The Top Science Questions Facing America: 2012 Edition

The suggestion portion of the process is now closed. We are now in phase two: taking your submissions under advisement and working with a panel of representatives from leading U.S. science organizations to consolidate ideas and craft the top science questions facing America in 2012.

What are the top science questions the candidates for president should answer? We’re not interested in quizzing candidates on the particulars of cell mitosis or the third digit of pi. We want to know their positions on the big science and engineering policy questions that affect all our lives. The questions we will consider most successful will probe the candidates on the broad, important issues of our day around science in an insightful and fair way.

A top science question the candidates for president should answer is:

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  1. 18 votes
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      0 comments  ·  Research Funding  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
    • What steps, if any, should the United States take during your presidency to protect ocean health?

      9. Ocean Health. Scientists estimate that some 75 percent of the world’s fisheries are in serious decline and habitats around the world like coral reefs are seriously threatened. What steps, if any, should the United States take during your presidency to protect ocean health?

      126 votes
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        0 comments  ·  Oceans  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
      • What policies will you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?

        1. Innovation. Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since WWII. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies will you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?

        129 votes
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          0 comments  ·  Innovation  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
        • What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?

          10. Water. Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?

          125 votes
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            0 comments  ·  Water  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
          • What’s the government’s role in evaluating the impact of new chemicals on health and the environment?

            The development of new chemicals and materials has long out-paced the ability of scientists to evaluate their effect on health and the environment. The average citizen doesn't have the time or technical background to become fully informed. What is the government's role in addressing this, and when is it appropriate to use the precautionary principle?

            90 votes
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              0 comments  ·  Environment  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
            • How would you prioritize space in your administration?

              11. Space. The study of Earth from space can yield important information about climate change; focus on the cosmos can advance our understanding of the universe; and manned space travel can help us inspire new generations of youth to go into science. Can we afford all of them? How would you prioritize space in your administration?

              85 votes
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                1 comment  ·  Space  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
              • How will you ensure that the USA does not lose any more of our precious natural heritage?

                In 2004 the Poo-uli, a bird species only found in the USA, was lost forever, because of the ravages of invasive species and destruction of its forest habitat. How will you make sure that we lose no more of our nation's natural heritage, and instead that our species and ecosystems thrive into the future?

                51 votes
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                  3 comments  ·  Environment  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
                • In your submitted budget for FY2014, how may billions of dollars will there be to resolve the Intermittency Challenge?"

                  For EACH of the five strategies set forth in the March 2012 Scientific American, one billion dollars to launch feasibility studies. More billions to launch large scale demonstration projects of any strategies found feasible.

                  4 votes
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                    0 comments  ·  Energy  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
                  • What is the right policy balance between the benefits of genetic advances and their potential risks?

                    7. Genetics research. The field of genetics has the potential to improve human health and nutrition, but many people are concerned about the effects of genetic modification both in humans and in agriculture. What is the right policy balance between the benefits of genetic advances and their potential risks?

                    55 votes
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                      2 comments  ·  Health  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
                    • How do you see science, research and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?

                      14. Health. Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality and availability of health care. How do you see science, research and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?

                      60 votes
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                        1 comment  ·  Health  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
                      • What steps should the United States take to protect our population from global pandemics or deliberate biological attacks?

                        6. Pandemics and Biosecurity. Some estimates suggest that if H5N1 Avian Flu becomes a pandemic it could kill more than 300 million people. In an era of constant and rapid international travel, what steps should the United States take to protect our population from global pandemics or deliberate biological attacks?

                        40 votes
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                          1 comment  ·  Health  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
                        • What is your view of how science and technology can best be used to ensure national security and where should we put our focus?

                          5. National Security. Science and technology are at the core of national security like never before. What is your view of how science and technology can best be used to ensure national security and where should we put our focus?

                          25 votes
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                            1 comment  ·  National Security  ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →
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