Dennis Schatz
Enduring Achievement Award
Institute for Learning Innovation
After completing his undergraduate and graduate studies in astrophysics, Dr. Schatz shifted his attention to focus on opening channels of communication between science and society, and he has worked tirelessly in that realm ever since. He has served for more than 40 years in various roles at Pacific Science Center and led a variety of different initiatives, including the Astronomy Education program, Washington State LASER and Portal to the Public. In his current role as Senior Advisor at the Institute for Learning Innovation, he continues to serve as leadership for Portal to the Public, which connects the public with current science through conversations with local scientists and engineers. The Portal to the Public Network has been implemented at more than 60 organizations across North America. He is the author of 26 science books for children, including the Fossil Detective series and When the Sun Goes Dark. His books have sold almost 2 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 23 languages. He has received numerous honors; most recently, Asteroid 25232 was renamed Asteroid Schatz in 2017 by the International Astronomical Union IAU) in recognition of his leadership in astronomy and science education.