Overview[]
President Clinton established the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and and Technology (PCAST) by Executive Order 12882. The committee members, distinguished individuals appointed appointed by the President, were drawn from industry, education, and research institutions, institutions, and other nongovernmental organizations. PCAST provided feedback about Federal programs and actively advised the NSTC about science and technology issues of national importance.
The current incarnation of this group, the "President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology" (PCAST) was established through Executive Order 13226 and restablished by President Barack Obama on April 27, 2009.