About the Project
Science, technology, and innovation require a diversity of talent that includes international perspectives and collaboration. AAAS seeks to highlight the contributions of foreign-born scientists to the scientific enterprise in the United States, understand the challenges faced by immigrant scientists in the U.S., and engage diverse stakeholders to address these challenges.
National security concerns about potential threats to research integrity posed by foreign influence combined with inflammatory rhetoric and recent changes to immigration policies have led some international students and scientists to feel stigmatized and concerned about their future. Yet scientists in the United States—whether they be citizens, residents, or visitors—overwhelmingly agree that science is globally interconnected.
Tell Us Your Story
In the first phase of this project—Science Beyond Borders—we need to hear directly from YOU. If you are an immigrant or non-immigrant scientist who is or has been practicing or studying in the United States, we want to hear your story. If your research involves international collaboration, we want to hear from you. And if you are concerned about your future in the U.S., tell us. As an example, read the story of AAAS President Steven Chu.
“Foreign-born professionals have been making huge contributions to science and technology in America and have helped in a major way to make the United States the strongest country in the world.” said Jan Vilcek, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Chairman and CEO of the Vilcek Foundation. “Shutting the doors to a free exchange of scientists is short-sighted and contrary to our own national interest.”
In the second phase of this project, AAAS will engage leaders in the U.S. federal government and academic institutions along with immigrant and non-immigrant scientists, including early-career scientists. We will consider ways that various stakeholders can support immigrant scientists studying and working in the U.S. during this time of rapidly changing immigration and international travel policies and broad geopolitical shifts. The latter phase of this project will be informed by the first, so we need to hear from you!
AAAS thanks Jan and Marica Vilcek and the Vilcek Foundation for their generous support that makes this work possible.