Newswise — ASME has joined a coalition of more than 100 American universities, businesses, and technical organizations on a new citizens' initiative to bring together the presidential candidates to debate science and technology policy.
The initiative, named Science Debate 2008, calls for a public debate in which the presidential candidates share commentary and viewpoints regarding the environment, healthcare and medicine, the nation's transportation infrastructure, energy, and other science and technology issues.
Science Debate 2008 will take place April 18 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, four days prior to the Pennsylvania primary. The goal of the debate is to help America's voters determine where each candidate stands on this nation's pressing science and technology challenges, including the need to rebuild national economic competitiveness through innovation and scientific discovery.
"Few would argue that America's long-term economic growth and standard of living is due in large measure to engineering and technology innovations which have created jobs and strengthened U.S. competitiveness in the global economy," states ASME president Sam Y. Zamrik in a letter submitted to the presidential candidates urging them to participate in Science Debate 2008.
The ASME letter cites Science Debate 2008 as an effort that "underscores the importance of science, education, research, and innovation in the 2008 presidential race."
ASME has advocated a strong federal government role in technology development and innovation, calling for robust spending on R&D programs. The Society's support of Science Debate 2008 and interest in reaching out to the presidential candidates are based, in part, on the inadequate level of spending for research programs as reflected in the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Budget.
Other players in Science Debate 2008, in addition to ASME, include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Council on Competitiveness.
Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.
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