Remembering Neil J. Dorans
A tribute by Rebecca S. Lipner, Ph.D., Chief Assessment Science Officer, and Jerome Clauser, Ph.D., Vice President, Assessment Research and Innovations, ABIM
Neil J. Dorans, Ph.D., Chair of ABIM’s Technical Advisory Committee, passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 73. Neil was one of the most influential measurement scientists of his generation. Over his 42-year career at ETS, Neil helped shape modern psychometrics through pioneering work in test score linking, fairness and scale development. He introduced early procedures for assessing item fairness through his work on differential item functioning, guided linking studies to allow for comparisons between major college admissions tests and served as the architect of the recentered SAT scales in the mid-1990s. His leadership on test fairness has influenced assessment practice worldwide, not least of which at ABIM. Neil’s lifetime of accomplishment earned him many of the profession’s highest honors, including the NCME Career Contributions Award, the ATP Career Achievement Award and the AERA Division D Robert L. Linn Distinguished Address Award.
Upon his retirement from ETS, Neil brought his expertise, leadership and generosity to ABIM where he has been consulting for the last eight years. During his time at ABIM, he was an inaugural member of the ABIM Technical Advisory Committee, and eventually its first chair. He frequently traveled to Philadelphia to work directly with ABIM staff and support our commitment to scientific rigor. Beyond his brilliance, Neil’s warmth, insight and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression on colleagues across ABIM.
In accordance with Neil’s wishes, and in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to philanthropy and advancing science, ABIM has made a contribution to the American Association for the Advancement of Science in his honor. ABIM and the TAC mourn Neil’s passing with profound sadness and extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the many colleagues who will feel this loss. He will be remembered not only as a brilliant scientist and leader in the field, but also as a gracious mentor and cherished friend whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire us.
