Science Without Borders

The increasing complexity of problems facing our nation as well as our planet offers immense challenges for coordinated, innovative problem-solving. So many important decisions on national security, education, health, sustainability of the planet, and the exploration of the universe depend on new-found knowledge gained by scientists and engineers. Expectations that science and technology will rise to these challenges are widely expected.

Many of these problems require an approach across several disciplines and areas of technical expertise. A diverse work force will also be necessary so that maximal talent and different approaches can be utilized. To train such a work force successfully presents the challenge of attracting talent from a range of backgrounds and transmitting content while maintaining relevance.

The theme — Science Without Borders — integrates the practice of science, both in research and teaching, that utilizes multidisciplinary approaches. It also takes into consideration the diversity of investigators and students.

The program will highlight science and teaching that cross conventional borders or break out from silos as well as ground-breaking areas of research, new and exciting developments, and cross-cutting activities in support of science, technology, and education. Sessions will feature strong scientific content to illustrate the interface of different disciplines and will exemplify a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.

About AAAS

AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Science as well as Science Translational Medicine and Science Signaling. AAAS was founded in 1848, and includes some 262 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world, with an estimated total readership of 1 million. The non-profit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to “advance science and serve society” through initiatives in science policy; international programs; science education; and more. For the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!, the premier science-news Web site, a service of AAAS.