NASA Chief Scientist
Encyclopedia
The Chief Scientist was the most senior science position at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA). The Chief Scientist served as the principal advisor to the NASA Administrator in science issues and as interface to the national and international science community, ensuring that NASA research programs are widely regarded as scientifically and technologically well founded and are appropriate for their intended applications.
The Chief Scientist chairs the NASA Science Council, a forum for discussion of the
Agency policies, practices, and issues from the viewpoint of the science disciplines.
The NASA chief scientist position was discontinued in Sept 2005 and many of the functions moved to be within the Science Mission Directorate
(SMD).
The position was restored in 2011.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
(NASA). The Chief Scientist served as the principal advisor to the NASA Administrator in science issues and as interface to the national and international science community, ensuring that NASA research programs are widely regarded as scientifically and technologically well founded and are appropriate for their intended applications.
History
The Chief Scientist position was created to advise the NASA Administrator on budget, strategic objectives, and current content of NASA's science programs. The Chief Scientist works closely with appropriate representatives of the NASA Strategic Enterprises and the Field Centers, as well as advisory committees and the external community. The Chief Scientist represents the Agency's scientific objectives and accomplishments to other federal agencies, industry, academia, other government organizations, the international community, and the general public.The Chief Scientist chairs the NASA Science Council, a forum for discussion of the
Agency policies, practices, and issues from the viewpoint of the science disciplines.
The NASA chief scientist position was discontinued in Sept 2005 and many of the functions moved to be within the Science Mission Directorate
Science Mission Directorate
The Science Mission Directorate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration engages the United States’ science community, sponsors scientific research, and develops and deploys satellites and probes in collaboration with NASA’s partners around the world to answer fundamental questions...
(SMD).
The position was restored in 2011.
List of Chief Scientists
- Dr. France A. CórdovaFrance A. CórdovaFrance Anne Córdova is a Mexican-American astrophysicist, researcher and university administrator. She is the eleventh President of Purdue University. On July 1, 2011, she announced her decision to retire at the end of her 5-year term....
, 1993 to 1996 - Dr. Kathie L. OlsenKathie L. OlsenKathie L. Olsen is an American neuroscientist who is noted for her work in scientific policy. Between August 2005 and January 2009, she was the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the National Science Foundation.- Education :...
, May 24, 1999 to 2002 - Dr. Shannon LucidShannon LucidShannon Matilda Wells Lucid is an American biochemist and a NASA astronaut. At one time, she held the record for the longest duration stay in space by an American, as well as by a woman...
, 2002 to September 2003 - Dr. John M. GrunsfeldJohn M. GrunsfeldJohn Mace Grunsfeld is an American physicist and a NASA astronaut. He is a veteran of five spaceflights and has also served as NASA Chief Scientist.-Personal :...
, September 2003 to 2004 - Dr. James B. GarvinJames B. GarvinDr. James B Garvin served as NASA's Chief Scientist from October 2004 - September 2005 and is known for his foundational work in NASA's Mars explorational programs...
, Oct 2004 to September 2005 - Dr. Waleed AbdalatiWaleed AbdalatiDr. Waleed Abdalati has been NASA Chief Scientist since 3 January 2011. Abdalati was named to this position on 13 December 2010 by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden...
, Jan 2011 to present