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Media Advisory 16-017

NSF, NSB Statement on Ralph J. Cicerone's passing at 73

Cicerone focused research community on environmental challenges

Cicerone was the 21st president of the National Academy of Sciences.

Cicerone was the 21st president of the National Academy of Sciences.


November 8, 2016

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Science Board (NSB) mourn the sudden death of Ralph. J. Cicerone, president emeritus of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). He was 73.

"The NSF community is deeply saddened by the loss of a brilliant atmospheric scientist and dedicated advocate for the environment," NSF Director France Córdova said. "Ralph Cicerone was a change agent whose kindness and generosity in helping NSF will never be forgotten. Through his distinguished career, he remained determined to provide scientific advice and leadership to the halls of government."

Cicerone was the 21st president of NAS, a position he held for more than 11 years. Before his career with NAS, he served as chancellor of the University of California, Irvine. His scientific contributions included pioneering research that showed the impact of man-made changes on Earth's atmosphere.

"Ralph brought scientists together to address environmental challenges and worked tirelessly to share the science behind global change with decision makers and members of the public," NSB Chair Maria Zuber said. "He worked to spur new discoveries and encourage policies to benefit people and our planet."

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Bobbie Mixon, NSF, (703) 292-8070, email: bmixon@nsf.gov

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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