Shirley Ann Jackson, a National Leader in Science and Technology, Joins NTI’s Board of Directors

Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., a renowned educator and national leader in scientific research and technology, is joining NTI’s Board of Directors, NTI Co-Chairs Ernest J. Moniz, Sam Nunn, and Ted Turner announced.

A theoretical physicist with advanced degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a recipient of the National Medal of Science, Dr. Jackson recently retired after 23 years as president of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has held senior leadership positions in academia, government, industry, and research throughout an extraordinary career that prompted the National Science Board to call her “a national treasure” when it gave her a lifetime achievement award in 2007.

“Shirley Jackson approaches the world’s most complex problems as a visionary, an innovative thinker, and a pragmatist—a powerful combination,” said Moniz. “We are honored to welcome her to NTI’s Board of Directors and look forward to working with her to reduce global threats.”

A member of the Pentagon’s Defense Science Board, the Secretary of State’s International Security Advisory Board, and the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, Dr. Jackson also is a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. In 2014, President Obama appointed her co-chair of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, where she served until January of 2017. From 2009 to 2014, she served on the president’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and as Co-Chair of the president’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee.

“Shirley Jackson is a brilliant scientist and educator with deep experience in security, intelligence, and nuclear policy,” said Admiral Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an NTI Board member, and Chair of the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee. “We are delighted that she will be joining us in our work to prevent and mitigate nuclear and biological risks.”

Before taking the helm at Rensselaer, Dr. Jackson served as chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from 1995 to 1999. Under her leadership, the NRC authored and advanced the Convention on Nuclear Safety, which was signed by more than 170 countries and remains in force today. Dr. Jackson also spearheaded formation of the International Nuclear Regulators Association and served as its chair from 1997 to 1999.

“Throughout her remarkable career, Shirley Jackson has served as a role model for young people, women, people of color, and indeed for all of us working to reduce the global risks imperiling humanity,” said NTI President and COO Joan Rohlfing. “We are so proud to welcome her to NTI’s Board.”