Ralph J. Cicerone

Ralph Cicerone, president of the National Academy of Sciences, is an atmospheric scientist whose research in atmospheric chemistry and climate change has involved him in shaping science and environmental policy at the highest levels nationally and internationally. His work with Richard Stolarski in 1973 led to the discovery of the C10X chain mechanism for depletion of stratospheric ozone, and Cicerone's research has continued since then in atmospheric chemistry and climate change. Cicerone was the chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, when this interview was recorded; he began his term as president of the National Academy of Sciences in July, 2005.