Dr. Philip M. Smith
McGeary and Smith

Dr. Philip M. Smith is a partner with Michael McGeary in McGeary and Smith, science policy consultants and authors. They are currently writing a book on changing relationships between science and government as the national research enterprise restructures itself to cope with constrained budgets and to address future challenges.

For four decades, Smith has been involved in government support of research and development and science and technology policy. From 1981 to mid-1994, he served as the executive officer of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Research Council (NRC) in Washington, D.C. In these capacities, he reported to the president of the NAS and was in charge of policy development, program activities, and day-to-day operations of the NRC.

Smith's previous experience includes more than 20 years in government, in research management and science and technology policy. From 1957-58, he was a member of the staff of the U.S. National Committee for the International Geophysical Year at NAS.

He joined National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1958, and until 1972 directed research, procurement, and logistical support for global scientific programs in polar and ocean research. Smith became chief of the General Science Branch, Office of Management and Budget in 1973. In 1974, he returned to NSF to serve as assistant to the director in his capacities as NSF director and as Science and Technology adviser to Presidents Nixon and Ford. In 1976, with the establishment of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), he returned to the executive office of the president, serving in the Ford and Carter administrations as the associate director of OSTP.

In the various positions he has held, Smith has written and spoken about science and technology policy issues in testimony to Congress, in articles in professional journals, and in appearances before many organizations. He was the principal drafter of many official policy documents, including presidential messages, budget statements, and reports for Congress.

In addition to his many positions on boards and councils, Smith is director of the Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation and a principal, Council for Excellence in Government, as well as a corporation member of The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Smith holds B.S. and M.A. degrees from The Ohio State University and a doctor of science degree (honors causa) from North Carolina State University.

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