Science historian Naomi Oreskes has been appointed to serve
as provost of UCSD’s Sixth College,
effective July 1.

A professor of history and science studies and UCSD faculty
member since 1998, Oreskes is known for her seminal work dealing with the
science of climate change, specifically on the societal framing and reception
of the scientific consensus on global warming.

“Professor Oreskes’ extensive interdisciplinary research and
teaching on issues related to science, technology and culture, along with her
administrative experience and strong commitment to undergraduate education,
make her exceptionally well-suited to lead Sixth
College,” Senior Vice Chancellor
for Academic Affairs Paul Drake said in a press release. “I am delighted that
she has accepted this important and challenging position.”

Oreskes’ research focuses on the historical development of
scientific knowledge and methods and practices in the earth and environmental
sciences. Her 2004 essay, “The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change,” led to
editorial pieces in publications such as the Washington Post and the San
Francisco Chronicle and was cited in the Academy Award-winning film “An
Inconvenient Truth.”

“I am very pleased and excited to be named provost of Sixth
College,” Oreskes said in a press
release. “It’s a privilege to be associated with a college that is so young and
fresh, and the college’s theme of culture, art and technology resonates with
the issues I’ve been concerned with throughout my academic career.”