A science attaché traditionally had three primary functions: advise the ambassador on scientific and technical matters, report on scientific and technological events, and represent their country in scientific and technical matters to foreign scientific and technical academies; to industry; to intergovernmental organizations and agencies; and to international non-governmental organizations.
[1] In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences called for the appointment of more science-savvy diplomats to the State Department to improve the quality of the scientific advice available to foreign policymakers.
The panel also emphasized the need to encourage general foreign service staff to acquire scientific skills.
[3] Formerly, being appointed science attaché was viewed as the "kiss of death" for advancement within the foreign service.
[2] Though the perception may change from scientific issues such as global warming, global infectious diseases, and bioterrorism to foreign policymaking and diplomacy.