Scientists say impact waning under Bush

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is stifling the voice of science, as fewer scientists are heard in policy discussions and money for research and advanced training is cut, according to panelists at a national science meeting.

Speakers at the national meeting of the American Association for Advancement of Science expressed concern yesterday that some scientists in key federal agencies are ignored or even pressured to change study conclusions that don't support policy positions.

The speakers also said Bush's proposed 2005 federal budget is slashing spending for basic research and reducing investments in education designed to produce the nation's future scientists.

There also was concern that increased restrictions and requirements for obtaining visas is diminishing the flow to the United States of foreign-born science students who have long been a major part of the American research community.

Asked for comment, White House spokesman Ken Lisaius said: ''The president makes policy decisions based on what the best policies for the country are, not politics. People who suggest otherwise are ill-informed."

Rosina M. Bierbaum, dean of the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment, said the Bush administration has cut scientists out of some of the policy-making processes, particularly on environmental issues. ''In previous administrations, scientists were always at the table when regulations were being developed," she said. ''Science never had the last voice, but it had a voice."

Issues on global warming, for instance, that achieved a firm scientific consensus in earlier years are now being questioned by Bush policy makers.