Feb. 23, 2007 – GIA has named Dr. James Shigley, long-time director of GIA Research, to the newly created post of “GIA Distinguished Research Fellow.”

Tom Moses, senior vice president of the GIA Laboratory and Research said, “This new assignment will allow Jim to continue to serve the Institute as a public representative to the media and at trade and technical conferences throughout the world, but in a broader scope.  He will have more freedom to teach, to roam, to write, and serve other areas of the Institute.  In academia, this is a coveted role, and we’re proud to have Jim represent GIA as our first Distinguished Research Fellow.”

Shigley will lead the gemological characterization of the huge Gübelin Collection acquired by GIA last year, in addition to writing articles and reports about this important group of gems to assist GIA Education and Research. This will offer the public and the industry access to important information on gemological properties that in some instances may not have been previously reported. He will serve as a research advisor and will act as the main liaison with GIA Education to ensure that research results are integrated with education and outreach. 

Moses made the announcement as part of several changes intended to better align GIA Research roles to help the Institute meet production and client service needs.