At the nomination hearing for former OU VP for Research Kelvin Droegemeier, Trump's nominee for director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Droegemeier just stepped down at OU after more than 30 years at the university.
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson welcomes Droegemeier, telling him there's
"no question as to your qualifications."
"no question as to your qualifications."
OK's @SenatorLankford is introducing Droegemeier, highlighting his national and statewide accomplishments and the legacy he carries: that "science has no politics." Says Droegemeier is a great public servant and highly qualified.
OK's @JimInhofe joins in introducing Droegemeier, noting he's "responsible for saving so many lives in Oklahoma" due to the state's regular severe weather, and saying there's "no one in America more qualified for this position than he is."
Droegemeier takes the mic, telling the committee "I am a scientist, I am a storm chaser, and I am an educator" and emphasizing the importance of science and tech in American industry and education.
Droegemeier is asked how he'll help the US prioritize AI & quantum research while matching countries like China and Russia. Says the US already prioritizes these issues through its budget, the OSTP and military, but must "rise to the challenge" of keeping up with those countries.
Droegemeier is asked again about competing with China research-wise. Says China has a history of "stealing intellectual property," and US has to approach the issue with care, be proactive.
Sen. Nelson asks Droegemeier how the US should focus research efforts to mitigate the risk of extreme weather/natural events. Droegemeier says US can improve the science of prediction, but especially the communication of these threats to the public.
Nelson asks Droegemeier about his thoughts on the issue of sexual harassment in academic science. Droegemeier says harassment inhibits the careers of women in science/research, that OSTP should take a strong stance to combat the issue/make its policy clear.
Droegemeier is asked if he will dedicate himself to work to address climate change in America. "I absolutely believe that we have to look at the future...I'm very excited to work on that, I think we need improvements on climate models," Droegemeier says.
Droegemeier says he'll specifically focus on bringing climate and weather communities together and focusing on risk and resilience in US communities. When asked if he'll ensure scientific integrity in areas of climate change, he answers "absolutely."
Droegemeier is asked how he'll face the US' STEM education challenge and focus on the lack of women/POC in the field. Droegemeier says US has spent a lot of money on this and it's not changing. Says US can focus on advancing workforce's STEM capabilities, not just degrees.
Senator Markey asks if Droegemeier is committed to ensuring that scientists who believe man is the primary cause of global warming are protected under the OSTP. Droegemeier says yes, that "science must be free from political influence."
Droegemeier is asked whether he holds that there is one correct view of climate change/global warming. Droegemeier: "I welcome all points of view...I think we have to have everyone at the table talking about these things and let science take us where it takes us."
