National Academy of Sciences names DRI president to advisory board

DRI President Dr. Stephen G. Wells has been named to the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources, a nationally prominent environmental advisory body to the National Academy of Sciences. Wells, a geomorphologist specializing in the evolution of arid land surfaces and soils as well as a noted environmental-policy scientist, will serve through 2006.

As advisors to the National Research Council-the chief operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences—the Earth sciences group provides independent counsel on scientific and technical questions of national importance. BESR is one of several committees in wide-ranging areas of science and technology providing expert advice to the NRC.

Established in 1988, the board is known as "the nation's eyes, ears and voice for the Earth sciences." It is considered a focal point for NRC activities related to research involving the environment, natural hazards, resources and education. The board works to combine technical analyses, peer review, testimony from the research community, policy makers and the public to ensure that the best scientific knowledge is available to decision-makers in government, academia and industry.

"I am deeply honored to be able to contribute to the board, which represents a critical intersection of science and policy," Wells said.

More information on the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources can be found online at: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/besr/index.html.