The
New Jersey Academy of Science is proud to be completing its fiftieth year of active work
in NJ. In 1954, corporate professionals and
academicians saw the need to encourage the furthering of scientific research and education
in NJ. They founded the NJAS with the vision
that the Academy of Science would play a dynamic role in the state’s scientific
community. Several years later, the Academy
became an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and
a member of the National Academies of Science (NAS). Since
that time, the Academy has grown to become a vital nexus between corporations, academia,
and state government in NJ. In the last fifty
years, thousands of hours have been invested by our members with many awards and grants
having been given to deserving students, all with the intent to encourage and nurture the
scientists and science educators of tomorrow.
In
looking ahead to the next fifty years, it is clear that the demands and challenges that
lay ahead require renewed effort and commitment. The
demands on the scientific community to meet a variety of global technological challenges
have never been greater. Our national leaders
today view the application of scientific breakthroughs as the solution to many
unidentified challenges to be faced in the next fifty years. New Jersey stands at the forefront of much of this research.
It is the Academy’s intention to lead the way in addressing tomorrow’s scientific needs by focusing our attention and programs on scientific research that addresses corporate needs, to enhance continued training and retention of science educators at all levels, and to excite the imaginations of today’s students for science. To that end, the Academy works to facilitate the dissemination of scientific information within the scientific community as well as between researchers and stakeholders within the wider community through its newsletters; “The Bulletin”, a semi-annual peer reviewed journal for scientific articles of general interest, and most importantly, network and program opportunities for participation with other scientific professionals in NJ.
Hosted
by different universities around the state, the NJAS conducts an annual symposium and
meeting that includes the research competition for both Senior (college) and Junior (high
school) Academies. Science for Breakfast events,
where high school students meet informally with science professionals to discuss careers,
are held semi-annually.