A group of 178 business, education, and scientific organizations, including Arizona State University and the American Geological Institute, sent letters to senators Obama and McCain with science and technology advice for the next administration. The letter say, in part, [we] "urge you, if you are elected President, to appoint your White House Science Advisor by January 20, so this individual can participate immediately in coordinating relevant policy and personnel decisions relating to science and technology. [the link above is to the letter sent to Sen. McCain since he's from Arizona. Both letters are identical.]
"We further urge that the next President give the science advisor the title of Assistant to the
President for Science and Technology and assign the position a cabinet rank, the same status
currently given to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Administrator
of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Trade Representative."