President-elect Joe Biden announced on Friday that he will make the White House’s top science post into a ministerial-level post for the first time in the history of the United States.
The big picture: Biden said he chose Eric Lander to be his presidential scientific advisor and that he will appoint the geneticist as director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. Biden also announced other important members of his scientific team, including Francis Collins, who will remain as director of the National Institutes of Health.
The White House scientific team includes:
- Lander, who will be appointed director of the OSTP and serve as the president’s scientific adviser.
- Alondra Nelson, who will serve as deputy director of OSTP for science and society.
- Frances Arnold and Maria Zuber, who will serve as external co-chairs of the President’s Council of Science and Technology Consultants.
- Collins, who will continue to lead the NIH.
- Kei Koizumi, who will serve as OSTP team leader.
- Narda Jones, who will serve as director of legislative affairs for the OSTP.
What is he saying: “Science will always be at the forefront of my administration – and these world-renowned scientists will ensure that everything we do is based on science, facts and truth,” said Biden in a statement.
- “Their reliable guidance will be essential as we come together to end this pandemic, bring our economy back and seek new advances to improve the quality of life for all Americans.”