National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine: Public Interfaces of Life Sciences. 2015. Trust and Confidence at the Intersections of the Life Sciences and Society Workshop, 5-6 May. Trust Workshop Background Reading, Listening, and Viewing Materials.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies work "to improve government decision making and public policy, increase public understanding, and promote the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in matters involving science, engineering, technology, and health". Through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) provides objective, science-based advice on critical issues affecting the nation. The NAS charter commits the Academy to provide scientific advice to the government “whenever called upon” by any government department.
The National Research Council (NRC) is the operating arm of the National Academies. The NRC conducts studies and facilitates workshops for all seven program areas within the National Academies in "service in the national interest and for furnishing scientific and technical advice to governmental and other organizations".
Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST)
The Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) is a scientific review panel charged with advising the State of Oregon on matters of science related to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. These matters include fish recovery, water quality improvements, and enhancing watershed health. Download a general brochure about the IMST. IMST evaluation of the scientific basis for programs provides the public, the Governor, and the Oregon Legislature with a frame of reference when struggling with policy decisions affecting Oregon Plan implementation.
The Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) was established by the 1997 Oregon Legislature via Senate Bill 924, signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on March 25, 1997 as Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 541.914 [formerly 541.409]. The establishment of the Team reflected the 1997 agreement between Oregon and the National Marine Fisheries Service concerning coho salmon. After the 1997 agreement was terminated, then Governor John Kitzhaber issued Executive Order 99-01, which expanded the scope of the Oregon Plan and specified the continued role of IMST in the recovery of wild salmonids in Oregon.
During the 2001 Oregon Legislative Assembly, additional direction was given to the Oregon Plan and IMST through Senate Bill 945 which was signed into law and amended ORS 541.920 [formerly 541.365] and 541.898 [formerly 541.405]. As Team members have completed their terms of service, new members have been appointed jointly by the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House.
(Text taken from IMST Website at: http://www.fsl.orst.edu/imst/index.html)