Office of Science and Technology Policy
President Biden often says, “America is the only nation that can be defined by a single word: possibilities.” The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) works to bring that idea to life by harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation to achieve America’s great aspirations.
OSTP’s mission includes:
- Providing advice to the President and the Executive Office of the President on matters related to science and technology;
- Strengthening and advancing American science and technology;
- Working with federal departments and agencies and with Congress to create bold visions, unified strategies, clear plans, wise policies, and effective, equitable programs for science and technology;
- Engaging with external partners, including industry, academia, philanthropic organizations, and civil society; state, local, Tribal and territorial governments; and other nations; and,
- Ensuring equity, inclusion, and integrity in all aspects of science and technology.
OSTP has six core teams:
- Climate and Environment
- Health Outcomes
- Industrial Innovation
- National Security
- Science and Society
- Technology
OSTP also houses or supports: the President and First Lady’s Cancer Moonshot, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), the National Science and Technology Council, the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office, the National Quantum Coordination Office, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, and the Arctic Executive Steering Committee.
OSTP is led by a Senate-confirmed Director, Arati Prabhakar, who also serves as Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, a member of the President’s Cabinet, and Co-Chair of PCAST.
OSTP was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976. Prior to OSTP, presidents dating back to at least Franklin D. Roosevelt had various configurations of science advisors, committees of external science advisors, and White House offices dedicated to science and technology.
