# Kentucky Academy of Science

Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) is the Kentucky affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Academies of Science. The organization "fosters scientific discovery and understanding in Kentucky". It is a statewide scientific society serving scientists and science advocates. Projects include various outreach initiatives to advance science literacy in Kentucky and policy advocacy around scientific and educational issues. The KAS has passed resolutions in favor of evolution in 1981, 1983, 1999, and 2005, and have stood up against a series of legislative efforts in Kentucky to undermine science education

## History

Kentucky Academy of Science was organized on May 8, 1914, by a group of 46 Kentucky scientists and interested laypersons. In 2014, a 100-year history was written, which included past presidents and other board members. Below is a part of the list from 1976 until today:
* 1976–1977 Charles Payne, Morehead State University
* 1977–1978 Charles E. Kupchella, University of Louisville
* 1978–1979 Sanford L. Jones, Eastern Kentucky University
* 1979–1980 Rudolph Prins, Western Kentucky University
* 1980–1981 John C. Philley, Morehead State University
* 1981–1982 Ted M. George, Eastern Kentucky University
* 1982–1983 J G. Rodriguez, University of Kentucky
* 1983–1984 Gary Boggess, Murray State University
* 1984–1985 Joe Winstead, Western Kentucky University
* 1985–1986 Charles Covell, University of Louisville
* 1986–1987 Larry Giesmann, Northern Kentucky University
* 1987–1988 William P. Hettinger, Ashland Petroleum Company
* 1988–1989 Richard Hannan, Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission
* 1989–1990 Debra K. Pearce, Northern Kentucky University
* 1990–1991 W. Blaine Early, III, Cumberland College
* 1991–1992 Douglas L. Dahlman, University of Kentucky
* 1992–1993 Charles N. Boehms, Georgetown College
* 1993–1994 Larry Elliott, Western Kentucky University
* 1994–1995 Robert Creek, Eastern Kentucky University
* 1995–1996 William S. Bryant, Thomas More College
* 1996–1997 Marcus T. McEllistrem, University of Kentucky
* 1997–1998 Patricia K. Doolin, Ashland Petroleum Company
* 1998–1999 Gordon K. Weddle, Campbellsville University
* 1999–2000 Blaine Ferrell, Western Kentucky University
* 2000–2001 Ron Rosen, Berea College
* 2001–2002 Jerry Warner, Northern Kentucky University
* 2002–2003 Robert Barney, Kentucky State University
* 2003–2004 Robert Kingsolver, Kentucky Wesleyan College
* 2004–2005 Bruce Mattingly, Morehead State University
* 2005–2006 Miriam Steinitz-Kannan, Northern Kentucky University
* 2006–2007 Nigel Cooper, University of Louisville
* 2007–2008 John Mateja, Murray State University
* 2008–2009 Robin Cooper, University of Kentucky
* 2009–2010 Nancy Martin, University of Louisville
* 2010–2011 Barbara Ramey, Eastern Kentucky University
* 2011–2012 Dawn Anderson, Berea College
* 2012–2013 Cheryl Davis, Western Kentucky University
* 2013–2014 K. C. Russell, Northern Kentucky University
* 2014–2015 David White, Murray State University
* 2016
* 2017 Darrin Smith, Eastern Kentucky University
* 2018 Jennifer Birriel, Morehead State University
* 2019 Leslie North, Western Kentucky University
* 2020 Frank Ettensohn, University of Kentucky
* 2021 Trent Garrison, Kentucky Community and Technical College
* 2022 Jon Dixon
* 2023 Julie Reizner, Northern Kentucky University
* 2024 Noel Novelo, Kentucky State University
* 2025
* 2026

## Current activities

The Kentucky Academy of Science, with more than 4000 members, "fosters scientific discovery and understanding in Kentucky." KAS provides funds for scientific research and outreach through grants including the Marcia Athey and Botany Funds, Special Research Program, and Undergraduate Research Program.
The Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science, the academy's official journal, is published in the Spring and Fall each year.
KAS sponsors the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science each April, for middle and high school students engaged in research. Students with winning presentations are eligible to represent Kentucky as delegates at the American Junior Academy of Science meeting the following February.
KAS' Annual Meeting each fall convenes hundreds of scientists and students from around the state and region to present their latest research.
KAS operates the Kentucky Science Speakers Bureau, offering expert scientists at no cost to civic organizations, educators, or others, to share their knowledge on a variety of issues.
KAS is also active in promoting science literacy through a partnership with the Kentucky Science Center, and does state-level policy advocacy around science and education.
In 2021, KAS hired a policy and communications director to help with its push to become a stronger voice for Kentucky science policy.
During the 2005 KAS annual meeting, members voted unanimously to oppose any attempt by the Kentucky legislature or other legislative bodies to mandate specific content of science courses. The KAS specifically objects to legislation that equates "scientific creationism" or "intelligent design" with evolution as a scientific explanation. The KAS has passed resolutions in favor of evolution in 1981, 1983, 1999, and 2005.