Help AAAS Win an Electric Motorcycle

from Siemens and TLC’s American Chopper

Vote for us!

The Siemens Smart Chopper

[Photo © Siemens Corporation]

Science and Technology are Cool!

Science is the driving force behind efforts to develop innovative, environmentally friendly technologies.

But did you know that science and technology have also been responsible for more than half of America’s economic growth since World War II? Scientists and engineers are pursuing life-saving medical advances; using technology to support human rights around the world; and investigating new, cleaner energy strategies. And AAAS is helping.

Sir Paul Nurse, Rockefeller University President, Nobel Prize winner, and proud owner of a Kawasaki GpZ500.

“Science is everywhere, and it's for everyone. My advice to young people is this: Learn as much science as you can. Then you can compete more effectively for jobs in the future, and can apply your knowledge to help solve important problems, from fighting cancer to building clean, electric motorcycles. My friends at Science magazine and AAAS told me about the Siemens Smart Chopper contest. I was delighted to hear it because raising awareness for green technology makes all of us winners. Science is not only important, but it's cool and fun. Good luck to everyone, and thanks for supporting scientific advancement.'”

[Photo © Sir Paul Nurse]

The nonprofit, nonpartisan “Triple-A-S”—the American Association for the Advancement of Science—is dedicated to advancing science and serving society by helping to solve urgent world problems through international collaboration and providing policy-makers with authoritative technical information. AAAS helps scientists stay at the forefront of efforts to boost the economy and promotes science literacy for all children, working to ensure that they get the best possible science education now so that they can compete for jobs in the future.

AAAS also leads the way in getting information on scientific advances to the community through its leading scholarly journals—Science, Science Translational Medicine, and Science Signaling—and engages the public in objective conversation on science and technology issues, from childhood obesity to global climate change.

Charles M. Falco, Chair of Condensed Matter Physics and Professor of Optical Sciences and Physics, University of Arizona, owner of 17 motorcycles ranging from classics from the 1950s to modern dirt and sportbikes.

“Riding motorcycles is only possible because of developments in technology, which in turn depends on the fundamentals of physics. ...I was glad to hear from AAAS and Science that Siemens and the pros with American Chopper on TLC have teamed up to build a battery-powered Smart Chopper. The competition is bound to get more people interested in cleaner, more environmentally friendly technologies—and, I hope, science in general. My thanks to everyone involved for helping to advance science and serve society.'”

[Photo © Charles M. Falco]

But to do all this—and more!—we need your help!

These days, we are increasingly called upon by the science community and the public to speak up on global, science-based issues from climate change to innovation, breakthrough medical research, and education.

Like most non-profits, we're more reliant now than ever on the support of people who appreciate the importance of science and our mission.

If you’re one of those people, you can help. And here’s the fun part: All you have to do is VOTE.

AAAS is one of three charitable organizations in the running to win the Siemens Smart Chopper, an environmentally friendly electric motorcycle commissioned by Siemens from renowned custom motorcycle manufacturer Orange County Choppers and featured on the TLC television series American Chopper.

If we win, the proceeds would help to support all of our efforts to speak up for science and the public on issues that are important to you. So, cast your vote for AAAS in the Siemens Smart Chopper Charity Contest before 14 April 2010!

You can also check out the Smart Chopper and vote in person at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park, between 14 December 2009 and 30 January 2010.

Calling All Motorcycle-Riding Scientists!

Are you a scientist or engineer? Do you ride a motorcycle? If so, we’d like to know your story. You can e-mail us with your name, professional affiliation, and information about your motorcycle-riding history. Please include a high-resolution photograph of you with your bike.

Better yet—send us your videos at the AAAS YouTube channel, or by writing to Ginger Pinholster. Tell us why you think AAAS should win the Siemens bike featured on American Chopper.

We’ll post the best videos here.