BIOSYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

 

PO. BOX 1414 * LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA 92038 ® (619) 453-2525

ZAORETELLER Oy
ey

23 June 1986

    
  

JUN 90 1966
go
President Joshua Lederberg Moe mY
Rockefeller University OF THE PRES

New York, N.Y. 10021

J
58
Dear Josh: 2

The selection of William Graham as presidential science
adviser and head of OSTP fills me with shock, sadness and
outrage. It is nothing less than a slap in the face of
the scientific community upon. which the nation depends for
a significant part of its survival and flowering as a
dynamic society.

The problem started in earnest when President Nixon
disbanded the PSAC and did away with scientific advice.
Not that his predecessors did much better in giving
science a meaninful role in the affairs of the nation.

It seems to me that the ultimate challenge rests with
our education system, as I reflect it, in part, in the
enclosed article which has just been published.

That the issue has reached this low point is to some
extent our collective fault: We have to participate more
fully and I dare say more responsibly in the affairs of
state which affect the management and consequences of
national and international endeavors.

You, as well as William Nierenberg (who is taking the
matter quite philosophically, although not without a
degree of obvious frustration) have been at the forefront
of where U.S. science should influence events. I wish
there were more of you and more than 24 hours in a day
so that it would make a difference.

With kindest personal regards.

Sincerely,

*|

EAS:hjk Elie A. Shneour v
Encl. Director