National Association of Science Writers

This is an exciting time for NASW. I'm sure those of you who were able to come to the annual meeting in Washington will agree that our organization now offers a fascinating array of professional and social opportunities. The Wednesday afternoon program was a fascinating look behind the scenes at the National Institutes of Health, and the Thursday workshops were filled with interesting and informative sessions. Thanks go to Deborah Blum and her workshop committee, Robin Henig, Bobbi Bennett, and Mary Knudson for all their efforts, as well as the AAAS and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for throwing such tasty receptions following the formal sessions. I also would like to give a special note of thanks to Paul Lowenberg for his hard work in coordinating the workshops. Thanks in no small degree to Paul, the workshop program has become one of the most important activities NASW provides to its members.

I also want to thank Kelli Whitlock and Mariette DiChristina for organizing this year's mentor program.

Now for some news. Brian Lavendel has agreed to take over as workshop coordinator for the 2001 program. He's got some exciting ideas for the future of the workshops, and he will soon (very soon) begin putting together next year's program with the help and guidance of Deborah Blum who will continue chairing the workshop committee. Please contact Deborah or Brian with your ideas, and greet them kindly should they contact you and ask for your help.

The other news is that Howard Lewis has decided to retire. As editor of ScienceWriters, Howard has turned our in-house journal into the premier publication for and about science writers and science writing. No superlatives would be too strong to describe what an outstanding job Howard has done. Losing him is a blow. Lynne Friedmann, who has served so ably as Howard's managing editor, will take over as editor. Our very own cybrarian, Bob Finn, will become Lynne's deputy.

I'd also like to thank Bob Finn and A'ndrea Messer for making this such a vital and valuable website.

Also this important news. Elections are coming. Let me call your attention to article III, section 3 of the NASW constitution, which states: "All officers and board members shall serve for two years from the beginning of the year immediately following their election." Those two years are up on December 31, 2000. I have asked Richard Harris to chair the nominating committee. This committee will select a slate of 4 officers (president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer) and 15 at-large board members. Please contact Richard if you wish to be nominated. If Richard's committee fails to select you, don't despair. The constitution says the following: "A group of 20 or more members may nominate by petition to the nominating committee members for vice-president/president elect, secretary, treasurer, and board members at large." So if you covet a leadership role in NASW, start holding fund-raisers, get those placards printed, buy your air time, and get yourself nominated.

Regards to all.

Joe Palca
NASW President
jpalca@npr.org

Joe had been planning to present NASW's Distinguished Science Journalism Award to Victor Cohn at the AAAS meeting, but sadly Vic died early that week. The award was presented to his family, and you can see a copy of it here.

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About NASW

In 1934, a dozen pioneering science reporters established NASW at a meeting in New York. They wanted a forum in which to join forces to improve their craft and encourage conditions that promote good science writing.

Regards,
Bob Finn, Cybrarian.

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