Add to ORKGThe need to understand how the universe works is fundamental to human nature. It is also essential for safely managing the human future; but foolishly, we have designed a society based on science and technology in which hardly anyone understands science and technology. This is a clear prescription for disaster. Our future depends on producing and encouraging highly competent, ethically responsible young scientists, as well as a much greater scientific literacy in the general public. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois, is dedicated to meeting this challenge... It is a gift from the people of Illinois to the human future. Dr. Carl Sagan *Excerpt from the IMSA 1991-92 Profil