AAAS Board Approves Re-Statement
of Mission, Goals for 21^st Century

The AAAS Board of Directors recently approved a rephrasing of AAAS's historic mission to address the global context of the 21st Century and to reflect an expansion of the organization's leadership role on behalf of science — both in the United States and internationally. The mission now reads, "To Advance Science and Innovation Throughout the World for the Benefit of All People."

AAAS today is the largest general scientific society in the world, drawing its members from all fields of science and engineering, as well as from the lay public. Its size and inclusiveness present both an opportunity and an obligation to provide strong leadership.

As the world moves to utilize new frontiers of knowledge, the Association must anticipate as well as adjust to change. This is crucial to AAAS's continued, judicious support of the science and engineering enterprise, and to ensure that the work of scientists and innovators will continue to serve society. To fulfill its mission, the AAAS Board has set the following broad goals for the Association:

Foster Communication Among Scientists, Engineers and the Public

Enhance International Cooperation in Science and Its Applications

Promote the Responsible Conduct and Use of Science and Technology

Foster Education in Science and Technology for Everyone

Enhance the Science and Technology Workforce and Infrastructure

Increase Public Understanding and Appreciation of Science and Technology

Strengthen Support for the Science and Technology Enterprise

The Association will revisit these goals as appropriate to address gradual changes and any unanticipated crises that might occur. In the current context, however, these goals will provide the framework that guides AAAS's programmatic activities.

15 May 2002