Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., began her term as president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) at the conclusion of the organization's annual meeting Feb. 12 -16 in Seattle, Wash.

"I am honored to assume the presidency of AAAS," Jackson said. "As the world's largest scientific society, AAAS offers a unique platform to address key issues in science and technology critical for global security and economic vitality."

Noting that "inclusiveness" is one of AAAS's greatest assets, Jackson said, "Because anyone can join the organization, most scientific disciplines are represented. As a result, the AAAS is a key forum for addressing a world in which the edges of science are blurring. The greatest progress occurs at the intersection of disciplines, and increasingly requires teamwork and collaboration among a wide variety of fields."

In AAAS's announcement of Jackson's presidency in December, former AAAS president and Rensselaer Board of Trustees honorary member Mary Good said President Jackson "has a vision for what the world will be like in the 21st century, and she will inspire members of the scientific community to play an ever-greater role in addressing society's most intractable problems,"

The AAAS is a platform for addressing the urgent issue of the nation's aging science and engineering workforce, Jackson said. It has been well documented that an insufficient number of U.S. students are in the pipeline to replace the retiring generation of scientists and engineers. During a speech at the AAAS annual meeting, President Jackson urged "our nation's policymakers, business leaders, and educators to make the commitment to assure that the United States does not lack the world-class science and engineering talent it must have to maintain its pre-eminence."
In addition to science workforce issues, Jackson said she will also focus on economic support for research and development and the role of science and technology in global competitiveness. Jackson's term as president will conclude at the AAAS annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in February 2005.

About the AAAS
AAAS seeks to "advance science and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people." The AAAS Board has set the following broad goals: Foster communication among scientists, engineers, and the public; enhance international cooperation in science and its applications; promote the responsible conduct and use of science and technology; foster education in science and technology for everyone; enhance the science and technology workforce and infrastructure; increase public understanding and appreciation of science and technology; and strengthen support for the science and technology enterprise.

Contact: Theresa Bourgeois
Phone: (518) 276-2840
E-mail: bourgt@rpi.edu