President Obama and Mitt Romney have taken the "Science Debate" challenge, report organizers of an effort to get the candidates to talk science before the election.

ScienceDebate.org chief Shawn Otto reports both presidential candidates will answer more than a dozen science policy questions posed by the organization, which is sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and other science groups. The questions were generated from suggestions by scientists and science-related organizations.

Otto says the candidate's camps have agreed to answer questions such as, "What policies will best ensure that America remains a world leader in innovation?" in writing by Aug. 31. President Obama and Sen. John McCain, R. - Ariz., faced off in a similar fashion for the group in 2008.

Science Debate: Read the questions

"I'm very gratified that both candidates have agreed to respond in writing, but I also think they should be agreeing to participate in a televised forum on these issues," Otto says, by email. "They should also debate the Top American Science Questions that affect all voters' lives. It should really be a basic expectation in this day and age of science."

We'll let you know what they answer.

Update: And they are up, with answers on climate policy, NASA's future and spurring innovation from both candidates. Here are some samples:

Obama: I am committed to doubling funding for key research agencies to support scientists and entrepreneurs, so that we can preserve America's place as the world leader in innovation, and strengthen U.S. leadership in the 21st century's high-tech knowledge-based economy.

Romney: The promotion of innovation will begin on Day One, with efforts to simplify the corporate tax code, reform job retraining programs, reduce regulatory burdens, and protect American intellectual property around the world.

On space policy:

Obama: From investing in research on advances in spaceflight technology, to expanding our commitment to an education system that prepares our students for space and science achievements, I am committed to strengthening the base for America's next generation of spaceflight.

Romney: A strong and successful NASA does not require more funding, it needs clearer priorities. I will ensure that NASA has practical and sustainable missions. There will be a balance of pragmatic and top-priority science with inspirational and groundbreaking exploration programs.

On climate:

Obama: Climate change is the one of the biggest issues of this generation, and we have to meet this challenge by driving smart policies that lead to greater growth in clean energy generation and result in a range of economic and social benefits. Since taking office I have established historic standards limiting greenhouse gas emissions from our vehicles for the first time in history. My administration has made unprecedented investments in clean energy, proposed the first-ever carbon pollution limits for new fossil-fuel-fired power plants and reduced carbon emissions within the Federal Government.

Romney: I am not a scientist myself, but my best assessment of the data is that the world is getting warmer, that human activity contributes to that warming, and that policymakers should therefore consider the risk of negative consequences. However, there remains a lack of scientific consensus on the issue — on the extent of the warming, the extent of the human contribution, and the severity of the risk — and I believe we must support continued debate and investigation within the scientific community.

The full responses are worth reading for anyone interested in science and the nation's future.