The growth of science related questions and the magnitude and urgency of issues involving economic problems, advances in biotechnology, and concerns about ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect suggested to the Miller Center a need to re-examine the basic relationships between science and government. The Commission concluded that the argument for a science advisory mechanism within the White House was conclusive. It proposed the assembly of a strong system of science advising that would include a skilled chief science adviser, assisted by a well-qualified staff, with ready access to nongovernmental sources of advice and knowledge.

Co-Chairs:

• Dr. Dale R. Corson, President of Cornell University, 1969–1977; Founding Chairman of Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable and the National Academy of Science and Engineering
• General Brent Scowcroft, National Security Advisor, 1975–1977, 1989–1993; President, The Scowcroft Group

Commissioners:

• Dr. Solomon J. Buchsbaum, Chairman, White House Science Council
• Prof. Ashton Carter, Acting Director of the Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; Assistant Secretary of Defense, 1993–1996; Professor, Kennedy School
• Dr. John Deutsch, Provost, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Director of Central Intelligence, 1995–1996; Professor, MIT
• Dr. Denis J. Prager, Deputy Director, Health Program, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• John Walsh, Senior Science Writer, Science magazine

Commission Director: James S. Young, Miller Center Faculty and Bancroft Prize Winner, 1967