Powell said science played an integral role in the fights against terrorism and HIV/AIDS as well as debates over global climate change, sustainable development and trade matters, and implored members of the National Academy of Sciences to boost involvement in those areas.

But Powell, who has long made light of his less-than-stellar academic performance as a geology major at the City College of New York in the 1950s before he entered the military, lamented his own poor scientific performance.

"I happen to hold a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the City College of New York and my great contribution to the field of science is that I never entered it," he told the academy's 139th annual conference.

"The leaders at the City College of New York, back in 1954, awarded me a Bachelor of Science degree in geology under the condition that I would enter the army and never come out," Powell said to peals of laughter from the crowd.

"It took me four-and-a-half years to receive this degree in a very strenuous four-year program," he continued, to more laughter.

"And they truly were delighted when I took my C average and left the City College of New York and went into the Army, never to be seen again."

Powell drew further laughter and applause as he went on to describe how his persona non gratis status had been modified by the City College elders as his career blossomed and he became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before retiring and then being named Secretary of State.

"Now I am considered one of the greatest sons of City College, called upon for all kinds of fund-raising activity that so many of you are familiar with from your own academic background," he said.

Powell stressed the critical role played by science and technology in defining and conducting foreign policy, noting in particular its relevance in the post-September 11 world, after four hijacked planes hit New York, Washington and a field in Pennsylvania.

"Since September 11th, all of us have been acutely aware of the danger from terrorist threats and anthrax scares, cyberthreats and weapons of mass destruction," he said.

Powell also urged the members of the academy to reach out to America's youth and explain the challenges and opportunities science can provide in the new millenium.

"As focused as we all are on terrorism and other clear and present dangers, we must not let the perils of our age blind us to the great promise that exists in this 21st century," Powell said.

"Science and statecraft ... can and must work together for a safer, healthier, better world in many more areas than the ones I just mentioned: missile defense, climate change, energy, you name it."

All rights reserved. � 2002 Agence France-Presse. Sections of the information displayed on this page (dispatches, photographs, logos) are protected by intellectual property rights owned by Agence France-Presse. As a consequence, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, transmit, publish, display or in any way commercially exploit any of the content of this section without the prior written consent of Agence France-Presse.

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