Bridging the worlds of science, technology, and policy to enable data-driven decision-making in the West Virginia legislature

Providing WV state legislators with rigorous, nonpartisan science and technology policy research and analysis as inputs to their policymaking process

Our mission is to serve as an unbiased resource for science and technology (S&T) knowledge and prepares materials for briefings to lawmakers and other outreach events. We identify, synthesize, and summarize S&T research related to policy topics as identified by members of the West Virginia state legislature into S&T Notes. These Notes provide an overview of topics from a scientific and technical perspective and explain issues in jargon-free terms, focusing on West Virginia’s needs and potential.

Bringing expertise to the policymakers shaping our government’s priorities, decisions, and regulations

Engaging early-career scientists in science and technology policy communication

Highlighted Science and Technology Notes

  • Advanced Nuclear Power and West Virginia

    This Science & Technology Note considers opportunities and challenges associated with advanced nuclear power deployment in West Virginia, with a particular focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at former coal sites.

    View Note

  • Advanced Manufacturing in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note discusses advanced manufacturing in West Virginia, which includes tools like machine learning, 3D printing, and robotics.

    View Note

  • Artificial Intelligence, Government Services, and West Virginia

    This note explores the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into West Virginia's government operations to improve efficiency and service delivery.

    View Note

  • Clean Hydrogen and West Virginia

    This note examines the potential for developing a clean hydrogen industry in West Virginia, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and policy options for promoting local hydrogen production and infrastructure.

    View Note

  • Cloud Services and Government in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology note discusses challenges and opportunities associated with the West Virginia government’s adoption of cloud-based information technologies.

    View Note

  • Flood Resilience and West Virginia

    This Science & Technology Note considers existing efforts and discusses policy options to enhance flood resilience in West Virginia.

    View Note

  • Food Safety and Food Handler Permits in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note details the state of foodborne illness and food safety standards in West Virginia and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current food handler permit process.

    View Note

  • Geothermal Energy on Abandoned Mine Lands

    This Science and Technology Note explores the potential of geothermal energy on former coal mine lands in West Virginia, highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with harnessing sustainable energy from these sites.

    View Note

  • Lyme Disease in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note discusses the surge in tick-borne diseases over the last decade and addresses the importance of early detection and treatment in preventing long-term symptoms.

    View Note

  • Mental Hygiene and Incarceration in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note explores mental hygiene policies for incarcerated individuals in West Virginia, highlighting the challenges and proposing policy options to improve the effectiveness of mental health care in jails and prisons.

    View Note

  • Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells in West Virginia

    This note examines the economic and environmental impacts of orphaned oil and natural gas wells in West Virginia, highlighting policy options for remediation and future prevention.

    View Note

  • PFAS and Health in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note discusses the known health risks of PFAS exposure, recent PFAS regulations in West Virginia, and policy options to address potential PFAS exposure in West Virginians.

    View Note

  • Satellite Broadband Accessibility in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note covers the availability of satellite broadband in West Virginia and offers policy options for expanding West Virginians’ access to satellite-based internet service.

    View Note

  • Syringe Service Programs and HIV Prevention in West Virginia

    This Science and Technology Note addresses HIV and syringe service programs (SSPs) in West Virginia and offers policy options to limit HIV outbreaks.

    View Note
See More