for info see the FOSEP website) at the University of Washington. Here are the abstracts:

Politicization of Science: A Perspective
Thursday, April 7, 2005
5:30 – 6:30 pm
UW Physics and Astronomy Auditorium, A102

It seems like science is in public view more so today than in the past, and not always for the best reasons. For example, the Union of Concerned Scientists and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), have in recent years highlight the “misuse” of science by the Administration of George W. Bush, prompting a vigorous rebuttal. In addition, issues such as scientific advisory panels, prescription drugs, global climate change, stem cell research, and terrorism are forcing science into the public eye. Dr. Pielke’s talk will take a critical perspective on the current state of science, policy, and politics in the United States with a particular emphasis on the role of experts in science in policy and politics.

Dealing with Scientific Uncertainty in Policymaking
Friday, April 8, 2005
10:30 – 11:30 am
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Pelton Auditorium

Uncertainty is ever present in decision making. But even as scientists typically have sophisticated understandings of uncertainty itself, such understandings are infrequently accompanied by a corresponding sophistication in decision making in the face of uncertainty. This talk will discuss a range of experiences in dealing with scientific uncertainty in policymaking to suggest how the scientific community might more effectively contribute useful guidance on important policy issues characterized by fundamental uncertainties. Dr. Pielke’s talk will emphasize both the use of science in decision making, but also decisions that are made about science, typically under an expectation that the results of resulting research will inform decision making. Consequently, issues of values, ethics and politics are inescapable when one confronts scientific uncertainty in policy making.