An Assertive Scientific Advisory Group Challenges Federal Policies

By PHILIP M. BOFFEY

The National Academy of Sciences, once thought of as a timid, somnolent adviser on national affairs, has shown an unusually tough and independent streak in recent weeks. In rapid succession the academy's operating arm, the National Research Council, has criticized some pet projects and policies of powerful federal agencies and even the White House. That is a welcome onslaught of truth-telling at a time when rabid partisans routinely shade the facts for political gain.

The academy, which is based in Washington, operates a vast array of advisory committees that provide advice to the federal government and other sponsors who contract for its services. Typically, Congress or a federal agency might ask the academy to review the evidence and render a verdict on some important technical issue - everything from improving the census to protecting the environment from genetically engineered animals. The academy will then round up experts to produce a report that is supposed to be the definitive word on the subject.

In years past the academy was routinely denounced for being too cozy with its federal patrons - for pulling its punches and muting any criticism in hopes of gaining future contracts for advisory work. But recently, some committees have shown a feisty independence.