Laszlo Hanzely, NIU professor of biological sciences, is striving to increase the membership of the Illinois State Academy of Science.

Hanzely has been the group’s president since April.

Hanzely, also coordinator for graduate studies in biology, said the academy’s membership stands at about 1,000 scientists and educators.

However, the large number of scientists working in the state warrants a membership increase to about 1,500, he said.

Membership is open to any student working on his master’s or doctoral degree.

The academy, which was established in 1907, is a statewide organization dedicated to the physical, biological and engineering sciences and their impact on education, employment and life in Illinois. It is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Illinois State Museum.

Hanzely, who will serve two years as president, said the inability of academy officials to enroll enough members means the voice of the academy cannot reach its entire constituency.

To encourage scientific study among young people, the academy maintains close ties with the Illinois Junior Academy of Science, he said.

Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science, the academy’s journal, publishes research papers which primarily deal with the scientific interests of Illinois. The journal is published four times a year.