Expectations are high for geneticist Eric Lander, who was sworn in as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on 2 June, after a months-long confirmation

process. In a first for any US president, Joe Biden elevated the position of OSTP director to his cabinet, potentially granting Lander more access and influence than any science adviser

before him. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.