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 as follows:
 

• To advise the President on issues involving science and technology and their roles in achieving national goals.
• To assist the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in securing private sector participation in its activities.

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.  The President appoints all members.  PCAST members have established track records of significant achievement and are representative of the diverse perspectives and expertise in the U.S. science and technology establishment. The Committee is co-chaired by Dr. Neal Lane, Assistant to the President for Sceince and Technology Policy, and by John A. Young, former President and CEO of the Hewlett-Packard Company.

PCAST advises the President through the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. The Committee also serves as a formal channel for private sector advice to NSTC.  NSTC is a cabinet-level council chaired by the President that coordinates research and development policies and  activities across federal agencies.  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 September 30, 1999 (Executive Order 13062, section 1(g)).  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 Secretary, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Washington, DC 20502. (202) 456-6100.

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