Lester Milbrath to be Honored by UB Institute for Contributions to Environmental Research

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Lester W. Milbrath, Ph.D., professor emeritus of political science and sociology at the University at Buffalo, will receive a Lifetime Environmental Achievement Award from the UB Environment and Society Institute (ESI) on Oct. 11 during the Learning Sustainability Regional Community Forum to be held at the Buffalo Convention Center.

In addition to the award, the UB ESI has established The Lester W. Milbrath Environment and Society Institute Fellowship in his honor. The fellowship will be awarded annually to a graduate student who has the potential to excel in interdisciplinary environmental study and research.

Milbrath directed the UB Environmental Studies Center from 1976-87, and was associate provost for social science and director of the Social Science Research Institute from 1969-76.

His research focused on the relationship between environment and society, specifically on environmental attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and values, as well as the characteristics of a sustainable society. He also has studied citizen participation in environmental policy decisions, on conceptualizing and measuring quality of environment and quality of life, and on foresight and planning for a sustainable future.

Milbrath has published several books, including his capstone work, "Envisioning a Sustainable Society: Learning Our Way Out," in 1989. He was elected the founding chair of HOLIS: The Society for a Sustainable Future, in 1992. In 1997, the American Political Science Association, Ecological and Transformational Politics section, awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award for scholarship, teaching, and advancement of the field.

Milbrath lives in Williamsville.