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Laboratory of Genetics

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
Madison, Wisconsin 53706

MAY 31 1966

KY May 25, 1966

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

Approximately a dozen members met informally during the April
meetings of the Academy to discuss whether it was advisable at the
present time to initiate proceedings for the formation of a section of
genetics. Since the number of members in the proposed section would
probably be 30-35, it was felt by some that there might not be much
chance of electing more than one new member to the section each year.
(Since 1940, 41 members with genetic interests and now living have been
elected). Also it is unlikely that geneticists would be elected through
either the botanical or zoological sections if the genetics section were
formed.

Therefore, it seemed advisable to the group to delay, at least for
a time, further action regarding the formation of a section of genetics
in the hope that the new procedure of election of members with the
assignment of quotas to the respective classes may be an improvement
over the previous method. Meanwhile, it is now possible for the
geneticists as a group to nominate candidates, as a "voluntary nominating
group".

Bylaws of the Academy -- revised April 27, 1965 (page 19)

"8. A group of twenty or more members of the Academy may

nominate a candidate. Each such nomination, accom-
panied by a properly edited statement of the nominee's
scientific accomplishments and a list of his principal
contributions to science, shall be submitted by the
group to the home secretary prior to January l,
together with a recommendation as to the class to

which the nomination should be referred for considera-
tion by the class membership committee."
Page 2

There were three candidates in other fields nominated in this manner and
all were elected at the recent April meeting.

In essence, all members with genetic interests can act as members
of a "voluntary nominating group" and can nominate one, two, or more
candidates for election in 1967. The undersigned was asked at the
informal meeting to act as coordinator for this group, and I shall be
glad to do this, at least until my retirement from the University of
Wisconsin staff in June, 1967.

As a first step, would you Kindly send to me the name or names of
worthy candidates and state whether you would be willing to prepare the
supporting material for the candidate. Otherwise, give the name of the
person or persons most appropriate for this pertinent task. The names
of the candidates will then be submitted to the genetics group for their
vote, and the candidates ranking highest will be processed further so
that one, two, or three (at most) names can be submitted to the home
secretary. It is probable that the list of nominees will be submitted
to the geneticists at least twice, comparable to the preliminary and
informal ballots of the sections.

In order to get this procedure started, it is desirable that the

names be submitted to me before June 15.

Sincerely,

Pipher
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