President Trump August 1 announced his nomination of Kelvin Droegemeier, PhD, to be the next Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The role of science adviser has been vacant since January 2017.
Dr. Droegemeier, a meteorologist by training, has an extensive background in both research and policy. He currently serves as the Vice President for Research at the University of Oklahoma, as well as the Cabinet Secretary of Science and Technology under the Governor of Oklahoma. Dr. Droegemeier was previously appointed to the National Science Board by both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
AAMC CEO Darrell Kirch, MD, August 1 released a statement praising the nomination, highlighting that Dr. Droegenmeier’s “expertise will be valuable to the administration in shaping a thriving federal science agenda.” Next steps in the confirmation process include a hearing and favorable report from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, followed by approval from the full Senate.