Reading List

“Alternative careers in science: leaving the ivory tower”, edited by Cynthia Robbins-Roth

Available at the Yale library for lovers of both paper and electronic media, this book is of general interest to anyone who has, or aims to have, a masters or doctoral degree in the sciences and would like to explore their options beyond academia. In Chapter 21, David Applegate, Associate Director for Natural Hazards at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) describes scientists working in policy or “science policy wonks” as translators between the scientific community and policy makers. He describes why there is a growing need for scientists to make the shift into policy, the points of entry into a career in science policy, the skills an aspirant would need, where one would go from there and - for the more practical - the earning potential. Finally, there are links to several key resources for those looking for fellowships, graduate programs and internship opportunities.

“Beyond Sputnik: US science policy in the twenty-first century”, by Homer A. Neal, Tobin Smith and Jennifer McCormick.

Clear, concise and thorough, this book is a great resource for readers interested in the history and current issues of U.S. Science Policy, chock full of analyses of a variety of issues, but easy to read. Available through the Yale library. The authors’ website http://www.science-policy.net lists additional resources for both teachers and students of science policy, and includes lists of conferences, seminars, internships and fellowships.

“How economics shapes science”, by Paula E. Stephan

Check out the review by Irene Reynolds Tebbs

"Pasteur’s quadrant: Basic science and technological Innovation”, by Donald E. Stokes

The book argues against a fairly prevalent belief - not only among the laypeople but also amongst scientists and policy makers - that basic and applied research are two extremes of a continuum. Donald E. Stokes claims that this flawed rationale underlies critical issues in the formulation and implementation of U.S. science and technology policy. He argues, instead, that applied and basic research are the orthogonal axes of Pasteur’s quadrant, such that the best research is both basic and applied and therefore, advances fundamental knowledge while contributing the resolution of practical problems.