In the spring edition of Issues in Science and Technology, Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow and research fellow William B. Dabars push for a new type of American research institution that will meet the growing changes in our society.

ISSUES Spring 2015 cover

Issues in Science and Technology is the award-winning journal of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, The University of Texas at Dallas and Arizona State University.

They say a new type of institution would merge the quest for discovery with a commitment to providing a quality education to more students from highly diverse backgrounds. They argue that excellence and accessibility are compatible. 

Also in the spring issue, three articles examine the intricacies of global climate policy.

Braden Allenby explains that we have entered the Anthropocene age of planetary development in which humans must accept their responsibility as the primary driver of change. Former Department of Energy official Graham Pugh reviews the different negotiating strategies pursued by Democratic and Republican administrations, and explains how a hybrid blend of the two approaches should guide future policy. In another article, four statisticians argue that increasingly sophisticated computer models are valuable tools in advancing climate science but that we need to understand their limitations as guides to international climate policy. 

Other articles include Columbia University economist Richard Nelson’s reflections on the misguided attempt of other sciences to model themselves on physics.

He maintains that it is unrealistic to believe that we can discover precise equations that explain the functioning of biological or social systems in the way that physical laws explain the movement of the planets or the interactions of atoms. 

Also, the issue includes the first of four stories selected from the journal's first science fiction competition. Josh Trapani builds his narrative around the choices confronting women scientists in a future globalized and hypercompetitive research world. The other three winning stories will appear in future issues.

Issues in Science and Technology is the award-winning journal of the National Academy of SciencesNational Academy of EngineeringInstitute of MedicineThe University of Texas at Dallas and Arizona State University.