AI – Anything Intelligent

AI – Anything Intelligent is a new, collaborative blog focused on expanding the role of science in public policy. AI is written and edited by college students with varied interests in the applied, natural, and social sciences.

Despite attending different schools and studying in different academic fields around the U.S., our common philosophy is simple: to bridge the gap between scientific developments and their real-world impact on lifestyles, economies, and society. The scientific community grows with fresh minds tackling the next frontier in research and technology, yet a much smaller focus is placed on turning relevant advancements into useful public policy. At this weak and confusing intersection, major forces like industries, countries, and politics drive conflicting interests, often times resulting in a frustrating deadlock.

However, there are signs of increased movement between science and public policy, especially in today’s environmental and climate change movement. President Obama pulled the Nobel laureate and current Energy Secretary Steven Chu directly from the scientific community. None of Chu’s recent predecessors had background in academia: both Bill Richardson (Clinton Administration) and Spencer Abraham (Bush 43) were lifelong politicians;  Samuel Bodman (Bush, second term) held engineering degrees but pursued a successful financial and business career. It remains to be seen whether an accomplished scientist like Chu can push for science and technology in the political arena, although his arrival signals the next step to utilize science in policy-making. In an interview with National Geographic, Chu describes his view on the Department of Energy’s role:

“The Department of Energy is the biggest supporter of the physical sciences in the United States, but it also has a mis­sion to take what is developed in national labs and universities and transfer this knowledge to applied research—research that will lead to really new ideas about sources of energy and ways of using our energy more efficiently. So that’s one of the things the Department of Energy will be focusing on—how do we make that transition?”

We will cover this transition from scientific knowledge to application, and furthermore from applicable uses to policy decisions. Our ultimate goal is to emphasize and expand the discussion connecting science and public policy, from small but interesting developments in science to sweeping policy changes. We don’t seek to advocate a specific set of policies — in fact, contributing writers may disagree on policy issues. Any relevant and grounded topic is fair material: where science connects to policy, Anything Intelligent goes.