In 2014 AAAS, in partnership with the Lemelson Foundation, launched the Invention Ambassadors Program designed to celebrate and highlight the importance of invention and inventors. The program is designed to showcase the modern faces of invention that are addressing the grand challenges confronting humanity. The Invention Ambassadors are deployed to address key audiences across the country to inspire and encourage a new and diverse generation of inventors, increase global understanding of the role of invention in creating new products and building new businesses, illustrate the importance of inventors and invention education in building economies and fostering innovation, and celebrate inventors who work to address issues of environmental sustainability and social good.

The program has recognized 40 inventors holding over 1,800 patents as Invention Ambassadors over the past 5 years. AAAS provides the Ambassadors with support, training, and the platform required to speak passionately about the importance of invention, the invention ecosystem, and the future of invention. The Invention Ambassadors annually address a diverse audience of students, education leaders, STEM professionals, policy makers, and other key stakeholders.

Barbara Schaal says scientists can do more to communicate effectively with policy makers and the public.

Crop scientists think the newly-discovered protein could lead to ways to block the infection and grow rice using fewer pesticides.

Schaal is known for her innovative research in plant sciences, in addition to her contributions to Washington University in St. Louis, the National Academy of Sciences, and PCAST.