J. B. Conant, or James Bryant Conant, was an influential American chemist and educator born in 1893. He served as the president of Harvard University from 1933 to 1953, where he played a significant role in modernizing the university's curriculum and expanding its research programs. Conant was also known for his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of reaction kinetics. In addition to his academic achievements, Conant was involved in public policy and science education. He advocated for the importance of science in society and was instrumental in the establishment of the Educational Testing Service. His work helped shape the landscape of higher education in the United States.