Message to Members: Advocating S&T Support and Funding
News to Note: Science Macaque Genome Online Extras, Intellectual Property, Grad Students in Classrooms
Advancing Science, Serving Society: Obesity Booklet, Food Security News Briefing, Atlas of Science Literacy Vol. 2
Science Careers: Careers in the UK, Careers Events
Announcements: AAAS Forum on S&T Policy, Science Prizes, AAAS Fellows, and other announcements and events
Message to Members
ADVOCATING S&T SUPPORT AND FUNDING
Dear AAAS Member,
As the global community confronts increasingly complex science-related issues including security, energy, and climate, AAAS is speaking loudly and clearly for strong US science and technology policy and increased US research and development funding.
Since 1976, our Science & Policy Programs have evolved into a comprehensive effort to provide objective information to the US Congress and science supporting agencies on current S&T issues, to report to the science community on R&D funding, and to foster public understanding of, and support for, urgent scientific initiatives.
The AAAS S&T in Congress newsletter gives legislators monthly updates on hearings, appropriations, and investigations. The new AAAS S&T Legislation Tracker follows a range of legislative actions in both chambers of Congress for researchers and the public. Our Center for Public Engagement with S&T sponsors events with leading experts on issues such as evolution, climate change and stem cell research and encourages public input.
Each year, S&T Policy Fellowships allow scientists and policy makers to work together to build sound public policy. On 3-4 May, the annual AAAS Forum on S&T Policy will hold the major US public debate on budget and policy issues (see Announcements, below).
We are encouraged by recent positive actions within the 110th Congress, including the 11 April Senate vote on expanding federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Read our letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid supporting the much better of two competing measures. With the help of our members, we will continue to advocate US support and funding for research that will advance science and serve society worldwide.
Sincerely,
Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS
News to Note
Online Extras on Macaque Genome - Interactive Poster and Classroom Guide
The 13 April issue of Science featuring the macaque genome includes free online access to an interactive poster and corresponding teaching materials for grades 9-12. The classroom guide covers phylogenetic context and relationships, the definition of an outgroup, learning through comparative genomics and detecting selection, and why we use model organisms to study humans. Materials include a background brief for teachers, a lesson plan to guide discussion of the online information, and a worksheet for students. Go to the full special online collection >>
Effects of Intellectual Property Protections on the Conduct of Scientific Research
A forthcoming report on the effects of intellectual property protection on the conduct of scientific research is based on a three-year international survey of scientists' experiences conducted by the AAAS Science & Intellectual Property in the Public Interest project. The project's goal is to identify priority areas requiring policy attention or nonpolicy options such as patent pools, nonexclusive licenses, or recognized research exclusions. Read a summary document of the findings from experiences of US scientists, presented during the January symposium, and find out about international property protection in the patenting and licensing of scientific innovation, publishing, and access to scientific databases. Go to the SIPPI website >>
AAAS Joins US School Boards to Explore Education Challenges
The opening phase of a historic effort to improve US science, mathematics, and technology education was presented in a 14 April forum during the National School Boards Association (NSBA) annual meeting in San Francisco, California. The three-year collaboration between AAAS and NSBA, funded by the Kauffman Foundation, began with a survey of Kansas City's area school officials by a nonpartisan research organization to determine needs and concerns in developing policies and public support for a state-of-the-art curriculum. Read how this program will help local school boards throughout the United States improve student achievement and about the comprehensive resources to be released in February 2008. Full story >>
US Graduate Students Make Science Elemental
From Hilo, Hawaii, to Houston, Texas, science and engineering graduate students are working with kindergarten through 12 th -grade teachers and students to stimulate interest in science. More than 500 participants in the NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education Program (GK-12) gathered for a meeting sponsored and organized by AAAS through a National Science Foundation grant in Washington, D.C. from 9 to 11 March. The GK-12 program, which strengthens collaboration between universities and K-12 schools to improve science education and public communication, has engaged more than a half million students since its founding eight years ago. One participant cited the unique challenge of communicating graduate research in environmental science to second graders. Full story >>
Science Update Host Bob Hirshon Interviewed on the Jim Bohannon Show
Bob Hirshon, Executive Producer/Host of AAAS's award-winning Science Update daily radio feature, was interviewed by Jim Bohannon to mark the end of National Science and Engineering Week. Listen to a recording of their conversation, which ranged from bomb sniffing bees to killer asteroids, and check for radio stations nationwide that air Science Update. Listen now >>
Advancing Science, Serving Society
"The Science Inside: Obesity": AAAS Booklet Available for Download
Parents and children alike can learn how to fight obesity in a plain-language booklet written for diverse populations, available for downloading online and through US public libraries. Engaging, science-based health information is written for readers at all levels, with colorful pictures and interesting anecdotes, and without medical jargon. The booklet is the seventh in "The Science Inside" series which covers topics of general health interest and is part of the Healthy People Library Project. To access additional resources, download the booklet, or order hard copies, click here >>
The AAAS Healthy People Library Project is one of many AAAS Education and Human Resources programs. Find out about other initiatives for educators, students, the public, and the work force.
The Security of the US Food Supply: AAAS News Briefing
The efficiency of the US food supply system in bulk production and rapid shipping to multiple locations also creates a very good delivery system for intentional contamination by terrorists, according to leading food production specialists at two US universities. On 13 March, a briefing for journalists organized by the Center for Media and Security and the AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy, cited recent government and private sector reports that designated the food system a high risk area for security. Read about research into detection, keys to better defense, and disaster preparation in the home. Full story >>
The AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy facilitates communication between academic centers, policy institutes, and policy makers to encourage integration of science and public policy for enhanced national and international security. Find out more about the Center's work. Go to the website >>
Atlas of Science Literacy Volume 2 : AAAS Project 2061
This fall, US students must begin to meet new science-testing requirements mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. To assist educators in meeting this challenge, the new volume of Atlas of Science Literacy completes a set of nearly 100 maps that chart science learning pathways for students from kindergarten through 12 th grade. Each map shows how ideas relate to each other within and across topics and grade levels, suggesting how students' learning develops over time. Jointly released by Project 2061 and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Atlas presents a visual display of the goals recommended in Project 2061's groundbreaking Science for All Americans and Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Read about the new topics covered, download sample maps, or order print copies of both Atlas volumes. Full story >>
Launched in 1985, the year that Halley's Comet was last visible from Earth, the long-term project is named for the Comet's return in 2061-- a reminder of the importance of science education to those who are coming of age amidst great scientific and technological change. For more information on contributions to education, go to the website >>
Science Careers
For job listings and career development, see http://www.sciencecareers.org/ .
ScienceCareers.org Builds Skills in the UK
Sound training in the core scientific disciplines is being enhanced by a series of career skills workshops for Ph.D. students and postdocs in the UK. The most recent workshops, held during March and April, included alternate careers in life science; marketing techniques and transferable skills; communicating, publishing, and working with the media; and career paths in diverse sectors outside academia. Read more about the Science/ AAAS commitment to developing careers. Full story >>
Check for future workshops >>
Career Development Workshop, Imperial College London
On 25 April, ScienceCareers.org will hold a full-day training workshop for postdoctoral researchers. The schedule will include sessions about establishing your own research group, working in the pharmaceutical industry, alternative careers, and opportunities to meet prospective employers. Information >>
Event: Research Opportunities in Industry
St. Andrews University, Scotland
On 11 May, ScienceCareers.org's Seema Sharma will be taking part in GRADskills Research Futures 2007 at St. Andrews University, Scotland. The conference is the second of its kind and includes speakers from BBC, Research Councils, and the European Commission. The workshop, aimed at early career stage researchers, will cover rese
arch funding, policies, and careers in industry. Information >>
Careers Feature: Careers in Biotech & Pharma
Science Careers will feature Careers in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals in the 27 April issue of Science and sponsor a special promotion at the 6 May BIO 2007 Career Fair in Boston, Massachusetts. To find out about job opportunities with leading biotech or pharmaceutical companies, go to http://www.sciencecareers.org/ after 27 April and attend the 6 May Career Fair. To place a recruitment ad that will reach thousands of scientists, contact Daryl Anderson at 202-326-6543 or danderso@aaas.org .
AAAS Member Benefit
Paragon Real Estate Resources, Inc.
Paragon offers AAAS members a complete package of real estate, mortgage, and moving services. Find out how to receive real estate rebates, mortgage credits, and a free home warranty. Call 1-888-509-6087 or visit http://www.paragonreri.com/AAAS/ .
Announcements
Register for the Annual AAAS Forum on Science & Technology Policy
On 3-4 May, the AAAS R&D Budget and Policy Program will host a two-day forum in Washington, D.C. Held each spring, the forum is recognized as the major US public meeting on S&T policy. This year's meeting will cover the budgetary and policy context for R&D in 2008 and other issues including building S&T capacity in developing nations. Confirmed speakers include: John H. Marburger, director of the White House Office of S&T Policy; US Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), chairman of the House Committee on S&T; Helga Nowotny, founding member of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council; Sherwood Boehlert, former chairman of the House Committee on Science; and Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen, USN (Ret.), Under Secretary for S&T, US Department of Homeland Security. Space is limited. For detailed information and advanced registration at discounted rates, go to http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/forum.htm .
Submit 2008 Annual Meeting Symposium Proposals: Deadline 2 May
"S&T from a Global Perspective" is the theme of the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting, to be held 14-18 February in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. For a detailed description of the theme, criteria for submitting symposium proposals, and to submit a proposal online, go to the website >>
Call for Nominations for AAAS Fellows: Deadline 11 May
AAAS Fellows are defined as "members whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished." Fellow nominations may be made by the steering groups of AAAS's 24 sectors, any three Fellows who are current members, and the Chief Executive Officer. For information on the review and selection process, the nominating forms, and a list of Fellows elected in 2006, go to the Fellows website . To request a print copy of the nomination form, contact Ellen Carpenter at 202-326-6635 or ecarpent@aaas.org .
Call for Entries, Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge: Deadline 31 May
Illustration, photography, informational graphics, interactive media, and noninteractive media—the art of science began with DaVinci's pen and ink diagrams and continues through the most advanced computer-assisted executions. The objective remains the same: to communicate research results and elucidate scientific phenomena. Researchers and science communicators are invited to meet the challenge in the annual competition created by the National Science Foundation and Science. The winners in five categories will be published in the 28 September issue of Science (one will be featured on the cover) and Science online, and on the NSF website. Information >>
Call for Nominations for the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize: Deadline 30 June
The association's oldest award, the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, supported by Affymetrix, gives $25,000 to the author or authors of an outstanding paper published in the Research Articles or Reports sections of Science. The winner also receives a bronze medal, complimentary registration and reimbursement for reasonable travel and hotel expenses to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting. Information >>
Apply for Two Prizes from Science : Deadlines 15 June and 15 July
Science and its partners, GE and Eppendorf, are offering scientists two opportunities to win prizes worth US$25,000. The Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology is awarded to researchers in neurobiology who hold an advanced degree and are age 35 or younger. Read the full instructions for entries, which must be postmarked by 15 June.
The GE & Science Prize for Young Life Scientists rewards research in molecular biology by outstanding graduate students. Entry deadline is 15 July. Full details >>
Help Advance Science by Supporting Vital AAAS Initiatives
Members and friends can choose from multiple ways to contribute to AAAS's mission to promote science in all forms. Your employer may be one of more than a thousand corporations and organizations offering programs to match charitable contributions made by employees, either in whole or part (check with your human resources department to see if your organization participates). You also may choose to donate through our credit card installment plan. For information on these and other ways of giving, contact the AAAS Development Team at +1 (202) 326-6636 or go to our website. We thank our many supporters who help us meet the ever-changing opportunities for new initiatives.
Waving the Banner to Engage the Public in Science
"Fuel some thought on alternative energy sources" is the message on new street banners in Washington, D.C. which complement the building banners hanging from AAAS headquarters. Passersby are invited to link to a special website ( www.aaas.org/info ) on sustainable development and join the effort to address pressing issues from climate change and deforestation to hunger and disease. AAAS is speaking out about advocacy for science funding with banners at the National Institutes of Health Metro station in Bethesda, Maryland, and promoting science careers with bus shelter posters in the UK.
Meet Up at Upcoming Events
AAAS/ Science will have a booth at the following events. Stop by to pick up your member pin.
Experimental Biology Annual Meeting, 29 April-1 May, Washington, D.C., USA. Information >>
Bio 2007 International Convention, 7-9 May, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Information >>
Bio 2007 Career Fair, 6 May, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Information >>
NIH Postdoc Research Fest, 9-10 May, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Immunology 2007 Annual Meeting, 19-21 May, Miami Beach, Florida, USA. Information>>
HUGO Human Genome Meeting 2007, 21-24 May, Montreal, Canada. Information >>
American Society for Microbiology (ASM) General Meeting, 22-24 May, Toronto, Canada. Information>>
American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Conference, 3-7 June, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Information >>
Additional Meetings of Interest
Frontiers in Genetics International Doctoral Training Program, 1 March-1 May, Geneva, Switzerland (and other cities). Information >>
Janelia Conferences, 1 March-1 June and 23 September-7 November, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA. Information >>
Postdoctoral Research Training at NIH, 15 March-15 May, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Information >>
1st Industrial and Scientific Meeting of the European Project VIZIER, 27 April, Marseille, France. Information >>
Summit on Systems Biology 2007, Integrative Basic, Clinical and Translational Research, 5-7 June, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Information >>
International Society for Stem Cell Research, 17-20 June, Cairns, Australia.
Information >>
Biomechanics, Physiology, and Genetics of Intertidal Communities, course announcement, 18 June-13 July, Pacific Grove, California, USA. Information >>
The Baltic Summer School 2007, 2-21 September, University of Lund, Sweden.
Information >>
Max Delbrueck Center (MD.C.) 2nd Conference, 12-15 September, Berlin, Germany. Information >>
International Mammalian Genome Conference (IMGC) 28 October-1 November, Kyoto, Japan. Information >>
Fourth International Conference Ubiquitin, Ubiquitin-Like Proteins, and Cancer,
7-9 February, 2008, Houston, Texas, USA. Information >>
Find Other Meetings and Events
Search our database of meetings, conferences, career fairs, career workshops, courses, and awards: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/meetings .
More About AAAS
AAAS News & Notes appears in Science in the last issue of each month.
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