James Glimm has been named President of the American Mathematical Society. His two-year term began in January 2007. Glimm is one of the outstanding mathematicians of recent times. He has made deep and original contributions in a variety of areas in both pure and applied mathematics. His early work in the theory of operator algebras was seminal, and today the "Glimm algebras" that bear his name continue to play an important role in this vibrant area of research. In mathematical physics, Glimm worked on problems in quantum field theory, quantum statistical mechanics, shock wave theory, and scientific computation. He represents a new breed of mathematicians who see no boundaries between purely theoretical research and practical applications.

Other honors include the New York Academy Prize in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences, the Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics, and the AMS Steele Prize for a Seminal Contribution to Research. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1984 and in 2002, he received the National Medal of Science.

The president of the Society strongly influences, either directly or indirectly, most of the scientific policies of the Society. The direct effect comes through the president's personal interactions both with members of the Society and with outside organizations, for example, in testimony before Congressional committees.