Table of Contents
Education Chemistry International Issues National Security Policy and Research Issues Events and Open Meetings

Education


Women's Adventures in Science Series Now in Paperback

The "Women's Adventures in Science" series has now been released in colorful paperbacks. These first ten biographies describe the lives and work of women who are making exciting contributions to all kinds of scientific study, from astronomy, forensics, and physics to robots, bones, and gorillas. The books are targeted to middle-school-age girls to encourage their interest in science. Further biographies in the series are in the works.


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Chemistry


Visualizing Chemistry: The Progress and Promise of Advanced Chemical Imaging

Chemical imaging has a variety of applications in almost every facet of our daily lives -- from medical diagnosis and treatment to the study and design of material properties in new products. This report reviews the current state of chemical imaging technology, identifies promising future developments and applications, and suggests a research and educational agenda to enable breakthrough improvements. The report highlights advances in chemical imaging that could have the greatest impact on critical problems in science and technology.

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International Issues


Virtual Science Library Can Enhance Iraq's Scientific Capacity

At a ceremony at the National Academies, US government officials and representatives from the scientific community unveiled the Iraqi Virtual Science Library, a project that gives Iraqi scientists, engineers, and university students access to cutting-edge scientific and technical information to foster improvements in that nation's higher education system and research base.

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Improving Road Safety in Developing Countries

The National Academies' Transportation Research Board, Policy and Global Affairs Division, and Institute of Medicine have released a report on Improving Road Safety in Developing Countries: Opportunities for US Cooperation and Engagement. The report summarizes presentations and discussions at a January workshop that focused on sharp increases in road traffic-related deaths and injuries in developing countries. The workshop was designed to help government agencies assess the US response and to identify steps toward a more effective response. The report considers the diversity of US interests, the scope of activities of US agencies addressing this problem, and prospects for further US engagement.

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National Security


Protecting Chemical Infrastructure Requires R&D, Communication

Researching and developing new technologies, along with effective communication, are among the best ways to minimize the possibility or consequences of a terrorist attack on the nation's chemical infrastructure, says a new National Research Council report that examines vulnerabilities in the chemical supply chain. The US Department of Homeland Security should pursue research to improve emergency response, strengthen chemical storage and monitoring, foster the use of safer chemical processes, and better understand likely public reaction to an attack.

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Policy and Research Issues


NAS Council Opposes Academic Boycotts

The governing council of the National Academy of Sciences opposes academic boycotts, firmly believing that scientists provide a voice for rationality and moderation in political affairs. A boycott of Israeli academics announced yesterday by Britain's largest faculty union would undermine the crucial long-term goal of building strong bridges of understanding between cultures.

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Events and Open Meetings


MEETING: Evaluation of the Impact of Teacher Certification by the NBPTS

A committee convened to evaluate the Impact of Teacher Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) will meet June 4-6 at the National Academies' historic building on Constitution Avenue in Washington DC. Open sessions, scheduled Monday the 5th from 9:30am to 3:30pm, will include discussions of NBPTS content standards, systemic effects, methodological issues, and cost analysis. A draft agenda is posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact Teresia Wilmore, by email at <twilmore@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 2160.

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MEETING: Learning Science in Informal Environments

A committee to study Learning Science in Informal Environments: A Review of Research Past, Present, and Future will hold its first meeting June 5-7 at the Academies' Keck Center in Washington DC. Open sessions will be held June 6th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. A draft agenda and more information about the study are posted at the accompanying links. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact Kemi Yai, by email at <kyai@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 3981.

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SYMPOSIUM: India's Changing Innovation System: Achievements, Challenges, and Opportunities for Cooperation

The Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy, together with the Confederation of Indian Industry, will host a symposium on India's Changing Innovation System: Achievements, Challenges, and Opportunities for Cooperation. The one-day event will take place June 16th in the Academies' historic building on Constitution Avenue in Washington DC. A draft agenda is posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact McAlister Clabaugh, by email at <mclabaugh@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 1529.

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MEETING: Training Physicians for Public Health Careers

A committee appointed to study aspects of Training Physicians for Public Health Careers will meet June 19-20 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Washington DC. Open sessions on the 19th will include presentations by federal, state, and private-sector speakers on public health needs, the intersection of MD and public health training, and visions for future training requirements for public health specialists. A draft agenda is posted at the accompanying link. If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information please contact Matt Solyst, by email at <msolyst@nas.edu> or by telephone at 202 334 3559.

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