Engineers are needed to take part in the process by helping to identify the most pressing science and technology issues facing our country, whether it's the energy crisis, protection of our national infrastructure, material development for the aerospace industry, or education issues. For example, engineers can help identify advanced materials and other technologies that, for purposes of national security, we would not want to fall into the hands of potential enemies. At the same time, we can provide valuable input to make sure our national trade policies are well balanced and do not make it unnecessarily difficult for American companies to sell products overseas. At the dawn of the 21st century, we are seeing revolutionary advances in science and technology-the mapping of the human genome, cloning, nanotechnology, microelctromechanical structures, quantum computing, and many others. Because it is the engineer's work that leads to these advances, engineers must contribute to the policy-making dialogue on the issues that arise from these advances.
Fellows also get the chance to visit many federal agencies.
Today, science and technology issues are dominating congressional agendas, and legislators and their staff members need the expertise of those with science and technology backgrounds. Renewable energy, research and development funding, climate change, space station cost overruns, and federal efforts to reduce earthquake hazards are just a few of the congressional hearings that have been held within the last year. It is the engineer's responsibility to clearly communicate his or her expertise to those who are key decision makers. In today's technological age, this is not a responsibility that engineers can ignore. Back Issues Engineering Times Media Kit Send Eng.