Advancements in prosthetic technologies can enable transformative improvements in mobility and function after limb loss. In Volume IV of the MIT Science Policy Review, Riccio-Ackerman et al. review current challenges to preventative and post-amputation health access and explore scientifically inspired solutions to bridge the gap between advanced technology and health coverage. The cover image, designed by Paris Myers and Jackson Myers, depicts a modern adaptation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man in the renaissance of prosthetic technologies.
Algorithmic decision systems have become ubiquitous in all areas of society. In Volume IV of the MIT Science Policy Review, Thais et al. review the impacts of algorithmic bias in public sector decision-making, describing common components of bias, surveying the legislative landscape of system regulation, and identifying key areas where the U.S. government can take a proactive approach to craft legislation. The cover image, designed by our Creative Director, Daymé Delgado, depicts automated decision-making by facial recognition software, a technology that is highly susceptible to bias.
Editorial
Editor’s Note | Aug. 31, 2023
A vision for policy education in science
MIT SPR’s Editor-in-Chief for Volume IV discusses what role the Review will play in educating scientists.
Reviews
Healthcare | Aug. 31, 2023
HIV vaccines: Lessons from basic research, clinical trials, and public policy
Developing and distributing an effective HIV vaccine requires not only scientific advances but also robust clinical infrastructure, logistics, funding, and coordinated policies across public and private sectors. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of technology, distribution networks, and community engagement in achieving equitable vaccine access. Public-private partnerships and supportive policies will be crucial for both the development and fair distribution of a future HIV vaccine.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Individual, corporate, and national wishcycling: Improving recycling in the U.S. by understanding its complexity
Wishcycling—over-recycling driven by the belief that all recycling is inherently good, creates contamination, inefficiency, and hidden environmental costs at individual, corporate, and national levels. Solutions include educating individuals, encouraging corporations to prioritize reduction and reuse over recycling, and enforcing transparency and responsibility for wealthy nations exporting waste. Addressing wishcycling through targeted policies at all three levels can improve recycling systems and promote true sustainability.
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Peer review in a pickle: Policy approaches for academic peer review
Peer review has evolved from a simple editorial filter to a complex system facing challenges like bias, delays, reproducibility issues, and lack of transparency. Emerging solutions include paid and open services, standardization, and better peer review tools to reduce reviewer burden and improve quality. Effective policies addressing these issues can strengthen scientific integrity while promoting openness and innovation in research publishing.
AI | Aug. 31, 2023
Algorithmic bias: Looking beyond data bias to ensure algorithmic accountability and equity
Regulating algorithmic decision systems (ADS) in the public sector is challenging due to rapid innovation and limited existing legislation, particularly around addressing algorithmic bias. Current policies are narrow and lack enforceable frameworks, leaving room for more comprehensive approaches. A holistic strategy including pre-development justification, stakeholder engagement, continuous monitoring, and expanded legal protections offers the most promise for minimizing bias and safeguarding civil rights in governmental algorithm use.
Space & Security | Aug. 31, 2023
Protecting satellites in low Earth orbit: An overview of hazards and policy solutions
Low Earth orbit (LEO) is vital for technological innovation, but increasing satellite activity introduces environmental hazards like space weather and meteoroids, as well as anthropogenic risks such as radio interference, light pollution, and radiation. Current policies mainly focus on debris mitigation and safe spacecraft design, leaving other hazards insufficiently addressed. Comprehensive, collaborative policies are needed to manage all risks and ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of the LEO environment.
Healthcare | Aug. 31, 2023
Repairing the prosthetic science-policy rift: Challenges to improved access to and translation of prosthetic technologies
Prosthetic technology has advanced dramatically, but access to high-quality care remains limited, especially for patients from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Historical social movements and current policies have often excluded many who do not fit the “ideal patient” profile, leaving significant inequities in treatment and outcomes. Achieving equitable access to state-of-the-art prosthetic care will require major policy reforms and a commitment to inclusive, patient-centered approaches.
Healthcare | Aug. 31, 2023
Unlocking the potential of psychedelics as medicine: Past obstacles and future outlooks
Emerging research shows psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA hold significant promise for treating psychiatric and potentially other medical conditions. However, progress is hindered by legal restrictions, social stigma, and limited federal funding, leaving private investment to fill the gap. Expanding funding, reforming policies, and addressing ethical and safety considerations will be crucial to fully realize the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine.
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Women in academia: Why and where does the pipeline leak, and how can we fix it?
Women remain underrepresented in academic leadership despite achieving gender parity at the college level, with higher drop-out rates driven by factors like lack of role models, family responsibilities, limited mentorship and funding, and implicit bias. Addressing the “leaky pipeline” requires context-aware policies that consider both supply- and demand-side barriers without creating unintended negative effects. Broader, inclusive strategies can also support other historically underrepresented groups facing similar challenges in academia.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Evaluating a Manhattan Project for climate change
The Manhattan Project model, while effective for rapid technological breakthroughs, is ill-suited for addressing climate change, which requires transparency, collaboration, and diverse solutions rather than a single “silver bullet.” Combating climate change demands a technology-neutral approach, combining renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear, and other innovations with major policy shifts and societal transformation. A hybrid framework blending the Manhattan Project’s resources with the large-scale infrastructure and social investments of the New Deal and Marshall Plan could drive meaningful climate action.
Space & Security | Aug. 31, 2023
Chipping in: Critical minerals for semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.
The U.S. remains heavily reliant on foreign sources, particularly in East Asia, for critical minerals and semiconductor components, despite initiatives like the CHIPS Act aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains. While the Act has spurred strategies, measurable targets, and interim reliance on allies, outdated regulations, underfunded budgets, and complex global supply chains hinder rapid progress. A holistic approach combining updated regulations, tax incentives, international cooperation, and ESG standards is needed to secure a resilient and sustainable critical mineral and semiconductor supply chain.
AI | Aug. 31, 2023
Breaking down the impact of automation in manufacturing
Automation offers significant economic and societal benefits, driving innovation and growth, but it also disrupts job markets and impacts workers’ livelihoods. Effective automation policy must balance these tradeoffs, considering environmental, social, and individual effects while ensuring fair distribution of benefits. Policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders must work together to protect workers and promote equitable outcomes in an increasingly automated world.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Decarbonizing aviation: The roles of sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen fuel
Decarbonizing aviation will rely on a mix of short-term and long-term fuel solutions, including biogenic sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), synthetic power-to-liquid fuels, and eventually hydrogen-based fuels. While SAFs offer near-term reductions, high costs and low production rates limit their adoption, whereas hydrogen fuels require significant R&D and infrastructure development. Policies promoting SAF blending, hydrogen hubs, and broader fuel innovation are key to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while driving decarbonization in related sectors.
Interviews
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Technologists as policy advisors: A conversation with Dr. Arati Prabhakar
Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House OSTP, brings decades of leadership across government, industry, and nonprofits to shape U.S. science and technology policy. In the interview, she discusses how the White House sets national priorities in areas like semiconductors, climate, clean energy, and health innovation.
Space & Security | Aug. 31, 2023
An interview with Dr. Tim Flohrer: On low Earth orbit orbital debris mitigation, avoidance, and tracking
Dr. Tim Flohrer, Head of ESA’s Space Debris Office, leads efforts to monitor and reduce risks from orbital debris, supporting both ESA and international missions. His work emphasizes the importance of global collaboration and advanced technology in addressing the growing challenge of space debris in Low Earth Orbit.
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Childhood exposure to science through museums
Andrea Ingram, President and CEO of DuPage Children’s Museum, leverages her background in law, public policy, and science education to expand access to impactful learning experiences. She is driving DCM’s transformation into a hub that empowers children to explore science, innovation, and global challenges through a local lens.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Staying up to date in the age of climate change
Dr. Irina Feygina, a behavioral science expert and the APA’s Lead Representative to the UN, focuses on how psychological factors shape public and policy responses to climate change. She advocates for integrating behavioral science into global climate strategies to drive sustained engagement and effective action.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
An interview with Dr. Emma J. Rosi: On ecosystem effects of pharmaceutical contamination
Dr. Emma J. Rosi, senior scientist at the Cary Institute and EPA Science Advisory Board member, studies the impact of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on freshwater ecosystems. Her work emphasizes the ecological risks of urbanization and aging wastewater systems, highlighting the need for science-informed policies to protect aquatic health.