The Senate confirmed the nomination of Arati Prabhakar, PhD, to be the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on Sept. 22. Her nomination was approved by a vote of 56-40.
OSTP Acting Director Alondra Nelson issued a press release following the confirmation, stating, “Dr. Prabhakar was the first woman to lead the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Today, she again makes history as the first woman and person of color confirmed by the Senate to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. … Dr. Prabhakar will ably continue our work of maximizing the benefits of science and technology to advance health, prosperity, security, environmental quality, and justice for all Americans.”
The AAMC previously issued a statement in support of her nomination in June, noting “Prabhakar’s decades of leadership and her multisector experience in government, academia, and the private sector make her an outstanding selection to guide the White House’s science priorities at a time when cooperation across the scientific enterprise is more critical than ever. … The AAMC is proud to support her nomination and looks forward to working with her and the rest of the team at OSTP to further the scientific advancements that promote a healthier future for all.”
Her nomination was previously approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation by a vote of 15-13 on July 27.