About PCAST

President Obama at the National Academy of Sciences in 2009  from the U.S. Department of Energy on Vimeo.

On April 27, 2009, President Obama announced the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). PCAST is an advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers who directly advise the President and the Executive Office of the President. PCAST makes policy recommendations in the many areas where understanding of science, technology, and innovation is key to strengthening our economy and forming policy that works for the American people.

History

Beginning in 1933 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Science Advisory Board, each President has established an advisory committee of scientists, engineers, and health professionals. Although the name of the advisory boards have varied over the years, the purpose of each remains the same—to provide scientific and technical advice to the President of the United States.

The current President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) was originally established through Executive Order 13226 and restablished by President Barack Obama. The charter and additional information about the Council is available on the GSA FACA Database.

December 19, 2011, Executive Order 13596 Amended Executive Order 13539

Revoked:

EO 13226, April 21, 2010