Rep. Pallone spoke about his experience working with the science and technology industries as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
"Science should be an important part of decision making." -Rep. Pallone.
Commissioner Chivukula spoke about his transition from a career in engineering to politics. He also spoke about how scientists who work in government can be valuable in-house resources who give unique insight into legislative decisions about science policy.
"As a scientist and a politician you have to have patience, persistence, and willingness. If you want to be making decisions about policy you need to get elected. If you want to get elected, you have to learn a new skill set - you have to learn campaigning and learn how to raise funds."
-NJBPU Commissioner Chivukula
Workshop participants were given the opportunity to ask questions of each speaker. Attendees left with a better understanding of the intersection of science and politics, how better communication between both fields could result in more efficient and meaningful legislation, and the power of legislative committees. Workshop attendees also participated in a group exercise that challenged them to think of ways their team could persuade a committee chair to support a particular policy.
What Workshop Attendees Are Saying:
"Great to hear the perspectives from both local and federal levels."
"It was a nice reminder that legislators are just people who care about their constituents... thank you!"
"Thanks for organizing this Science and Politics workshop @Eagleton_RU! And a big thanks to @FrankPallone and @UChivukulaNJ for sharing their perspectives on how scientists can get involved at the federal and state levels of government!"