Message to Members: Fostering the Future S&T Work Force
AAAS in Action : News to Note
AAAS at Work: Programs at the Forefront
AAAS Science Careers : Events, Tools, Advice
AAAS Announcements: Items of Interest, Events
Read On, Online: Science Sites
This month’s Advances is sponsored by Polyplus-transfection
Polyplus’s INTERFERin TM siRNA transfection reagent achieves over 90% silencing efficiency at 1 nM siRNA in a wide variety of cells with excellent viability. Using low siRNA concentrations avoids unwanted toxic and off-target effects. INTERFERin TM is ready to use and the transfection protocol is simple. It is compatible with serum and antibiotics. For more information, go to INTERFERin TM siRNA transfection reagent page and ask for a trial size.
Message to Members
FOSTERING THE FUTURE S&T WORK FORCE
Dear AAAS Member,
When you begin to instill the magic of science at an early age, the spark can grow into a lifelong commitment to discovery and contribution to society. This is why the AAAS effort to maintain a strong S&T work force starts before preschool and never stops - continuing through postdoc years and careers beyond.
Our far-reaching science education programs build curiosity and enthusiasm. EurekAlert! maintains a special portal that brings intriguing online news and stories to kids and the journalists who write for them. Kinetic City , an innovative interactive after-school program for 8- to12-year-olds, received an award for nontraditional teaching from the Washington Academy of Sciences. Project 2061 is a long-term education reform initiative that established and fosters the use of clear science education objectives for grades K-12, and Science Net Links offers resources and 400 lesson plans for educators. Another AAAS program puts volunteer retired scientists and engineers into public school classrooms. At our Annual Meeting, A Forum for School Science, and Family Science Days are popular events. Each month, Science features an Education Forum . AAAS also coordinates summer research projects, professional networks, internships for students with disabilities, and minority graduate school programs - all part of the educational continuum. You’ll find more about our extensive education initiatives at http://www.aaas.org/programs/education/ .
Our wide-ranging science career programs include the single most comprehensive source of online S&T support in the world, ScienceCareers.org, with an international job search, career development advice, networks, forums, and regional portals. The Center for Careers in S&T helps coordinate this comprehensive set of career services and is a collaboration of AAAS programs that provide information to students, postdoc researchers, and early-career professionals. To use these broad career resources, go to http://www.sciencecareers.org .
Children, students of all ages, teachers, librarians, working professionals, and the public all benefit from our efforts, most of which are freely accessible. We thank our members for their support in advancing knowledge and know-how throughout life.
Sincerely,
Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS
P.S. The large banners on our headquarters building in Washington , D.C. , are engaging the public with questions such as "Why is the sky blue?" and offering answers as well as opportunities to ask more questions at http://www.aaas.org/why/ . Find out why.
AAAS in Action
NEWS TO NOTE
Aiding Vietnam in S&T Development
AAAS, joined by partners in U.S. government and education, is working with high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to promote S&T cooperation between the two countries and to encourage sustainable urban development and improved science education. In May, a delegation met with AAAS to discuss a legal framework for the country’s thriving S&T sector, and in July, AAAS helped organize the Vietnam-U.S. Scientific Forum in Hanoi . Read about the future plans of Vaughan Turekian, chief international officer at AAAS, including scientific exchange workshops: http://www.aaas.org/news/newsandnotes/inside135.shtml .
Urging U.S. Congress to Upgrade S&T Advice Resources
The U.S. House Science Committee provided the forum for testimony by Albert Teich, AAAS Director of Science and Policy Programs, and four other scientists. The experts stressed the need for universities and scientific societies to create more innovative ways to arm legislators with timely, policy-relevant analyses as they confront complex S&T questions concerning stem cell research, climate change, energy resources, and other critical issues. Read the full story: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/0803teich.shtml .
Exploring Science News Careers
Handling frantic schedules, complex story assignments, and last minute edits, science undergrads and Ph.D. candidates explored possible careers in journalism. During a mid-August poster session at AAAS headquarters, interns presented highlights of their 10-week summer positions at news media outlets across the United States . Read more about the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship and Minority Science Writers Internship programs, which help advance the effective communication of science to nontechnical audiences:
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/0830mediafellows.shtml .
Science Senior Writer Cited for Public Service
Richard Kerr recently won the 2006 Geological Society of America Public Service Award for his contributions to public understanding of the earth sciences. Noted for breadth and depth of knowledge, and interesting, novel, and timely reporting, Kerr first joined Science in 1977. Read more about the research chemist turned journalist at
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/0818kerr.shtml .
Book Prize Awarded to STKE Associate Editor
Elizabeth Adler, who joined Science ’s STKE in 2002, won the prestigious 2006 American Medical Writers Association Medical Book Award in the Trade category for Living with Lymphoma: A Patient’s Guide. In 1996, while working as an assistant professor of biology, Dr. Adler was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Read about her unique perspective as a scientist and a survivor, honored for her accuracy and clarity about an emerging medical issue: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/0901adler.shtml .
AAAS at Work
PROGRAMS AT THE FOREFRONT
New DoSER Book: The Evolution Dialogues
Chapter introductions in this new book feature a narrative about the personal dilemma of a fictional college student, and a glossary ranges from "bacteria" to "Biblical infallibility." The Evolution Dialogues: Science, Christianity, and the Quest for Understanding was written with the input of both scientists and theologians for religious educators and others seeking a concise description of the science of evolution and a respectful discussion of cultural and religious responses in the era of battles over school science curricula. Read more about the book, which will be supplemented by a study guide to be available online: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/0809evolution.shtml .
The AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) facilitates communication between the science and religious communities with a public lecture series and other activities. Find out more and order a copy of The Evolution Dialogues at
http://www.aaas.org/spp/dser/ .
Entry Point!: Innovative Interns with Disabilities
One intern is hoping to create an accelerated path to learning, using advanced technology. Another is using computational chemistry in nanoscience research. A dozen young researchers who worked at three NASA locations this summer recently wrapped up their 10-week sessions with a tour of the U.S. Capitol, meetings in their respective congressional representatives’ offices, and a reception at AAAS. Read about the event at
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2006/0814entrypoint.shtml .
The AAAS Entry Point! Program, established in 1996, has placed 369 science, engineering, mathematics, and computer science students with disabilities in public and private settings across the United States . The partner organizations offer competitive stipends, assistive technology, mentorship, and valuable experience in the work force.
Read about the program at http://ehrweb.aaas.org/entrypoint/ .
AAAS Science Careers
EVENTS, TOOLS, ADVICE
For job listings and career development, see http://www.sciencecareers.org/ .
Australia -- Punching Above Its Weight
The 22 September issue of Science includes a special careers feature focusing on Australia ’s position as a major global player in both physical sciences and academic and industrial life science. The article includes an interview with the Honorable Julie Bishop, Minister for Education, Science and Training, and explores Australia ’s national research priorities and opportunities for both investors and scientists. To access this article and read about job opportunities, go to http://www.sciencecareers.org/ after 22 September.
Launch of New Guide, ’Standing Up For Science’
On 19 September, ScienceCareers.org is hosting the launch of this guide-to-the-media for early-career researchers developed by Sense about Science: http://www.senseaboutscience.org . The launch will take place at the Institute of Biology , London , U.K. from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Seema Sharma of ScienceCareers.org will be attending the event.
ELSA -- Excellence in the Life Science Area
On 5 and 6 October, Science and ScienceCareers.org will sponsor a booth at the ELSA conference, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm , Sweden . Stella Hurtley, Senior Editor at the AAAS office in U.K. , will be a panelist in the session "Judging Scientific Excellence in Editorial Offices." Information: http://ki.se/elsa .
’From Patent to Profit: Commercialising Your Research’, 9:00 a.m. , 26 October, EuroBio 2006, Paris , France .
EuroBio is the pan-European bio-conference providing a forum for investors, industry representatives and life sciences professionals. As part of the EuroBio career fair, ScienceCareers.org is hosting an event aimed at budding entrepreneurial researchers. Panelists will proffer their expert advice on business models and securing finance for business ventures in this interactive session. For more information, contact Seema Sharma at ssharma@science-int.co.uk .
Put Your Ph.D. to Work: A Career Symposium for Scientists
27 October, Sheraton Milwaukee-Brookfield, Brookfield , Wisconsin , U.S.A.
Garth Fowler, Ph.D., outreach coordinator for ScienceCareers.org, will provide a plenary lecture at this event co-sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin, the University of Minnesota , and the Mayo Clinic. Topics will include how scientists can improve their interviewing skills and market themselves for jobs outside of academia.
Website for the event: http://www.mcw.edu/display/router.asp?docid=18263
AAAS Announcements
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Science Alerts in Your Inbox
Get the latest news and research from Science as soon as it is published.
Sign up for our e-alert services and you can know when the latest issue of Science or Science Express has been posted, peruse the latest table of contents for Science or Science ’s Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment, and read summaries of the journal’s research, news content, or Editors’ Choice column, all from your e-mail inbox. To start receiving e-mail updates, go to: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/alerts/main .
Attend the 2006 Robert C. Barnard Environmental Lecture
On 18 September, at 4:00 pm , Sir Crispin Tickell, Director, Policy Foresight Programme, James Martin Institute at Oxford University , will speak about the Vulnerable Earth at AAAS headquarters in Washington , D.C. The public lecture, followed by a reception, is held each year during the orientation program for the incoming class of AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows. For details, go to
http://fellowships.aaas.org/08_Events/08_Barnard_Lecture.shtml .
Attend the Abelson Advancing Science Seminar
On 26 October, the day-long 2006 Philip Hauge Abelson Advancing Science Seminar presents "Microbes, Minerals, and the Environment" at AAAS headquarters in Washington , D.C. The seminar, furthering Dr. Abelson’s vision, encourages participants to think about where science is going -- addressing how interactions among microbes, minerals, the environment, and people have shaped the ecology of the earth, and addressing new strategies for harnessing these interactions for bioremediation, climate control, and materials science. For information, contact AAAS Development at (202) 326-6636 or e-mail advancesseminar@aaas.org .
Enter the Student Poster Competition at the AAAS Annual Meeting
During the 2007 AAAS Annual Meeting, 15-19 February in San Francisco , California , students can present their research on new scientific developments. The deadline for submissions is 13 November. For full details, including travel grants and a special discounted meeting registration rate, go to http://www.aaasmeetings.org/student .
Help Elect AAAS Officers
Ballots for the 2006 election of the AAAS president-elect, members of the Board of Directors and Committee on Nominations, and section officers will be mailed later this month to all active members. Ballots must be returned by 27 November. If you do not receive a ballot by the end of October, contact Gretchen Seiler at gseiler@aaas.org .
Designate AAAS in the U.S. Combined Federal Campaign
U.S. government employees can encourage innovation in science and engineering by designating AAAS in the CFC, number 9850, listed among national and international organizations. All contributions go to the AAAS Fund for Excellence, which assists critical initiatives in science and technology. The official solicitation period is 1 September - 15 December. For information, go to http://www.aaas.org/makeagift.shtml or call AAAS Development at +1 (202) 326-6636.
Submit Manuscripts to the Science Education Forum
The showcase for peer-reviewed research, scholarly literature reviews, essays, and other original content on science education and the science of education continues in 2007. For recent Forums, which appear in the last issue of Science each month, go to http://www.sciencemag.org/sciext/educationforum/ . To submit manuscripts, go to http://www.submit2science.org .
Keep Up with Cancer Research
The NCI Cancer Bulletin , a free weekly online newsletter from the National Cancer Institute, provides summaries of recent cancer research, information on clinical trials, and other news from NCI. Go to http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin to view the latest issues and subscribe.
Member Benefit of the Month
AAAS members can now receive a special 15% discount on eight exceptional books for lab scientists and educators from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Publications. Go to http://www.cshlpress.com/affiliates/aaas.htm . Click on "Enter CSHL Store" and browse "Special Offers for Affiliates."
Meet Up at Upcoming Events
Stop by the AAAS booth to pick up your member pin.
56th Annual Meeting of The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) , 10-14 October, New Orleans , Louisiana , U.S.A. Information: http://www.ashg.org/genetics/ashg/menu-annmeet.shtml .
NIH Research Festival and NIH Career Fair , 17-20 October, Bethesda , Maryland , U.S.A. Information: http://researchfestival.nih.gov/ .
Neuroscience 2006 , 15-18 October, Atlanta , Georgia , U.S.A. Information: http://www.sfn.org/am2006/?CFID=3187476&CFTOKEN=42763154 .
NSTA Midwestern Area Conference , 19-21 October, Omaha , Nebraska , U.S.A. Information: http://www.nsta.org/conferencedetail&Meeting_Code=2006OMA .
CSTA’s California Science Education Conference , 19-22 October, San Francisco , California , U.S.A. Information: http://www.cascience.org/conference&events.html .
EuroBio 2006 , 25-27 October, Paris , France . Information: http://www.eurobio2006.com
Additional Meetings of Interest
3rd RNAi Europe Conference , 28-29 September, Prague , Czech Republic . Information: http://www.selectbiosciences.com/conferences/rnaieurope2006/ .
HUPO 5th Annual World Congress , 28 October-1 November, Long Beach , California , U.S.A. The world’s leading scientists involved in proteomics research and initiatives related to human disease will attend "Translating Proteomics from Bench to Bedside," featuring 25 oral sessions and an array of scientific posters. The Congress, recently voted one of the top five most recommended specialized scientific meetings globally, will present a wealth of practical information in meetings of the eight HUPO Initiatives and NIH workshops/panel discussions contributed by NCI, NCRR, NHLBI, NIA, NIDDK, NIDCR, and other funding agencies. For details: http://www.hupo2006.com or call 505-989-HUPO (4876).
Targeting the Kinome , 4-6 December, Basel , Switzerland . Information: http://www.targeting-the-kinome.org .
Eighth Advanced Vaccinology Course , 4-25 May 2007, Annecy , France . Sponsored by Fondation Mérieux and University of Geneva . Information: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/meetings/archive/eighth_advanced_vaccinology_course .
Find Other Meetings and Events
Search our database of meetings, conferences, career fairs, career workshops, courses, and awards: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/meetings .
This month’s Advances is sponsored by Polyplus-transfection
Polyplus’s INTERFERin TM siRNA transfection reagent achieves over 90% silencing efficiency at 1 nM siRNA in a wide variety of cells with excellent viability. Using low siRNA concentrations avoids unwanted toxic and off-target effects. INTERFERin TM is ready to use and the transfection protocol is simple. It is compatible with serum and antibiotics. For more information, go to INTERFERin TM siRNA transfection reagent page and ask for a trial size.
READ ON, ONLINE
AAAS News & Notes appears in Science in the last issue of each month. Or access http://www.aaas.org/ or http://www.scienceonline.org/ .