Rodin named to President's science panel

University President Judith Rodin has been selected to serve on President Bill Clinton's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology, Clinton announced yesterday. The committee, which has 19 members, reports directly to Clinton to advise him on major science and technology issues and will have "key policy implications for the country," according to Rodin. "This is a time when there will be broad national debate about the country's agenda for basic science," Rodin said. "I want to have a seat at the table and represent both Penn and the national interests of scientists." Rodin, a noted research psychologist, is the only behavioral scientist on the committee. She is one of two university presidents to serve -- the other is Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Charles Vest. Clinton said in a statement that the appointment of private-sector advisors will foster public/private partnerships to achieve national science and education goals. "To achieve our goals, we must strengthen partnerships with industry, with state and local governments, and with schools, colleges and universities across the country," he said. "My goal for this committee is to help encourage those partnerships." Rodin said she was "delighted" about her first presidential appointment. "I think it's personally gratifying," she said. "But much more importantly, it's very very critical for the University." Rodin added that the specific agenda for the council has yet to be determined, but that she and the other council members will meet with Clinton and Vice President Al Gore in the fall to discuss the council's charge. Clinton established the committee by Executive Order in November 1993, naming Assistant to the President for Science and Technology John Gibbons and former President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co. as co-chairpersons. Other members of the council include California Space Institute Director and first woman in space Sally Ride, Glaxo Inc. Chairperson Charles Sanders, and Martin Marietta Corporation Chairperson Norman Augustine.