In a tradition stretching back to 1874, the AAAS Council elects members each year whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished. The fellowships recognize individuals for their extraordinary achievements across disciplines.

The citation for Shapira highlights his “distinguished contributions to science, technology, and innovation policy, particularly for contributions to improved understanding of effective means of modernizing manufacturing.”

Shapira has undertaken research and policy studies in science, technology and innovation, including on industrial restructuring and manufacturing technology, for nearly three decades. He chaired the U.S. National Academies Panel on 21st Century Manufacturing: The Role of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and has recently completed studies on institutions for technology diffusion for projects sponsored by Nesta and the Inter-American Development Bank. His peer-reviewed articles have appeared in leading international journals in research policy, technology transfer, small business, and economic development. Professor Shapira is an editor of The Handbook of Innovation Policy Impact (Edward Elgar Publishing, forthcoming 2016).

Shapira joined the Ivan Allen College School of Public Policy in 1991. Since 2008, he has also served as professor of innovation, management, and policy at the Alliance Manchester Business School of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

Shapira will be inducted as a fellow (along with other new AAAS fellows from Georgia Tech) at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in February 2016.

Founded in 1848, AAAS includes nearly 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals.