Our History

Established in 1943 as the National Association of Science Teachers in Negro Schools, the organization was formed to promote the professional growth of African American scientists and improve science training and research, at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This was at a time when minority scientists were routinely excluded from the mainstream scientific community and most national and professional organizations.

Association founders - Dr. Hubert B. Crouch of Kentucky State University and Dr. Thomas W. Turner of Hampton University - shared the same concern that African American scientists and researchers lacked a forum to discuss their own research and academic achievement, with fellow colleagues and peers. This at that time when many black scientists played significant roles in major governmental scientific research programs such as the Manhattan Project; the Synthetic Rubber Program; the Radar/Microwave Program; and the American Red Cross Blood Donor Project to name just a few. Dr. Crouch and Dr. Turner firmly believed that the scientific capabilities of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities could be channeled to advance the futures of minority scientists and African Americans in general.

The history of the National Institute of Science (NIS) continues to evolve and grow. Each year the association publishes a peer-reviewed scientific journal entitled, "Transactions - The National Institute of Science." The publication contains award-winning manuscripts and abstracts.

What began as a small group of minority students has now developed into a vast network of members representing Historically Black Colleges; large educational institutions; private industry; national laboratories and agencies. These scientific professionals have backgrounds in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, experimental psychology, mathematics, physics and science education.

In the past half century, NIS has evolved from being an organization once excluded from the mainstream scientific community, to one that is highly regarded and respected. NIS remains a place for all students, representing a broad spectrum of diversity, to nurture their scientific thinking.