Physicist Elected Academy V.P.

James S. Langer, professor of physics, has been elected vice president of the National Academy of Sciences. He will begin a four-year term in July.

An international leader in research on condensed matter and materials physics, Langer joined UCSB in 1982 and was director of the Institute for Theoretical Physics from 1990-96. He was elected to the academy in 1985 for his theoretical studies of nonequilibrium pattern formation, especially dendritic crystal growth, according to the national academy. His current research include deformation and fracture in solids, and the dynamics of earthquakes.

"I share the joy and pride of our entire campus community at the election of Professor James Langer," said Chancellor Henry Yang. "Jim's lifelong accomplishments in science make him an ideal choice for this influential and prestigious position. The leadership and vision Jim brings to the academy will be wonderful assets for the scientific community as well as society at large."

The National Academy of Sciences, in Washington D.C., is a private organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge. Established in 1863, the Academy serves as an official adviser to the federal government in matters of science and technology. Membership is one of the highest honors bestowed on a scientist or engineer.