Bush School of Government and Public Service

The Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy was initially established as the Center for Public Leadership Studies (CPLS). As The Bush School's academic programs continued to grow, the educational portion of CPLS transitioned to an institute in fall 2000. The Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy focuses on interdisciplinary research, development, implementation, and dissemination of the results of studies within the Texas A&M University System, as well as domestically and throughout the world.[10] The current director of ISTPP is Dr. Kent Portney.[11]

The Institute examines state, federal, and international public policy issues, while also reviewing political and societal concerns encompassing policies governing environmental and natural resources, health care, infrastructure and the built environment, and developing and recognizing emerging technologies. Since 2000, the Institute has attracted over $15 million in competitive funding from federal and state agencies and has partnered with researchers from US and international universities, government agencies, and research centers.[10]

The Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs was established in 2007, named in honor of Brent Scowcroft, retired US Air Force Lieutenant General and National Security Advisor for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. The Institute focuses on assessing, addressing, and presenting policy-oriented research on international affairs. They support the school through hosting educational conferences and providing opportunities for researchers to access the Bush Library.[12] The current director of the Scowcroft Institute is Andrew Natsios, former USAID director.[13]

In March 2017, Scowcroft head professor Andrew Natsios along with other researchers wrote a Scowcroft Institute white paper, “The Growing Threats of Pandemics: Enhancing Domestic and International Biosecurity." It called for a greater sense of urgency from the dozens of government leaders whose jobs pertain to international health security and biodefense. Natsios said, “The growing threat of emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential, as well as the real threat of bioterrorism, demand more focused leadership attention to overcome barriers to real progress.”[14]

In order to maintain the highest degree of safety for public health, the white paper called for consolidated leadership and a plan supported by a suitable budget and accountability, mirroring the Congress-approved pandemic influenza emergency supplemental request of 2005, which strengthened preparation for health crises. In presenting a choice between attacking disease outbreaks at their sources or simply waiting to take action until the problem reaches the shores of the United States, Natsios and the Institute advocate for a proactive plan of international cooperation. Natsios said, “Despite the hard work of many in public health, emergency management and foreign assistance… the United States and the international community are not prepared and we remain vulnerable.” The Scowcroft Institute asserts that a lack of meaningful action on biosecurity is a grave mistake.[14]

The Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy, was established in October 2009 in honor of Robert Mosbacher, who had served as the US Secretary of Commerce during George H. W. Bush's presidency. The organization performs research to offer solutions in policy and economic challenges prevalent both domestically and throughout the world.[15] The current director of the Mosbacher Institute is Dr. Lori Taylor.[16]