Email: ederrick AT aaas.org

Edward G. Derrick, Ph.D.
Chief Program Director, Center of Science, Policy, and Society Programs

Since July, 2011, Edward G. Derrick, Ph.D., has been Chief Program Director of the AAAS Center of Science, Policy, and Society Programs.  The programs in the Center connect the science and engineering community with policy makers and the interested public on an array of topics.  These include the interplay of science with religion, law and human rights; they connect scientists and policy makers through programs in science and government, including the S&T Policy Fellowship program; and they address improvement in the conduct of science through activities promoting responsible conduct of science and through a peer review service. As Chief Program Director, Ed oversees the programs, which combined have a staff of over 35 and an annual budget over $18 million, and serves as a member of senior management at AAAS. 

Ed first joined AAAS in 1998 as a member of the AAAS Research Competitiveness Program (RCP).  RCP provides review and guidance to the science and innovation community. He became director of the program in January 2004, with responsibility for the development of new business and oversight of all aspects of the design and execution of projects. Ed has participated directly in over 50 RCP projects, having led committees to assist state- and institutional-planning for research, to review research centers and institutions and to advise state and international funds on major investments.  He holds the Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, with a dissertation in theoretical particle physics, and the B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with an undergraduate thesis in biophysics.  Prior to joining AAAS, Ed spent two years as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow in Germany. He has worked for Ontario Hydro in the Nuclear Studies and Safety Division and consulted for the National Research Council.  Besides contract and grant reports at AAAS, his publications include refereed scientific journals, conference proceedings, software documentation and newspaper articles.