ABSTRACT
Former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan very persuasively stated the case for an effective scientific advisory apparatus to leaders of state in his book Pointing the Way. This is a dangerous problem that must be solved. Success in solving it will require efforts from both sides: from the scientists as well as from society's political leaders. The responsibility of the scientist is to speak accurately and responsibly on the technical challenges to society if and when he becomes involved in an advisory or public advocacy role addressing such problems. A Presidential advisory structure can, in principle, present its analyses and advice directly and free of institutional loyalties or bias — that is precisely the function of staff in contrast to operational line managers and administrators. It is inevitable that recommendations of cabinet secretaries or agency directors are affected by the operational and institutional responsibilities they bear.
