Before the US presidential election, 76 American Nobel laureates penned a letter supporting Barack Obama – 29 more than supported John Kerry in 2004. The reasons for this show of support become clear in light of Obama's consistent show of respect for the scientific process, going as far as to reply to questions put forward by Nature. (Incidentally, John McCain was also asked to reply, but declined to do so.) Hence scientists were the first to celebrate his victory.

In order to justify this support though, what does Barack Obama have to do? The first action he could take would be to open up stem-cell research. Earlier this year the British parliament successfully passed the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, paving the way for increased stem-cell research in the UK. The outstanding benefits of stem-cells were demonstrated last week when Claudia Castillo’s windpipe, damaged by TB, was successfully replaced using one partly grown from her own stem-cells. Because it was based on her cells, her body did not reject it and thus she does not need to take drugs to suppress her immune system.

Stem-cell research currently requires the destruction of a human embryo, and, as such, has faced opposition from the Vatican, which has led three rebel Labour MPs to vote against the HFE bill. It has also led George Bush to constantly block funding into it; his myopia has undoubtedly caused untold damaged to such research.

Obama has heavily hinted that he will remove this block; unsurprisingly, the Vatican has already raised objections. In another welcome change, Obama has also suggested that his administration will act quickly to curb US gaseous emissions. Climate change denialism, previously the domain of internet conspiracy theorists, was actively embraced by George Bush, who displayed a willful ignorance of established theory by announcing: “No one can say with any certainty what constitutes a dangerous level of warming, and therefore what level must be avoided.”

Granted, John McCain was a candidate who took the threat of global warming seriously. How honest could he be, however, when he refused to set a target for carbon emissions and rolled out the old policy of not committing to any plans unless India and China are involved as well?

Obama is expected to announce a target of an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases and is planning to send personal delegates to major conferences. It is imperative that Obama stands up to expectation in this regard.

In order for Obama really to make the impact that his supporters hope he will, he must continue to be informed by scientific evidence. If he does, then this can truly be a momentous presidency.