In this issue:

Message to Members: Advancing S&T Policy and R&D Funding

News to Note: Reports from the AAAS Forum on S&T Policy, 2010 R&D Budget, Test Ban Treaty Briefing, Chemical Safety Protocols, Minority Scientist Ph.D.s, Use of Science Diplomacy, Grad Students Assist K-12 Classrooms, Science Named a Top Journal of the Last Century

Advancing Science, Serving Society: US-China S&T Cooperation

Science Careers: Free Resources and Upcoming Events

Announcements: Personalized Medicine Colloquium, Science at Special Gift Rates, New Webinar, AAAS Awards Deadlines, NSF Federal Stimulus Study Grants, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops, Darwin Celebration in Cambridge UK

Message to Members

Advancing S&T Policy and R&D Funding

Dear AAAS Member,

Innovation and emerging technologies, the global economy, climate, energy, health -- sound science policy and strong science funding are increasingly critical to human welfare worldwide.

AAAS has a long track record of focusing the attention of the science community and the public on urgent science-related policy issues while also promoting increased federal funding of research and development. AAAS Science and Policy Programs sponsor briefings for US congressional staff and support over 150 S&T Policy Fellows who work in US congressional offices and federal agencies. The recent annual AAAS Forum on Science & Technology Policy, the major US public meeting on S&T issues, drew a record attendance of 600 leaders from US and foreign governments, businesses, research centers, and universities. Presidential Science Advisor John P. Holdren delivered the keynote address. Other speakers included US Energy Secretary Steven Chu, US Representatives Bart Gordon and Brian Baird, MIT President Susan Hockfield, and Canadian Minister of State (S&T) Gary Goodyear (see News from the Forum, below).

AAAS analyzes and tracks US federal budget proposals through its R&D Budget Program and issues a weekly AAAS Policy Alert. On 7 May, the proposed 2010 R&D budget was presented during a briefing at AAAS (see News, below). The AAAS Report XXXIV: R&D FY 2010, the annual in-depth analysis prepared by AAAS and affiliated associations, will be released soon.

Other science policy initiatives include fostering human rights and scientific freedom and responsibility; seminars, lectures, and public meetings on S&T issues; and workshops that bring scientific and religious communities together.

For complete information on AAAS Science and Policy Programs, go to http://www.aaas.org/spp. We thank our members for supporting this crucial component of our mission to advance science and serve society.


Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS


P.S. For updates on the US President's budget as programmatic details are released, go to the AAAS R&D in the 2010 Budget site at http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/fy10.html.

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News to Note

White House 2010 R&D Budget Released
Presidential Science Advisor John P. Holdren briefed the news media and other stakeholders on the proposed federal budget for the 2010 fiscal year in the AAAS auditorium on 7 May. In real terms, Holdren said, the enacted 2009 budget and the proposed 2010 budget are among the two largest R&D investments in US history. The proposed $147.6 billion for R&D represents "a real-dollar turnaround in federal research investments across the spectrum of the sciences and engineering," according to the fact sheet from OSTP, which organized the budget briefing. The budget also emphasizes support for researchers at the beginning of their careers. Read about funding for specific federal agencies and listen to an audio of the briefing.

Briefing Urges Reevaluation of Test Ban Treaty
Speaking to reporters at an April briefing co-sponsored by AAAS, two top proliferation experts called on US lawmakers to reevaluate the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as a means to control nuclear proliferation. The experts said that technological innovations have increased the ability for governments to verify that other nations are not testing weapons--a sticking point for the US Senate which failed to ratify the treaty 10 years ago. Read about advances in the four main technologies used to detect testing from the final system's 337 monitoring stations.

A Call for Updated Chemical Safety Protocols
In the second of three seminars at AAAS on contemporary issues in science, technology, and policy, environmental historian Sarah Vogel, an expert on the political, economic, and scientific history of bisphenol A (BPA), stressed the need for updated protocols in the use of the chemical in baby bottles and other products. Vogel stated that the protocols for determining whether a substance is safe have remained static despite accumulating evidence of potential hazards. The current standards were developed in the late 1970s from a single, high-dose study conducted on adult rats. During the past decade, studies have suggested that hormone-mimicking chemicals can have effects on developing animals even at very low exposure levels. Read more.

AAAS Study Shows "Dramatic" Increase in Ph.D.s Awarded to Minority Scientists
A new report released by AAAS shows that efforts during the past decade to recruit and support underrepresented minority participation in science and engineering have been successful. From 2001 through 2008, the annual number of Ph.D.s in science and technical fields increased 33.9 percent at 66 universities participating in the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), a program funded by the National Science Foundation. While the number of Ph.D.s across all US citizens and permanent residents increased, the percentage increase for underrepresented minorities was dramatically higher. Read more and access the full study report.

AAAS Urges Expansion in Science Diplomacy
AAAS Chief International Officer Vaughan Turekian urged the expansion of science diplomacy in foreign relations, recommending the appointment of a senior-level ambassador for S&T cooperation in the US State Department. The 6 May commentary published by Foreign Policy offers a strategic outline for the role of scientific cooperation in building improved relationships around the world. In related news, AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner joined Turekian in a letter thanking US Senator Richard Lugar for his work to establish a corps of "science envoys" to build ties with colleagues overseas. Read the full commentary and letter.

Graduate Students Hone Communication Skills in K-12 Classrooms
From geological scientists to mechanical engineers, grad students are bringing their research principles to classrooms while gaining experience in communicating science and engineering to nonscientists. The Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education Program funded by the National Science Foundation, in which AAAS collaborates, prepares professionals for engagement with their communities, the ability to bring science and engineering issues to the public, and the communications skills to function well in a global economy. The program held its 10th annual conference in Washington, D.C. this spring. More than 5,000 graduate students from 146 participating universities have paired with some 10,000 teachers to become young scientist role models for about 700,000 K-12 students. Read more.

Science Named a Top Journal of the Past Century
The top 100 journals that have led the way in biology and medicine over the last century have been cited by the Biomedical and Life Sciences Division of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). An international panel of nine subject-expert librarians screened thousands of journals, selecting more than 500 for inclusion in a poll of SLA members. The SLA division director cited Science as consistently publishing significant advances in all three of the division's main interest groups: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Natural History including Human Evolution and Paleontology, and Clinical Investigation. The top 10 journals, as well as the "journal of the century," will be announced in June. Access the full list of the top 100 journals.

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Advancing Science, Serving Society

AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy

US-China S&T Cooperation at 30: Looking Forward
The landmark China-US agreement on cooperation on S&T signed in January 1979 provided the springboard for a mid-April public panel discussion at AAAS, headed by Chinese and US science diplomacy leaders. The panel called for expanded joint research efforts between the two nations on grand global challenges in energy, climate, health, and the economy. The experts also cited security, dual-use policies, intellectual property rights, and the US visa system as issues that must be worked out by the two countries. AAAS's long history of working to deepen engagement between US and Chinese scientists and engineers began with an initial visit in 1978. Recent initiatives include joint publishing projects, a Beijing bureau opened by Science, and a Chinese language portal on EurekAlert!, the AAAS global news service. Read more.

The AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy was established to promote and support the role of science and scientists as bridge builders in broader diplomatic relations between and among countries, and to raise the profile of science diplomacy in both the foreign policy and scientific communities. Learn more about the AAAS Center.

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Science Careers

AAAS’s online career job and advice site, Science Careers, has a new look and new features that make it easier to advance your career, whether you’re seeking a new job, advice on career advancement in your chosen field, or ways to stay current on industry trends. Some of the features you’ll find on the newly redesigned site include:

- Enhanced job searching
- Relevant job e-mail alerts
- Improved resume/CV uploading
- Search by geography
- Multimedia section

Visit ScienceCareers.org today. Your future awaits.


Career Options Outside the Lab: Two Helpful Free Resources
Webinar - Nontraditional Careers: Opportunities Away From the Bench
Download a recent roundtable discussion focused on career options open to scientists across different sectors and the strategies you can use to find a nonresearch career. This webinar is now available using our OnDemand feature. 

Career Trends Booklet - Careers Away From the Bench
From technology specialists to patent attorneys to policy advisers, you can learn more about the sorts of careers that scientists can pursue and the skills you will need to develop in order to succeed in nonresearch careers. 


Upcoming Events

Work/Life Balance: Finding What Works for You
Tuesday, 19 May, NIH Career Symposium, Bethesda, Maryland
Event Information

Science Careers at Rensselaer Alumni Association, Hartford Chapter Career Night
Thursday, 28 May, Hartford, Connecticut
Event Information

Planning Your Next Steps: Choosing a Career Path and Looking for a Job
Thursday, 4 June, Fred Hutchinson Postdoc Association, Seattle, Washington
The workshop will combine two important topics: career opportunities for Ph.D.-level scientists beyond academic or industrial bench research and creative job searching. Come to this workshop to consider what your own career path in these so-called "nontraditional" areas might look like. We'll discuss the types of alternative careers available, how to parlay your current skills and values into a new area, ways to research career options, and how to develop the skills you might need. We'll also talk about the importance of networking, how to market yourself properly, and other ways to get a leg up on the competition when applying for nonacademic jobs.
Event Information 

Careers in Chemistry Seminar: Careers Away From the Bench
Thursday, 4 June, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Event Information 

Creative Job Searches
Friday, 5 June, University of Washington, Center for Workforce Development,
Seattle, Washington
Event Information

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Announcements

Personalized Medicine-Planning for the Future, 1-2 June
AAAS and the Food and Drug Law Institute are convening the first of three free public colloquia on personalized medicine on 1-2 June at AAAS headquarters in Washington, D.C. The colloquia will address scientific discoveries, business models, and regulatory changes-- as well as electronic health records, reimbursement, education, and ethical, legal, and policy issues. Registration and information.

Give Science at Special Rates; Receive a Darwin T-Shirt for Free
Moms, dads, grads, friends, and colleagues will welcome a one-year (51 issues) subscription to Science and all the benefits of AAAS membership. And you will be celebrating Darwin's 200th birthday in our "Viva La Evolución" t-shirt. Special gift subscription rates: Professional-US$99. Postdoc/Resident/Student-US$50.
Give Science within the United States.
Give Science Digital outside the United States.

Latest Science /AAAS Webinar:
Target Enrichment Strategies for DNA Sequencing
Wednesday 10 June at 12 noon Eastern Time (9 am Pacific, 4 pm GMT) Next-generation technologies have revolutionized the way genomes are sequenced, but possess a fundamental weakness--the inability to easily target specific regions of a genome. Various methodologies for performing DNA target enrichment are now being developed and commercialized. Join the discussion of strategies and methodologies for DNA target enrichment with our panel of distinguished thought leaders in a live video webinar. Ask your questions live.
Register today: www.sciencemag.org/webinar
Produced by the Science/AAAS Business Office and sponsored by Agilent Technologies.


Nomination and Application Deadlines for 2009 AAAS Awards

AAAS Science Teaching Leadership Prize: 22 May
US high school science department chairs and administrators are urged to nominate qualified science teachers to receive the 2009 AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize for High School Science Teachers, established through generous support from AAAS member Edith D. Neimark. This award recognizes a high school science teacher who has contributed significantly to the AAAS goal of advancing science education by developing and implementing an innovative and demonstrably effective strategy, activity, or program. Access the nomination and application forms. For more information, contact Lester Matlock at lmatlock@aaas.org.

Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology: 15 June
The US$25,000 prize is awarded to outstanding researchers in neurobiology who hold advanced degrees and are age 35 or younger. Entries must be postmarked by 15 June. Access information and entry forms.

AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize: 30 June
The AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, supported by Affymetrix, acknowledges an outstanding paper published in the Research Articles or Reports sections of Science. For more information contact Sylvia Kihara at (202) 326-6507, e-mail skihara@aaas.org.

AAAS Mentor Awards: 31 July
The AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award and the AAAS Mentor Award honor individuals who, during their careers, demonstrate extraordinary leadership to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the science and engineering Ph.D. work force. These groups include: women of all racial or ethnic groups; African American, Native American, and Hispanic men; and people with disabilities. For more information, contact Jessica Kunkler at (202) 326-6671, e-mail jkunkler@aaas.org.

GE & Science Prize for Young Life Scientists: 1 August
The US$25,000 prize is open to outstanding recent molecular biology Ph.D./M.D. degree recipients from all regions of the world. Entries must be postmarked by 1 August. Access eligibility rules, entry procedures, and forms.

AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards: 1 August
The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards, endowed by The Kavli Foundation, represent the ultimate achievement in the field of science reporting. Prizes are awarded in eight categories: large and small newspapers, magazines, television spot news/feature reporting, television in-depth reporting, radio, online media outlets, and children's science news. More information.

AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science & Technology: 15 August
The AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology recognizes working scientists and engineers who make outstanding contributions to the "popularization of science." For more information contact Stacey Pasco at (202) 326-6645, e-mail spasco@aaas.org.

AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award: 1 September
The AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award honors a public servant for sustained exceptional contributions to advancing science or a scientist or engineer for a distinguished career of both scientific achievement and other notable services to the scientific community. More information.

AAAS Award for International Scientific Cooperation: 1 September
The AAAS Award for International Scientific Cooperation honors an individual or group for making extraordinary contributions to further international cooperation in science and engineering. For more information contact Linda Stroud at (202) 326-6659, e-mail lstroud@aaas.org.

AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility: 1 September
The AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility honors scientists, engineers, and their organizations whose exemplary actions, sometimes taken at significant personal cost, have served to foster scientific freedom and responsibility. For more information contact Deborah Runkle at (202) 326-6794, e-mail drunkle@aaas.org.

AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books: 1 September
The AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books, sponsored by Subaru, celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. For more information contact Heather Malcomson at (202) 326-6646, e-mail hmalcoms@aaas.org.

NSF Program Invites Studies of Federal Stimulus Funding Impacts
In anticipation of questions about the impacts of federal economic stimulus funding, the National Science Foundation's Science of Science & Innovation Policy (SciSIP) Program announced recently that it "will take advantage of NSF's Rapid Response Research (RAPID) funding mechanism to accept short (2-5 pages) RAPID proposals that attempt to answer many of the outcome questions that will be asked about the impact of the stimulus package as well as to advance the scientific understanding of science policy." Prospective applicants should contact SciSIP program director Julia Lane (jlane@nsf.gov) for assistance and advice prior to proposal submission, which can be made electronically at any time.

Congratulations to Science Signaling Author Naoki Sawada
AAAS congratulates Science Signaling author Naoki Sawada for winning a 2009 American College of Cardiology Young Investigator Award for his research exploring new approaches to limiting brain injury in stroke and related conditions by enhancing production of neuroprotective substances by the cells that line brain blood vessels. More information.

Sign Up for 2009 Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops
Project 2061 continues a popular workshop for K-12 educators and adds an innovative new workshop for informal science education.
"Using Atlas of Science Literacy"
Designed for K-12 science teachers, curriculum specialists, and other educators and researchers, these workshops demonstrate how participants can use the conceptual strand maps in Atlas 1 and Atlas 2, along with other Project 2061 resources, to enhance their own understanding of science literacy and take a benchmarks-based approach to helping all students achieve literacy in science, mathematics, and technology. Atlas of Science Literacy is co-published by AAAS and NSTA.
Madison, Wisconsin 22-24 June
Durham, North Carolina 14-16 September
Washington, D.C. 19-21 October
Scholarships and Early Bird rates are available, but registration is limited. For more details and a registration form, go to our workshop information page and check the Project 2061 website for up-to-date information. If your institution would like to co-host a workshop, visit the website for details. To receive our free e-newsletter and automatic updates on workshops and other Project 2061 news, sign up here.

Join the AAAS President's Circle
The coming years represent a unique opportunity for science and the nation. To stay at the forefront of these opportunities, AAAS needs increased individual support. With philanthropic contributions totaling $500 or more, you will be recognized as part of the AAAS President's Circle and will join a select group that receives periodic briefings on key issues. Please visit us online or call +1 (202) 326-6636 for more information.

Come to Cambridge, UK, This Summer and Celebrate Darwin's 200th Birthday
Science and AAAS are proud to be a major sponsor of the Darwin 2009 Festival taking place in Cambridge, UK, 5-9 July. The festival celebrates both the bicentenary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. The five morning sessions will consider in broad terms Darwin's impact, health and society, human nature and belief, modern science, and the future. Bookings for full or part days are filling fast. Tickets for evening events are also now available. Purchase tickets via the festival website.

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As we stand in the midst of the most difficult economic situation in decades, we know that science--and the innovation it inspires--will be the key to renewed momentum. But we need your help. Visit us online to make a gift, or call +1 (202) 326-6636.