Marburger 's tenure as Director was the longest in the history of that post . After the September 11 attacks , he helped to establish the DHS Directorate for Science and Technology within the new Department of Homeland Security . He has been called a central player opposing new restrictions of international scientific exchanges of people and ideas after the attacks . He later was responsible for reorienting the nation 's space policy after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster , and played an important part in the nation 's re-entry into the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor program . Marburger was also known for his support of the emerging field of science of science policy , which seeks to analyze how science policy decisions affects a nation 's ability to produce and benefit from innovation
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
John Marburger