The organization ScienceDebate.Org sought input from 14 science organizations and scientists to identify what are considered the most important science policy questions facing the US in 2012. A list of these questions is provided below.

In addition, Scientific American evaluated and rated the candidates answers on a five-point scale (with five being best), using the following criteria: how directly and completely they answered the question; scientific accuracy; feasibility (including economic viability and clear accounting for both revenues and costs); potential benefits to health, education and the environment; and sustainability (meaning how well the proposed solutions balance the needs of current and future generations).

Overall, they found that “Romney was more specific about what he would like to do in the next four years than Obama. His responses also fared better on feasibility. Obama had the upper hand on scientific accuracy. Romney's answers on climate change, ocean health and freshwater, in particular, revealed an unfamiliarity with the evidence that shows how urgent these issues have become. “

Epidemiologists’ Interests

Since epidemiologists are likely to be interested in questions related to science and public policy, pandemics and biosecurity, and vaccinations and public health, answers to these three questions are also presented below.  Romney scored a 4 and Obama a 3 on Pandemics and Biosecurity. Obama scored a 3 and Romney a 2 on Science in public policy and both scored a 4 on the topic of vaccinations and public health.

1. Innovation and the economy---What policies will best ensure that America remains a world leader in innovation?

2. Climate change---What is your position on cap-and-trade, carbon taxes and other policies proposed to address global climate change? And what steps can we take to improve our ability to tackle challenges like climate change that cross national boundaries?

3. Research for the future---Given that the next Congress will face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in research in your upcoming budgets?

4. Education---In your view, why have American students fallen behind over the past three decades, and what role should the federal government play to better prepare students of all ages for the science- and technology-driven global economy?

5. Energy---What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?

6. Food---What steps would you take to ensure the health, safety and productivity of America's food supply?

7. Freshwater---What steps, if any, should the federal government take to secure clean, abundant freshwater for all Americans?

8.The internet---What part, if any, should the federal government play in managing the Internet to ensure its robust social, scientific and economic role?

9. Ocean health---What role should the federal government play, domestically and through foreign policy, to protect the environmental health and economic vitality of the oceans?

10. Space---<