Several years ago, Saudi Arabia’s leaders faced a critical challenge: Other nations in the Middle East were making dramatic progress in science and technology, and by various measures, they were falling behind. The kingdom had a well-established science sector and strengths in key areas, but while some other nations had surging research publication rates, for example, its publications were flat.

The 2010 AAAS election of general and section officers will be held in November. All members will receive a ballot for election of the president-elect, members of the Board of Directors, and members of the Committee on Nominations. Members registered in more than one section will receive ballots for elections for each section they are enrolled in.