The 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting convened entirely online, February 8-11, with related pre-released materials available starting January 19. AAAS President Claire Fraser wrote this letter, reflecting on adapting the meeting due to health and safety of the meeting participants.
The virtual 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting included the following elements:
AAAS Live Broadcast: The 2021 Annual Meeting live show was streamed throughout day, Monday – Thursday, February 8-11.
Attendees tuned in to catch quick updates, social media news, and important discussions each day.
Plenary Lectures from major figures in science, technology, communication, and policy. This year’s lecturers included Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Claire Fraser, Dr. Ruha Benjamin, Dr. Mary L. Gray, and Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan.
Experts were invited to present Topical Lectures on relevant issues, advances, or new perspectives in the various fields. This year’s topics include AI, linguistics, immigration, forest canopies, digital manufacturing and more.
Starting January 19th, individual Spotlight Videos were revealed featuring experts from a multitude of disciplines—including artificial intelligence, public health, microbiome, ecology, diversity, big data, climate change, and more. During the Live broadcast, the Scientific Panels came together to discuss how each expert’s work relates to the other’s findings as well as address audience questions.
For those focused on building skills or their trajectory, attendees participated in Workshops focused on advancing your career; advocating and building alliances; and diversifying and enhancing equity.
Attendees networked within the Exchange space, as they discuss policy and join Speaker Chats. They also had access to explore resources from meeting sponsors.