Gardiner Harris

President Barack Obama began an annual tradition of science fairs, arguing that if he celebrates the nation’s top athletes at the White House, he should do the same for the best young scientific talent. He often mentions the students he has met at the fairs. His presidential science advisory committee has been the most active in history, starting 34 studies of subjects as varied as advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Scientists on the committee said they worked so hard because President Obama was deeply engaged in their work. President Obama listed science as one of the few subjects he intended to pursue after the presidency.