MSA ROEBLING MEDAL LECTURE - THE SCIENCE-POLICY INTERFACE

One of the common laments from scientists is that there is too little science in public policy. As a community, we certainly practice and recognize “good” science, but what happens to that science as it makes its way through the science-policy interface? What is lost in translation?

I will explore this issue in the context of my experience as a scientist in nuclear waste management over the past forty years. During this time, there have been considerable advances in key scientific disciplines, such as the mineralogy and geochemistry of uranium and in reactive transport modeling, but the impact of science on our national program has been limited. There are many reasons for the state of the U.S. nuclear program today, but from the science-side there are three issues that demand attention: i.) clarity in communication – language matters; ii.) the imprint of policy on the presentation and analysis of scientific results; iii.) the role of risk analysis and regulations on science.

Finally, do we need more science to put the U.S. nuclear waste management program back on track to a successful outcome?