Science Laureates of the United States Act of 2017

To establish a position of Science Laureate of the United States, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Science Laureates of the United States Act of 2017 2. Findings and recognition (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Scientific research and advancement has driven success in the United States and global success for centuries. (2) Scientific research has saved, improved, and extended lives, increased the standard of living, expanded economic opportunity, and advanced human understanding. (3) Such research holds the promise of continuing this progress, protecting the environment, creating jobs, growing the economy through innovative ideas and discoveries, and generally advancing all mankind. (4) People in the United States can benefit when scientific research is conducted and communicated in a transparent manner to better inform citizens about the nature and status of such research. (5) Scientific education is a critical element of preparing our Nation and our citizens for a technology-intensive future and ensuring that the United States remains the world leader in innovation and high-tech success. (6) A spokesperson who can embody, demonstrate, and articulate the importance and excitement of scientific research and education will help improve the current and future state of science to the benefit of all people in the United States. (b) Congressional recognition Congress recognizes that science contributes to the economic prosperity and general welfare of the United States, and that increasing the public’s awareness about the sciences will increase such benefits. Congress also recognizes that scientists who are both accomplished in their fields and who foster the public’s interest in science do a special service to the United States. 3. Establishment of Science Laureates of the United States (a) Position established The National Science Foundation shall establish the position of Science Laureate of the United States to honor the service of scientists. (b) Appointment by National Science Foundation The Science Laureate of the United States shall be appointed by the National Science Foundation from among individuals nominated under subsection (c). (c) Nominations by National Academy of Sciences (1) Agreement The National Science Foundation shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to perform the services covered by this subsection. (2) Nomination (A) In general Under an agreement between the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences under this subsection, the National Academy of Sciences shall, not less frequently than once each year and except as provided in subparagraph (D), nominate three individuals to serve as the Science Laureate. (B) Basis Nomination under subparagraph (A) shall be on the basis of merit, particularly the ability of an individual to— (i) foster and enhance public awareness and interest in science; and (ii) provide ongoing significant scientific contributions. (C) Variety of scientific disciplines In nominating individuals under subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences shall strive to nominate individuals, in different years, from different scientific disciplines, including biology, physics, geosciences, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and other science disciplines. (D) Exception The National Academy of Sciences shall not make any nominations under this paragraph for a year if the National Science Foundation notifies the National Academy of Sciences that such nominations are unnecessary because the National Science Foundation intends to extend the term of the current Science Laureate pursuant to subsection (f). (d) Duties (1) In general Each Science Laureate shall engage the public, from time to time, to increase the public’s awareness about science. (2) Continuation of scientific work A Science Laureate is encouraged to continue the Science Laureate's scientific work. (3) Facilitation of duties The National Science Foundation shall facilitate the duties of a Science Laureate and the Science Laureate may accept assistance from the National Academy of Sciences in carrying out such duties. (e) Limitation The Science Laureate position shall not have the effect of duplicating or superseding the role of the President’s Science Advisor. (f) Term Each Science Laureate shall serve a 1-year term and may be reappointed by the National Science Foundation for additional terms as the National Science Foundation considers appropriate. (g) Compensation; Reimbursement (1) Compensation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Science Laureate shall serve without pay and shall not be considered to be a Federal employee based on such individual's appointment as a Science Laureate. (2) Reimbursement for travel The National Science Foundation may provide a Science Laureate with reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while performing duties as a Science Laureate, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

Summary: Science Laureates of the United States Act of 2017 This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the position of Science Laureate of the United States to honor the service of scientists. The NSF shall appoint a Science Laureate from three individuals to be nominated each year by the National Academy of Sciences on the basis of merit, particularly the ability to foster public awareness and interest in science and to provide ongoing significant scientific contributions. Each Science Laureate shall engage the public to increase public awareness about science and is encouraged to continue his or her scientific work.