Scientific American is the oldest continuously published monthly in America, the magazine’s President/CEO Gretchen Teichgraeber points out proudly, adding that Rufus Porter, “a true 19th century Renaissance man,” actually launched it as a weekly journal in 1845. Today, 160 years after its launch, “Scientific American is a truly global enterprise,” Ms. Teichgraeber notes. “Eighteen editions are published in 17 languages, totaling over 1 million circulation worldwide.” A spin-off title, Scientific American Mind, which began publishing as a quarterly last year, will go bimonthly in 2006. Teichgraeber began her publishing career at Time Inc., where as Magazine Development Director, she helped launch Sports Illustrated for Kids. Prior to joining Scientific American in May 2000, she served as Director of Corporate Strategic Planning for The New York Times and Publishing General Manager for CMP Media.
Q. What was your reaction when NASA said in April that it would not repair the Hubble telescope and intended to let it fall from orbit? Later in the spring, NASA’s new administrator appeared to give the Hubble a reprieve by reversing that decision and budget money for a shuttle repair mission. A. I was personally saddened by NASA’s decision last April not to repair the Hubble telescope. It has provided such valuable insight and knowledge into the shaping of our universe. The outstanding photographs have also sparked interest among many, especially children, allowing them a greater appreciation of the beauty and mystery of the solar system. However, there are other initiatives underway that will further deep space exploration, and it is always difficult to balance funding priorities.
Q. In mid-May, Harvard committed $50 million to support initiatives on women scientists and faculty over the next decade. But what did you think of Harvard President Larry Summers’ comments last January about women lacking scientific ability?A. Larry Summers’ comments were unfortunate in many respects, not the least of which is that they seemed to ignore a lot of data that already show that the gender gap he was hypothesizing really isn’t there. However, the controversy dramatically increased attention to the very real issue of the number of women in certain scientific disciplines. If his comments and the funding that Harvard has put in place to address the situation improve the environment for female scientists today and provide greater opportunity for the next generation of women, they will have served a useful purpose.
Q. Did it surprise you that the U.S. Postal Service in late spring issued a set of commemorative postage stamps honoring pioneers in American science, including two Nobel Prize winners—Barbara McClintock, awarded in 1983 for her discoveries in genetics, and Richard Feynman, honored in 1965 for his work in quantum electrodynamics?A. The decision by the U.S. Postal Service to recognize pioneers in American science is very sound. Given the incredible importance of advances in science and technology to the future of this country and the world, all efforts to showcase these talented people can only serve to increase the appreciation for their accomplishments and act as an inspiration to others who strive to make important scientific contributions.Q. On TV, you have the prime time Scientific American Frontiers specials. When’s the next one, and are there other TV or cable spin-off projects in the works?A. Scientific American Frontiers is now in its 15th season on PBS. This top-rated series, hosted by actor and lifelong science buff Alan Alda, takes an entertaining and informative approach to the latest stories from the world of science, technology and beyond. Alda in recent episodes has investigated surgical options to weight loss, cars that think, global warming, cybersenses, hydrogen as a fuel source, and more. We are pleased with this series and currently have no additional TV plans
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