ASU's Maienschein earns prestigious Hull Prize

The International Society for History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology has given its top award, the David L. Hull Prize, to ASU Regents' Professor Jane Maienschein.

The Hull Prize honors an extraordinary contribution to scholarship and service, and promotes interdisciplinary connections between history, philosophy, social studies and biology. This biennial prize was established to honor the life of philosopher David L. Hull (1935-2010).

“The whole idea behind the award is to get people who have a holistic commitment to join the interdisciplinary fields of history, philosophy and social studies of biology,” said Maienschein, a professor with the School of Life Sciences, who is also a President’s and Parents Association professor. “Teaching, mentoring, service and research were all important to David Hull, the philosopher, historian, and biologist for whom this award was created. It’s a huge honor — he had such a large presence across so many fields.”

Maienschein’s contributions to the fields of history and philosophy of science include serving as the founding president of the International Society for History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology; on the governing board of the Philosophy of Science Association; and as vice president and president of the History of Science Society.

She has also served with the Association for Women in Science; American Association for the Advancement of Science; and Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, among many other roles.

As director of ASU’s Center for Biology and Society, her research into the history of cell biology, embryology, stem cells and reproductive medicine has led to hundreds of articles, and most recently the book “Embryos Under the Microscope.”

Maienschein received the award in July.

Written by Kate MacCord, ASU Center for Biology and Society