Australia's Chief Scientist on US Visit. (May 7, 2009)

Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, issued a media release today which we reproduce here in full. The release doesn't say whether or not Professor Sackett attended the 34^th Annual Forum on Science and Technology Policy of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on 30 April 2009 or if she was present at the keynote address given by US President Obama's Chief Scientific Advisor, John Holdren.

Sadly, Professor Sackett doesn't reveal what suggestions were discussed on what is considered to be the best practice on how to provide expert advice to government. One possible approach that might have been mooted is shown on the right.

To view a 7 minute video of Professor Holdren's reply to questions from the floor at the forum, including his description of his interactions with his boss click here.