Inter-American Network of Science Academies celebrates women scientists -- April 17 event

The National Academy of Sciences will host the U.S. book release of Women Scientists in the Americas: Their Inspiring Stories from the Inter-American Network of Academies of Science (IANAS). This compilation of short biographies addresses gender issues in science and aims to inspire students, especially young women, to pursue science and technology careers.

Produced in both English and Spanish, the book includes the stories of eminent female scientists from 16 IANAS member academies throughout North, Central, and South America. The event will feature the U.S. scientist included in the book, Eugenia Kalnay, an Argentinean-born professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at the University of Maryland and member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Other speakers include:

• Charles Vest, president, NAE
• C. D. (Dan) Mote Jr., former president, University of Maryland and NAE presidential nominee
• Mike Clegg, IANAS co-chair and NAS foreign secretary
• Venkatesh Narayanamurti, NAE foreign secretary
• Anneke Levelt Sengers, IANAS co-chair and member, NAS and NAE

The ceremony will take place from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday, April 17, in the Lecture Room of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Those interested in attending can view an agenda online and should register at http://ianas.eventbrite.com/. Reporters should direct inquiries to the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.

Provided by National Academy of Sciences