Financial support from our fellows provides us with vital resources to advance science and serve society with targeted, effective programming led by world-class staff.
Today, our program activities range from promoting the critical importance of federal funding for basic research, to helping academic institutions improve their record of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEMM, to driving the use of evidence-based research and scientific information to inform policy decisions that affect us all. Here are just a few programs that are only made possible with philanthropic support.
AAAS-SciLine is a free, national service for journalists in radio, newspaper, television, and digital mediums seeking sound, scientific information for their stories on deadline. SciLine matches up journalists with vetted scientists, engineers, and researchers who volunteer their expertise. With science writers now a rare commodity, especially for small news organizations, SciLine has quickly become an invaluable resource for the nation, serving newspapers from the South Florida Sun Sentinel to the Anchorage Daily News.
The AAAS Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues (EPI Center) is bridging the information gap between scientists and decision-makers by bringing forth clear and timely non-partisan scientific evidence on issues at the forefront of the public agenda. Through white papers, social and traditional media, virtual and in-person convenings, and other communication channels, the EPI Center brings clear scientific information to policymakers and other decision-makers to help integrate that evidence into the decision-making process. Election voting security, PFAS in water supplies, and orphan and abandoned wells represent a few areas where the EPI Center’s work has had local and national significance.
AAAS-SEA Change is a comprehensive initiative from AAAS that aims to advance institutional transformation in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in colleges and universities. The goal is to create more welcoming STEMM fields by cultivating diverse campus communities that are truly equitable, accessible, and inclusive. The Institute serves as Members’ one stop shop for resources, courses, and trainings related to DEI in STEMM and higher education and will provides the foundation of knowledge needed to effect change meaningful change.
The Science & Technology Policy Program (STPF), founded in 1973, provides opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in the federal government where they provide input and analysis on the intersection of science and public policy. Fellows represent a broad range of backgrounds, disciplines, and career stages. Of the 4,152 alumni, 42% go on to continue to serve in government roles post-fellowship.