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About the Directorate

Director: Albert H. Teich, Ph.D.
Associate Director: Stephen D. Nelson, Ph.D.

AAAS Directorate for Science & Policy Programs
1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202/326-6600; Fax: 202/289-4950
Email: science_policy@aaas.org

The Directorate for Science and Policy Programs (SPP) serves society, government, and the research community through a diverse set of activities. Its programs address several objectives of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), including furthering the work of scientists, improving the effectiveness of science in the promotion of human welfare, and fostering scientific freedom and responsibility.

Four units that operate at the intersection of science and engineering with federal and state government comprise the Directorate's Science and Engineering Policy and Practice Group (PPG). PPG is concerned with the aspects of science and technology policy that directly affect the research environment and the practices of scientists and engineers. It is similarly concerned with the ways in which science and engineering expertise and knowledge are represented in public policy issues. The four units include:

• Fellowship Programs offers opportunities for scientists and engineers to help shape science and technology policy in Washington, DC, for one year.

• The R&D Budget and Policy Program analyzes research and development funding trends in the federal budget and hosts the annual AAAS Science and Technology Policy Forum each spring.
• The Center for Science, Technology, and Congress conducts briefings for congressional staff, publishes Science & Technology in Congress every month when Congress is in session, and sponsors regional meetings on impacts of federal R&D funding.
• The Research Competitiveness Program assists universities and other R&D institutions in enhancing their research capabilities.

The Directorate's three other groups are distinguished by the broader societal dimensions of their activities that transcend the role of governments. They include:

The Science and Human Rights Program has pioneered in the application of scientific methods and techniques to the promotion of human rights worldwide and is a leader in defending the rights of scientists, engineers, and health professionals throughout the world who have experienced persecution or infringements of academic freedom. 

Through its Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion, the Directorate develops workshops and training seminars, organizes forums and conferences, and sponsors multidisciplinary research and study projects to foster meaningful communication between the scientific and religious communities. 

The Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law Program works to uphold high ethical standards for science and engineering; to monitor ethical, legal, and social issues related to science and technology; and to improve relationships between science and law.

Updated Mar 10, 2008