ANN ARBOR—What happens when politics and ideology drive policy decisions related to climate change, nuclear energy, endangered species and other scientific and environmental issues? How can scientists ensure that their input into the policy process is weighed objectively and impartially?

Scientists, policy makers, students and concerned citizens will discuss these issues at the two-day Douglas Lake Summit on Scientific Integrity, July 6-7, at the University of Michigan Biological Station’s Pellston, Mich. campus.

The event, co-sponsored by the U-M Biological Station and the Union of Concerned Scientists, will feature a panel discussion, keynote speakers, breakout sessions and workshops focused on national and regional science policy topics. Panelists include Lana Pollack, a former Michigan state senator who is now president of the Michigan Environmental Council; Eric Sundquist, a U.S. Geological Survey carbon researcher; Steven Bohlen, president of the Joint Oceanographic Institutions; and Susan Wood, a former assistant commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration who resigned last August citing unwarranted political interference from government officials. Tours of the Biological Station also will be available.

“Science must be independent of political interference if we are to develop effective policies for managing and solving environmental and public health problems,” said Knute Nadelhoffer, U-M Biological Station director. “As an active center of research and education, the Biological Station is an ideal location for environmental researchers, policy makers and concerned citizens to develop skills and strategies to ensure science remains at the core of policy debates. ”

The U-M Biological Station, located on Douglas Lake, is a 13,000-acre field station dedicated to education and research in field biology and environmental science. More than 600 of its former students conduct research in colleges, universities, federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining scientific analysis, policy development and citizen advocacy to achieve practical solutions to environmental problems.

Conference schedule and registration informationU-M Biological StationScientific integrity information from the Union of Concerned Scientists