President emeritus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

William D. Carey Lecture, 2011.
The United States needs to take steps quickly to remain competitive in the global economy, Charles M. Vest, president of the National Academy of Engineering, warned in a lecture at the annual AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy.A national nightmare could be unfolding, Vest said during the annual William D. Carey Lecture on 5 May. It doesnt have to happen. It is the 11th hour, however, but this nightmare still need not materialize. Indeed, I actually dont believe it will materialize. But we must get started now on a strategic agenda for the long haul.
Vest gave the Carey lecture at the 36th annual AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy, held 5-6 May at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The lecture honors the late William D. Carey, who had served as AAAS Executive Officer and publisher of the journal Science for 12 years. Before he came to AAAS, Carey served for 26 years at the U.S. Bureau of the Budget. Alan I. Leshner, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of Science, said Carey had a major influence on American science policy and was really responsible for bringing AAAS into the science and public policy business.
AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize, 2006.
For his effective leadership and outstanding contributions to the areas of public policy, university research, and education.