Alan I. Leshner

Alan I. Leshner

Alan I. Leshner is an American scientist and administrator known for his contributions to the fields of neuroscience and science policy. He has held several prominent positions in various scientific organizations and has been influential in promoting the public understanding of science.

Early Life and Education

Alan I. Leshner was born in Newark, New Jersey. He earned his B.A. in psychology from Franklin and Marshall College and his Ph.D. in physiological psychology from the University of Rochester.

Career

Leshner began his career as a faculty member at Bucknell University, where he conducted research in neuroscience. He later joined the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), where he served in various capacities, including as the Director of the Division of Basic Research.

In 1994, Leshner was appointed as the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a position he held until 2001. During his tenure at NIDA, he was instrumental in advancing research on drug addiction and its treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding addiction as a brain disease.

Following his time at NIDA, Leshner became the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Executive Publisher of the journal Science. In these roles, he worked to enhance the public's understanding of science and to advocate for science-based policy.

Contributions to Science Policy

Leshner has been a vocal advocate for the integration of science into public policy. He has written extensively on the need for scientists to engage with the public and policymakers to address societal challenges. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including election to the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine).

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Leshner has received several prestigious awards, including:

• The Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences
• The AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize
• The William James Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science

Personal Life

Alan I. Leshner is married and has two children. He continues to be active in the scientific community, serving on various boards and committees.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Science policy
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• National Institute on Drug Abuse