Usually these two shouldn’t mix–at least in the public arena. What I mean is that if you are involved in high-level science administration, then I think it’s probably not terribly wise to have a high profile on science policy issues when they intersect with politics–especially partisan politics.
Let me explain:
Usually, science administrators have to deal with decision makers at various levels of government. They also generally have fund raising responsibilities which brings them into direct contact with donors who may also be involved in politics. If one is perceived as partisan–on any issue–then one runs the risk of being de facto labeled. And as soon as one is labeled, then all bets are off as far as advancing the causes of your institution when the other party or faction is on power. And of course such change is bound to happen eventually.
I worry that too often, science administrators ignore this basic tenet and eventually end up paying a cost through their institution. Very often it’s done in the name of academic freedom–which is of course nonsense as far as a science administrator’s job. There will be plenty of time to spout off when one returns to the instructional faculty.
Cheers,
Jim
Discoverers and Discoveries 