This chapter describes science policy, provides exemplars of recent science policy and their influence on research, and provides some direction to scientists to address and inform science policy. Science policy defines what is recognized as science and therefore guides research direction, development, and funding, as well as determining the focus of and resources for research education and training. Understanding the association of public policy to science policy and science policy to programs of research and scholarship should be an expectation of active scientists and for scientist education. Policies for embryonic stem cell research are one example of the influence of public policy to science policy and the effect of political and social will on science policy. Scientists need to assume a more focused role in monitoring and informing science policy by responding to requests for information (RFI), providing congressional testimony, and serving on advisory committees and study sections.