Office of Science Technology and Policy

About OSTP

Congress established OSTP in 1976 with a broad mandate to advise the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the affects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The 1976 Act also authorizes OSTP to lead an interagency effort to develop and to implement sound science and technology policies and budgets and to work with the private sector, state and local governments, the science and higher education communities, and other nations toward this end.

Dr. John H. Marburger, Director, confirmed in October 2001, serves as Science Advisor to President Bush. Dr. Marburger also co-chairs the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and supports the President’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Dr. Kathie L. Olsen, Associate Director, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2002, manages the science portfolio, which includes Environment, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Social, Behavioral and Education Sciences.

Mr. Richard M. Russell, Associate Director, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2002, is charged with the technology portfolio, which includes departments in Technology, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Space and Aeronautics. Mr. Russell also is senior director for telecommunications and technology at the National Economic Council.

OSTP Mission

OSTP’s continuing mission is set out in the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-282). It calls for OSTP to:

Serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government. The Act authorizes OSTP to:

• Advise the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the impacts of science and technology on domestic and international affairs;
• Lead an interagency effort to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets;
• Work with the private sector to ensure Federal investments in science and technology contribute to economic prosperity, environmental quality, and national security;
• Build strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, other countries, and the scientific community;
• Evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology.