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About the Directorate

Acting Director of Science & Policy Programs: Edward G. Derrick, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor on Science & Technology Policy: 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 two other groups are distinguished by the broader societal dimensions of their activities that transcend the role of governments. They include:

The Scientific Responsibiity, Human Rights, and Law Program addresses ethical, legal and human rights issues related to the conduct of science and its application. Such issues include those related to defending the freedom to engage in scientific inquiry, pioneering the application of science and technology to document human rights violations, and promoting responsible research practices.

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. 

Updated Jul 26, 2011