October 8, 2012
Dorhout represents chemists through national appointment
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Peter Dorhout, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS, steering committee of the science and human rights coalition as a representative of his current appointment on the American Chemical Society board of directors.
As part of his responsibilities, Dorhout will serve as one of six members plus a staff member of responsible for directing implementation of policies developed to address scientific freedom and human rights challenges and abuses.
As a member of the American Chemical Society's 15-person board of directors, Dorhout leads a committee with responsibilities for member relations and international programs.
"Scientific freedom -- the freedom to study and report on controversial subjects in science and engineering -- and the associated human rights -- the right to basic items that result from scientific pursuits such as clean water, safe food, and reliable medicines -- are global problems, not just international challenges that reside outside the US," Dorhout said.
According to Dorhout, the American Chemical Society is the world's largest scientific society. It has an interest in protecting the rights of scientists worldwide and ensuring access to the rich findings of scientists.
"To be selected from the society's board to represent over 160,000 chemists and chemical professionals to the AAAS is a tremendous honor," Dorhout said. "As a member of the K-State family, my participation in the steering committee will connect me, the American Chemical Society and the university to noteworthy members of the international science and human rights communities. I hope to share with them the great things happening here, which could result in a visit to K-State in the future for a campuswide lecture."