Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

U.S. federal office that advises the President on science and technology, coordinates research policy across agencies, and shapes priorities on issues from research funding to emerging technologies.

Overview

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is a federal office created to advise the President of the United States on the scientific, engineering and technological aspects of policy decisions. OSTP sits within the Executive Office of the President and works with agencies across the federal government to align research priorities, coordinate investments, and translate scientific input into policy options for national and international challenges.

Origins and development

Congress established OSTP in 1976 through legislation that set out a broad mandate for presidential science advice and interagency coordination. Since its founding, the office has evolved to address changing national needs: from Cold War-era research coordination to contemporary priorities such as climate science, public health, artificial intelligence, and open access to federally funded research. The director of OSTP is commonly referred to as the President's Science Advisor and can be given Cabinet-level status depending on the administration.

Roles and functions

OSTP carries out a mix of advisory, coordinating and advocacy roles. Core functions include:

Advising the President and senior officials on scientific evidence relevant to policy decisions.
Coordinating federal research and development priorities and budgets among agencies.
Promoting the transfer of technology between government, academia and industry.
Developing policy approaches to emerging technologies and risks, such as biosecurity and machine learning.
Advancing science education, diversity in STEM, and public access to research outputs.

Organization and leadership

OSTP is led by a director and supported by deputy directors and associate directors who focus on specific policy domains. The office also provides staff support to advisory groups and interagency councils, and it liaises with the research community, industry stakeholders, and international partners. While different administrations may reorganize priorities or give the director Cabinet-level rank, the core mission—bringing science into executive decision-making—remains constant.

Impact and notable activities

Over the decades OSTP has influenced a wide range of policies: improving access to publications and data from federally funded research, informing public health and environmental responses, and shaping rules and guidance for emerging technologies. The office frequently issues guidance, convenes expert groups, and helps translate scientific consensus into actionable policy options. For example, OSTP often collaborates with the Congress and federal agencies when crafting long-term research strategies and regulatory frameworks.

Distinctive features and public role

OSTP is distinctive because it bridges science and executive policymaking rather than functioning as a funding agency. It emphasizes evidence-based advice, cross-agency collaboration, and communication between scientists and decision-makers. The office interacts with the legislative branch—through briefings and testimony to Congress—and answers directly to the President on matters where science and technology affect national priorities.