Scientists and Engineers for Change - a newly formed association of American science and engineering professionals - advocates that the next President restore science and technology to their rightful role as key building blocks of our future. To learn more about why science matters in the 2004 election and how John Kerry and George W. Bush's plan for science differs, explore this website and sign-up to take part in the public events sponsored by Scientists and Engineers for Change this fall.

If you believe, as we do, that wise federal management of science and technology is essential for America's future, you should pay close attention to the 2004 elections. A great deal is at stake.

• Innovation lies at the heart of American Economic growth and the creation of rewarding jobs. But our legacy of discovery and invention is under threat. Kerry has detailed plans for strengthening private research and funding balanced growth in federal R&D. The Bush administration plans to cut research budgets in 21 of 24 federal agencies.
• We're losing momentum in health research. Kerry proposes ethically managed, vigorous growth in health research. Ideologues in the Bush administration have restricted stem cell research and the administration plans to cut the NIH budget.
• Affordable strategies for establishing energy independence and strengthening the environment depend on technology. Kerry proposes a vigorous program of research and incentives for energy efficiency and new energy supplies, while the Bush administration energy plan increases our dependence upon Middle East oil and ignores mounting threats to our environment, including climate change.

• It's Essential to Improve the Education of Scientists and Engineers. US schools face unprecedented competition from first-rate universities worldwide, minorities and women continue to be underrepresented in US science and engineering. Immigration policies are choking US access to world research.
• National Defense and Homeland Security Depend on Basic and Applied Research. Critical technologies to strengthen intelligence, detect and react to use of unconventional weapons, and other areas will suffer by dramatic cuts in basic research in DoD while research funds are squandered on Bush administration's ideologically driven priorities such as its missile defense system.
• Unbiased Science and Technology Advice is Essential for Effective Presidential Leadership. Kerry has promised to appoint a Science Advisor immediately upon taking office. The Bush Administration has demoted the Presidential Science Advisor, waited 6 months before appointing a Director of OSTP, and has been continuously criticized for putting politics before scientific consensus.