Science, Technology + Environmental Policy

"Because this is the age of science and technology, it's the age of ideas, it's the age of movement. Anything static is in retreat."

-Hubert Humphrey

Research Centers

The Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy
fosters understanding of the role of science and technology in
society, particularly relationships to economic growth, health,
the environment, education, and national security. The center
examines the effects of science and technology on society and on the political and economic relationships among nations. The center's mission is to improve people’s lives by advancing the application of science and technology to solve public problems.

Faculty Experts
Senior Fellow Steve Kelley
Associate Professor Jennifer Kuzma Research Fellow Melisa Pollack
Professor Deborah Swackhamer
Associate Professor Elizabeth Wilson
Jeff Bielicki

Jennifer Kuzma

Science, Technology, and Public Policy Chair

"Relationships among science, technology, the environment, and society are intricate and delicate. They affect global, national, and local communities and the daily lives of individuals. Policy choices about what research to fund or which technologies to deploy impact people and societies for decades to come. In addition, applications of science and technology can have both positive and negative impacts on human health, the environment, cultures, and social systems. Appropriate oversight for emerging technologies, such as biotechnology or nanotechnology, and deployment of more sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy or geologic carbon sequestration, are two key areas we address at the Humphrey School. What drives us is the ability to research science and technology policy issues in an independent setting and our desire to serve as a trusted resource for analysis, outreach, and education."