U.S. Senate Confirms Dr. Eric Lander as Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

On May 28, the Senate unanimously confirmed Dr. Eric Lander’s nomination as the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, making him the first in history to serve in this position at the Cabinet level. ASTA supported Dr. Lander’s nomination and previously sent a letter to Senate leadership urging his swift confirmation. Having formerly served as co-chair of the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology for nearly a decade, Dr. Lander has a strong understanding of the important issues relating to the role of science and innovation in Agriculture. He is a trailblazer in the area of genomic research and has demonstrated a commitment to education and research.