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NSB Statement

Statement on the Passing of former NSB Chair James Duderstadt

James Duderstadt

James Duderstadt (Credit and Larger Version)

October 4, 2024

The Board is saddened by the loss of James Duderstadt, a former member and chair of the National Science Board who passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 81. Throughout his career, James was a skilled leader in STEM education and champion for the science and engineering enterprise. Trained in engineering at Yale and Caltech, he joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1969. He went on to become the 11th president of the University of Michigan and a member of the National Science Board for two full terms from 1984-1996, serving two terms as chair from 1991-1994.

James brought his dedicated, thoughtful leadership style to a wide range of endeavors in science, engineering, and education. In addition to his service on the National Science Board, he chaired numerous studies of science and technology issues for the National Academies and various federal agencies. He was a prolific writer on dozens of topics in science, engineering, and higher education. As president of the University of Michigan, he had the strategic foresight to strengthen academic program and campus infrastructure to ensure the university could effectively navigate the needs of higher education in the 21st century. He was committed to broadening participation in higher education and made significant strides in diversifying the student body and faculty during his time at the University of Michigan. He was the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Vannevar Bush Award in 2015 in recognition of his lifelong leadership in science and technology.

James’s life and legacy are a vivid example of the value of leadership, diligence, and public service. At a moment when the nation’s STEM enterprise faces a critical moment, his memory is an inspiration for what we can accomplish together.

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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