U.S. Science Envoy Dr. Jane Lubchenco is visiting South Africa July 18-22 in support of President Barack Obama’s initiative to strengthen the United States’ science and education relationships overseas.

Dr. Lubchenco is serving as the first U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean.  During her stay in South Africa, she will engage with university students, as well as leaders in government, academia and the private sector in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria who seek effective solutions to shared environmental concerns.  This is part of a regional trip that also includes a stop in Mauritius.

“I am thrilled to have this second opportunity to visit South Africa,” Dr. Lubchenco said.  “I look forward to continuing my productive discussions with local leaders, scientists, students, managers and ocean users and learning about current challenges and opportunities to using ocean resources sustainably.  I am excited to share new scientific information, approaches and technologies that may be useful in ensuring our ocean is healthy and vibrant for future generations.”

Dr. Lubchenco is a Distinguished University Professor of Marine Biology at Oregon State University and former Administrator of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).  She has served as president of the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS), the International Council for Science, and the Ecological Society of America.   Dr. Lubchenco has also played an important role in setting the national scientific agenda through her 10 years of service as a member of the National Science Board.  She is one of the most highly cited ecologists in the world, and she is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the World Academy of Sciences. 

The U.S. Science Envoy Program is a core element of the Administration’s commitment to global engagement in science and technology.  President Obama announced the program in Cairo in June 2009.  Since the program’s inception, 13 Science Envoys have visited 30 countries.  The Science Envoys travel as private citizens and share the knowledge and insights they gain abroad with the U.S. scientific community upon their return.  These exchanges contribute to further cooperation and dialogue with key partners.