The American Educational Research Association will honor Shirley Malcom, head of AAAS’ Education and Human Resources programs, with its 2016 Distinguished Public Service Award.
The award is given annually to recognize an individual who either has worked to put in place policies grounded in educational research or has spearheaded efforts to increase the recognition and support of educational research.
“This year’s award winners exemplify commitment to the study and practice of education,” said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine in a statement. AERA is the largest interdisciplinary research association in the United States devoted to the scientific study of education and learning.
Shirley Malcom
Through her work at AAAS, Malcom works to increase access to education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to enhance public science literacy.
“Any difference I have been able to make has, in large part, been due to being in an organization that values STEM education for all and evidence-based strategies for moving forward. We have had the benefit of a strong team, deeply committed staff and advisers,” said Malcom. “There is much work yet to be done by all of us.”
Malcom has also chaired several national committees that address education quality and access. She served on the National Science Board from 1994 to 1998 and served on the President Bill Clinton’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology from 1994 to 2001.
She is a leader in efforts to improve access for girls and women to STEM education and careers, serving as the co-chair of the Gender Advisory Board of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development. Malcom is also the co-chair of Gender InSITE, an international initiative to use science and technology to improve the lives and status of girls and women.
In 2003, Malcom received the National Academy of Sciences’ highest award, the Public Welfare Medal.
AERA will honor Malcom and the recipients of 14 other awards at a luncheon on 10 April at the organization’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
“We are proud to honor their outstanding scholarship and service to the field,” said Levine.