Date: Jan. 12, 2007
Contacts: Maureen O'Leary, Director of Public Information
Paul Jackson, Assistant Internet Editor
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; e-mail <news@nas.edu>
Maxine F. Singer to Receive Public Welfare Medal
Singer is a pioneer in molecular biology and an accomplished spokesperson and leader in science policy who has dealt with many of today's key issues. She has championed the cause of women and minorities in science, fostering equal access to education and career opportunities, and has worked tirelessly to improve science education.
As a leader on issues related to the use of genetic manipulation in research and its promise in curing disease, Singer was among the first to bring to public attention the issue of recombinant DNA's potential risks and quickly became a leader in the scientific community's important efforts to regulate itself. She was a key organizer of and contributor to the pathbreaking 1975 Asilomar Conference. Attended by 140 biologists, physicians, lawyers, and members of the press, the conference resulted in a report that established a framework for the conduct of research and the gradual removal of restrictions as understanding grew in future years. Singer was one of five signers of the summary statement.
As chair of the National Academies' Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, Singer addressed significant issues involving graduate education, postdoctoral scholars, women in science, and scientific conduct. Under her leadership, the committee's findings have had a major effect on science policy, producing influential reports such as Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Reproductive Cloning and Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers. The latter report quickly led to a long-overdue empowerment of postdoctoral fellows on university campuses and changes in federal policies. "Dr. Singer's unflagging advocacy for improved science education and intelligent policy mark her as uniquely interested in the well-being of the next generation of scientists," said John Brauman, home secretary of the National Academy of Sciences and chair of the selection committee for the award.
As president of the Carnegie Institution of Washington from 1988 to 2002, Singer strengthened the institution and, through innovative programs and initiatives, reinforced its position of pre-eminence among
While at Carnegie, Singer's personal concern for the education of children in the nation's capital led her to establish the
Maxine Singer was born in 1931 in
The Public Welfare Medal will be presented to Singer in a ceremony on April 29 during the Academy's annual meeting in
The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering,
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