Scientists aren’t the only ones winning science awards these days.
In recognition for his accomplishments in enhancing federal-university relations, Howard Gobstein has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Gobstein, the assistant vice president and director of federal relations for MSU in Washington ,D.C., is pleased with his accomplishment.
“It’s an incredible joy to receive this honor,” he said. “What it represents is that my professional colleagues think the work I have done in the last 20 years merits this type of acknowledgment.”
With 25 years of work with science policy under his belt, Gobstein said there were not many non-scientists he knew receiving the fellowship.
“There is no way I would have ever been awarded this without MSU,” he said. “This award is really a tribute to all the people I have had a chance to work with.”
Gobstein received his award in San Francisco in February.
Megan Rock, the chief of the development office of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, said receiving the fellowship is not an easy task.
“It’s a very in-depth process that begins with the candidate receiving a nomination from an existing fellow, and then supported by two others,” she said.
Following nominations, Rock said the candidate goes before the committee of the board and is voted on.
“This is a very prestigious award,” she said. “The individual is recognized not only for their accomplishments in the part of their field of expertise, but also in regards to what they have given back to science.”
Rock said 251 people were inducted as fellows this year.
Among Gobstein’s accomplishments are his design and management of federal science policies and program evaluations for the U.S. General Accounting Office for 11 years. His honor also recognizes the work he does advocating the importance of university research to the public.
Gobstein is responsible for lobbying on behalf of the university’s federal relations and directs MSU’s Washington, D.C., office.
Steve Webster, vice president of governmental affairs at MSU,said Gobstein is very deserving of the award.
“Being named a fellow to the AAAS is an extraordinary honor and is given to very few non-scientists,” Webster said. “It demonstrates the impact that Howard has had on science in this country and it is well deserved.
“We are all honored to work with him.”
