Science policy: D.C. to get new think tank

Columbia University and Georgia Institute of Technology are planning what could become a million-dollar center to assess the practical benefits of science and technology programs. Its tentative name is the Center for Science, Policy & Outcomes, and it will be located in Washington, D.C. "We are in the earliest stages of planning this effort, and we hope to engage a broad cross-section of the R&D policy community in bringing it to fruition," says Michael Crow, professor of science and technology policy and vice provost at Columbia. The lead figure at Georgia Tech in the venture is Barry L. Bozeman, director of its School of Public Policy. Crow, who is seeking foundation funding for the venture, has sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to several hundred policy professionals around the country seeking ideas as to what the center should stress, and he has a few of his own. As he explains in his letter, the center idea ...