With Dr. Alan Leshner, Chief Executive Officer, The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Science and technology have become integral parts of the American political agenda. The president and Congress alike deal daily with issues like global climate change, surging demands for affordable energy, biomedical research – including the use of embryonic stem cells — and a continuing need to sustain national competitiveness in science, engineering, and medicine.

C2ST hosted Dr. Alan Leshner, Chief Executive Officer of AAAS to set the stage for the 2009 AAAS Annual meeting in Chicago.  Dr. Leshner addressed the role science and technology plays in driving America’s economy and international competitiveness as vital in the age of globalization, and how it is never more relevant than in the presidential election year.

Co-Sponsored by: Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Science Chicago

About Science Chicago
The world’s largest science celebration will awaken the inner scientist in each of us through thousands of dynamic and interactive activities. For more information, visit www.sciencechicago.com.

Northwestern University – Rubloff Hall, Thorne Auditorium, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago Campus

ALAN I. LESHNER, PH.D.

Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., is Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Executive Publisher of its journal, Science. Previously Dr. Leshner had been Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Deputy Director and Acting Director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Before that, he held a variety of senior positions at the National Science Foundation. Dr. Leshner began his career at Bucknell University, where he was Professor of Psychology. Dr. Leshner is an elected member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science and Vice-Chair of its governing Council, and a fellow of AAAS, the National Academy of Public Administration, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was appointed by the U.S. President to the National Science Board, and is a member of the Advisory Committee to the Director of NIH. He received an A.B. in Psychology from Franklin and Marshall College and M.S. and Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology from Rutgers University. Dr. Leshner also has been awarded five honorary Doctor of Science degrees.