Reaffirming its commitment to science and higher education, Washington recently joined the ranks of states boasting a state academy of sciences.
The Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS), a nonprofit entity authorized by the Legislature and incorporated in 2007, will independently provide scientific analysis and recommendations on issues referred to the academy by the governor or lawmakers.
The board of directors — comprised of faculty members from WSU and the University of Washington, and representatives from the state health department, Museum of Flight, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Bechtel Corporation — includes Anjan Bose, James Cook and Guy Palmer from WSU.
Bose is Regents professor in electrical engineering and computer science. Cook is professor emeritus of plant pathology and crop and soil sciences. Palmer is Regents professor of microbiology and pathology.
The first class of scientists has been invited to join the academy, Bose said, and lawmakers already have begun seeking advice from the WSAS on certain projects — such as a cooperative effort to protect and restore Puget Sound.
For more information visit www.washacad.org.
