Working with Congress: What can physicists bring to the table?

1. Working with Congress: What can physicists bring to the table? SPS and AAPT Southeastern Pennsylvania Section Joint Meeting Aline McNaull amcnaull@aip.org

2. Physicists and Congress Communicate Differently By cartoonist Sidney Harris American Scientist

3. The outcomes of scientific research are unpredictable The value of a particular research project is rarely immediately apparent Investments in science do not pay off within one election cycle Job creation that results from innovation is long-term and not always easily quantifiable Members of Congress Have Questions About the Scientific Process

4. There Are Cultural Differences Between Physicists and Politicians Physics Politicians Words Subjective interpretation of facts Like to make promises Qualitative Political Problem seekers – focus on issue Ask why it is important Money = getting re-elected Short term planning and thinking Front page newspapers Generalists • Numbers • Objectives and facts • Hate to make promises • Quantitative • Technical • Problem seekers – focus on process • Seek to define “why” • Money = research • Long term planning and thinking • Science journals • Specialists

5. Politicians are Driven by the News Cycle “science news cycle” published 5/18/2009 Piled Higher and Deeper Jorge Chan

6. “Understanding the process by which a bill becomes a law requires no astrophysics. But understanding the system by which a bill becomes a law requires about the same amount of patience as the study of this technical science.” -- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government The Legislative Process is Complex

7. Words Are Defined Differently in Physics Than in Politics

8. High-skilled immigrations for those with degrees in science, engineering, technology and mathematics How should the federal government organize its science and engineering education resources? Social Science Funding at the National Science Foundation High Quality Research Act What Are Current Topics Under Discussion in Congress and the Executive Branch?

9. Increased support and understanding of basic research GRANT Act Helium Issues Critical Elements STEM Teacher Corps There Have Been Positive Outcomes From Science Advocacy Efforts

10. How Laws are Made

11. All politics are local – what are the concerns of the constituents? Which group is presenting an idea? Influence of the news – timing issues What are you willing to compromise? There Are Many Factors That Influence Political Decisions

12. Use resources to figure out the “science topic of the day” Call the office and ask their process for scheduling a meeting When setting up a meeting, include your name, organization, times you are available, and what issues you would like to discuss Be prompt! Be precise! Be courteous! Have an “ask” Bring a hand out and/or be able to email them information about what issue you are there to discuss Follow up with a thank you! How to Have an Effective Meeting

13. All politics truly are local! • Demonstrate your interest in your research without discussing the specifics of your problem set or any technical equations • Know when to talk • Know who to talk to • Use science societies as resources! • Build a relationship with your Member of Congress • Of trust • That is mutually beneficial How to Navigate Discussions with Politicians

14. American Institute of Physics - FYI • www.aip.org/gov • American Physical Society – Physics Frontline • www.aps.org/policy • American Geophysical Union – Science Policy Alert • www.agu.org/sci_pol • The Optical Society – Washington Updates • www.osa.org/en-us/about_osa/public_policy/ • American Astronomical Society • http://aas.org/policy • American Association of Universities • http://www.aau.edu/policy/ • AAAS • http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/ Science Policy Resources

15. Aline McNaull amcnaull@aip.org Thank You