American Chemical Society's Response to the 2006 State of the Union Address

Comments by E. Ann Nalley, Ph.D.President, American Chemical Society

Newswise — "The President's comments about innovation in his State of the Union Address have enabled us to renew the United States' focus on its competitive strength: robust basic research, world-class science and engineering education, and clear policies that encourage industry, universities, and national laboratories to innovate. The President has put this issue in the forefront by providing an agenda that assures our future economic prosperity and continued American leadership in a rapidly changing world.

"The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is working with the Task Force of the Future of American Innovation, which a year ago released a series of benchmarks showing that the United States is losing its global leadership position in economic competitiveness, innovation, and science. The Society also is working with congressional leaders and other organizations in support of a strong innovation agenda and legislation to support the goals outlined by the President."

The American Chemical Society — 158,000 members strong — is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals, and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.