On November 23, 1993, President Clinton established by Executive Order 12882 the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The responsibilities of PCAST are:
The PCAST consists of 19 members, one of whom is the Assistant to the President on Science and Technology, and 18 of whom are distinguished individuals from non-Federal sectors and appointed by the President. The PCAST members have established track records of significant achievement and are representative of the diverse perspectives and expertise in the United States science and technology establishment. The Committee is co-chaired by the Assistant to the President on Science and Technology, Dr. John H. Gibbons, and by John A. Young, former President and CEO of the Hewlett-Packard Company.
The PCAST advises the President both directly and through the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. The Committee also serves as a formal channel for private sector advice to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The NSTC is a cabinet-level council, chaired by the President, that coordinates research and development policies and activities across federal agencies. The PCAST ensures that the private sector perspective is included in that policy-making process.
The Committee reports to the President through the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, with its term expiring on November 23, 1995, unless extended by the President. The PCAST will meet at such times as the President and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology deem appropriate.
For additional information, contact the PCAST Executive Secretariat Office, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Washington, D.C. 29599, (202) 456-6100.