06 December 2000

Faculty Research Fund for the Biological Sciences
Six faculty members received awards of $40,000 or $50,000 this year from the Faculty Research Fund for the Biological Sciences.

The 2000 recipients, along with their study subjects, are: Nan Arens, Integrative Biology, "History of Vegetation Change using Various Tools;" Martin Cohn, Integrative Biology, "The Evolution of Limb Development in Vertebrates;" Tracey Handel, Molecular and Cell Biology, "Studies on Three-Dimensional Structure of Proteins;" Mu-Ming Poo, Neurobiology, "Establishment of Two-Photon Microscope Facility;" Barry Shane, Nutritional Sciences, "Elucidation of the Role of Folic Acid in Health and Disease;" Patricia Zambryski, Plant and Microbial Biology, "Exploring Fundamental Plant Processes."

Alexis Bell
Professor Alexis Bell has been named chairman of the board of the Council for Chemical Research. The organization coordinates the research of more than 200 companies, universities and government laboratories. Bell serves on the governing board; his term as chairman begins Jan. 1, 2001.

Bruce Bolt
Bruce Bolt, professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering and earth and planetary science, received the George W. Housner Medal from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute. Bolt received the award for "lasting contributions to earthquake loss-reduction through his distinguished career as a scholar, writer, mentor and tireless advocate and for his enduring contributions to the Institute."

Manuel Castells
Professor of sociology and city and regional planning Manuel Castells has been named to the new advisory group that will assist U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in working with the technology industry to bring less technologically developed countries up to date.

As a leading analyst of the social implications of the information technology revolution, Castells will be an academic addition to the mostly technical advisory group consisting of chief executive officers and public officials.

Howard Schachman
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded the Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award to Howard Schachman, professor emeritus of molecular and cell biology. The award is given to scientists who have made exemplary contributions to preserving freedom in scientific research. He will formally receive the award Feb. 17 at the association's annual meeting in San Francisco.