In this issue:

Message to Members: Advancing Global Standards for Research Integrity

News to Note: Shifting R&D Priorities, First Private University in North Korea, Nuclear Disarmament, Climate Change Polls, Alcohol Use Among Girls, National Education Science Standards, Vannevar Bush Award Winner, Templeton Prize Winner, Graduate Students/K-12 Program, Diversity in Science Education

Science Careers: Upcoming Events

Announcements: In Memoriam: Constance "Tancy" Holden,AAAS at White House Easter Egg Roll, 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting Symposium Proposal Deadline, Upcoming AAAS Annual Forum on S&T Policy, High School Science Teacher Award Nomination Deadline, Eppendorf & Science Prize Application Deadline, 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity, GE & Science Prize Application Deadline, AAAS Regional Division Meetings, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops, Funding through GrantsNet, AAAS President's Circle

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Message to Members

Advancing Global Norms for Research Integrity

Dear Colleagues,

As our chief international officer Vaughan Turekian and I pointed out in a recent editorial in Science, working as a global community to address major societal issues, such as climate and energy, requires internationally consistent norms and values for research integrity and transparency -- standards that also are vital in building public trust in, and support for, science.

AAAS is a leader in the effort to advance global collaborations while also promoting scientific responsibility. For example, we are exploring joint projects with the China Association for Science & Technology to develop common research standards and practices and create education programs in science ethics. In July, AAAS will co-sponsor the 2^nd World Conference on Research Integrity in Singapore, an opportunity for the global community to consider international norms and standards of behavior in research. We are working with the US Office of Research Integrity (ORI) and the National Science Foundation to develop strategies for improving graduate and postdoctoral education initiatives on research integrity and, with ORI, we are involved in planning a November conference on the Quest for Research Excellence. Plans are already under way for a workshop on good scientific practices and research integrity during our 2011 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Through our Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law Program, AAAS works to foster best practices and high ethical standards for scientists and engineers. The Program collaborates with other scientific and engineering societies, research institutions, and government to develop and share materials that help scientists fulfill their most basic responsibility -- to maintain the quality and integrity of the scientific record. At a time when there is mounting demand for accountability on the part of all professionals, AAAS is at the forefront of efforts to help scientists and engineers perform their work consistent with the highest ethical standards.

We will continue our leadership in fostering sound, evidence-based scientific research in areas of societal concern, with the integrity that earns the public's trust. Thank you for your support as a member of AAAS.

Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS


P.S. You are invited to submit symposium proposals for the 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, "Science Without Borders." Deadline April 27.

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News to Note

AAAS Details Shifting R&D Priorities in 2011 US Budget Proposal
Patrick Clemins, director of the AAAS R&D Budget and Policy Program, reported that President Barack Obama's 2011 budget proposal shows a slight decline in federal R&D from 2010 levels while also seeking to renew the historic federal role in the cutting-edge research that drives innovation and economic growth. During the briefing on Capitol Hill, Clemins detailed significant new investment in research on cancer and autism; science education and work force development; elements of a new US manufacturing strategy; and R&D in energy, defense, computing, and space science -- with funding drawn away from long-time R&D priorities such as defense and homeland security. Read more and access the slide presentation from the briefing.

AAAS Warns about Increasing Alcohol Use Among Girls
The AAAS Science Inside Alcohol Project suggests that parents, teachers, and caregivers can help girls delay drinking by discussing scientific research that shows girls may be more vulnerable to alcohol-related problems than boys. The number of teens using alcohol is rising and girls are drinking at younger ages and more often. Read more and access the project's Facebook page for science-based information on why girls become intoxicated faster than boys, have greater difficulty metabolizing alcohol, and have higher risk for alcohol-poisoning. The book, "Delaying that First Drink: A Parents' Guide," will be published soon.

AAAS Officials Urge Inclusion of Science in National Education Standards
In a commentary published in Virginia's Richmond Times Dispatch, AAAS CEO Alan Leshner and AAAS director of Education and Human Resources Shirley Malcom urged that state-proposed uniform standards in English and math for all students in American public schools also include science. The two wrote that national standards for science would allow students to acquire the skills they need to compete in tomorrow's tech-driven labor force. "US 15-year-olds ranked 21st among students in 30 developed nations in science on the latest Programme for International Student Assessment," they noted. Read more, access the commentary, and find out about the proposed standards.

AAAS/Royal Society Present Briefing Paper on Nuclear Disarmament
A briefing paper prepared jointly by AAAS and the United Kingdom's Royal Society suggests ground rules and procedures to facilitate international cooperation in setting the scientific requirements for a monitoring and verification system for arms control. The paper, released in London during a March panel discussion, recommends cooperative research on managing the civilian nuclear fuel cycle, improving physical security of nuclear facilities and materials, verifying any further negotiated halt in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials, and detecting clandestine enrichment facilities. Read more and access the briefing paper.

Polling Expert Questions Climate Change Backlash
During a Capitol Hill briefing co-sponsored by AAAS, Jon A. Krosnick, a Stanford University professor and leading specialist on survey research, reported that some recent polls and media reports citing sharp decline in public belief that global warming is real mischaracterize the opinions of Americans. Krosnick's independent survey showed only a slight drop in belief late last year, from 80 percent to 75 percent -- caused by recognition that the earth's average temperature was cooler in 2008, rather than questions about the credibility of the research effort on climate change. In addition, the perception of people who trust scientists decreased only slightly, from 72 percent in 2006 to 70 percent in late 2009. Read more.

Science Editor-in-Chief Wins Vannevar Bush Award
Bruce Alberts, internationally prominent biochemist, US science envoy, and Science editor, has been selected by the National Science Foundation's National Science Board to receive the prestigious award for public service in science and technology. Alberts is being recognized for his exceptional lifetime leadership and dedication to the creativity, openness, and tolerance that define science; to science education and capacity building; and to improving the human condition. The award is given in memory of Vannevar Bush, who served as science adviser to President Franklin Roosevelt during WWII and helped establish federal funding for science and engineering as a national priority during peacetime. Read more.

Former AAAS President Wins Templeton Prize
Francisco J. Ayala, an evolutionary geneticist who served as president of AAAS in 1995 and chairman of the board in 1996, is the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Templeton Prize. Ayala was cited for "an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works." The former Dominican priest and current Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine states that science and religion cannot be in contradiction because they "concern different matters, and each is essential to human understanding." Read more.

NSF/AAAS Program Helps Grad Students Learn from Grade-Schoolers
Graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and math who pair with kindergarten through 12th grade teachers gain essential communications skills while showing students research techniques in an innovative National Science Foundation program administered by AAAS. For example, routine math lessons may involve bugs in candy and birds colliding with planes, as a doctoral student in theoretical biophysics enlivens the class with real life research applications. Since 1999, the Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education program has funded 200 projects in 140 universities, involving more than 7,000 grad students, nearly 11,000 teachers, and more than half-a million students. Read more about the program's recent annual meeting.

AAAS Capitol Hill Testimony Covers Obstacles to Diversity in Science Education
Shirley Malcom, director of AAAS Education and Human Resources, warned that, despite modest gains over the past decade, underrepresented minorities still face significant barriers. Malcom called on lawmakers to expand federal initiatives to increase participation in science, technology, engineering, and math education for women and persons with disabilities, as well as underrepresented minorities, in order to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers that will drive US innovation. Malcom also called for higher standards, more rigorous courses, and better teaching in K-12 curricula to improve preparation for college and university science. Read more, access submitted testimony, and listen to an archived audio from the hearing.

Entrepreneur/Educator Builds First Private University in North Korea
During a presentation at AAAS, James Kim, founder and president of Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, described the completion of his decades-long dream: the first university of its kind in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The American businessman, who was born in South Korea, said the free university will emphasize information and communications technology; management and business administration; and agricultural, food, and life sciences. Kim and his backers see the school as a bridge between North and South and a step toward reconciliation, saying "Without education, you cannot change…you cannot develop." Read more.

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Science Careers

Science Careers, published by AAAS, offers many resources to help you 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, you'll find helpful tools on the site - all for free. Thousands of searchable jobs from academia, industry, and government are available as well as Job Alert e-mails, Career Advice, a Resume/CV Database, webinars, and more. Visit ScienceCareers.org today.

Check out the latest resources from Science Careers:

Webinar - Networking: Building Solid Career Connections
Looking to use networking to improve your career? Join us for a roundtable discussion that will look at how to improve your professional relationships through networking. Get some nuts and bolts advice on how to build and strengthen relationships whether you're job searching, hoping to find collaborators or just building more connections with other scientists. Available to view on demand.

Booklet - Building Relationships: Mentoring, Collaborating, and Networking
Relationships with colleagues will be important throughout your scientific career. Building and sustaining these relationships is the focus of the latest booklet from Science Careers. Learn more about relationships with your advisers, mentors, collaborators, and the rest of your network. This booklet can help you use communication skills, collaborating, informational interviews, and online social networking sites to guide you through your career. Line your career path with the tools to succeed. Download today.

Upcoming Events

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Announcements

In Memoriam: Constance "Tancy" Holden
AAAS staff expressed shock and deep sadness at the tragic loss of the gifted science journalist and artist, Constance "Tancy" Holden, who died 12 April in a bicycle accident. Holden had joined the staff of Science magazine in 1970. She was an award-winning reporter, highly regarded for her comprehensive coverage of the biological and genetic bases for human behavior. In addition to writing news features for four decades about social science, and particularly psychology, she had long edited the journal's weekly "Random Samples" page, a compendium of newsworthy scientific developments. Holden was a highly accomplished artist whose oil paintings hve regularly appeared on the walls of AAAS.  Holden "was held in very high esteem and with great affection by both those people with whom she worked and our readers. This is a terrible loss both personally and professionally for so many on our staff who knew her well," said Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer of AAAS and executive publisher of Science. More details.

AAAS Exhibit Gives Science a Role at White House Easter Egg Roll
With the theme "The Science of Spring," AAAS arranged hands-on science activities, such as viewing seeds and plant materials under a microscope, to help children ages 6 to 12 learn about concepts in biology, horticulture, botany, and food science. For the second year, AAAS presented science-in-action at the traditional Easter Monday event. Read more and access photos.

Submit a Symposium Proposal: Deadline 27 April
2011 AAAS Annual Meeting: Science Without Borders
Next year's AAAS Annual Meeting, one of the most widely recognized international interdisciplinary scientific events, will be held in Washington, D.C., from 17 to 21 February. Thousands of leading scientists, engineers, educators, and policy makers will interact with one another and hundreds of members of the national and international media. Visit our website for theme statement and proposal submission guidelines and deadlines.

Register for the Annual AAAS Forum on S&T Policy, 13-14 May
The AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy is the conference for people interested in public policy issues facing the science, engineering, and higher education communities. Since 1976, the Forum has presented the foremost opportunity to learn what is happening and what is likely to happen in the coming year on the federal budget and the growing number of policy issues that affect researchers and their institutions. Find out about the future of S&T policy and meet the people who will shape it. Confirmed speakers include Presidential Science Advisor John Holdren; UC-Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi; Director of AAAS's R&D Budget and Policy Program Patrick Clemins; and Director of Arizona State University's Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes Daniel Sarewitz. Go to www.aaas.org/forum to view up-to-date program information.

Nominate an Innovative High School Science Teacher: Deadline 21 May
Calling all US high school science department chairs and administrators: you are invited to nominate teachers for the 2010 AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize for High School Teachers. The $1,000 prize honors a high school science teacher who has advanced science education by developing and implementing an effective strategy, activity, or program. For more information, contact lmatlock@aaas.org.
Access prize details, nomination forms, and application forms.

Apply for the Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology: Deadline 15 June
The annual international research prize awards US$25,000 to a young scientist 35 years of age or younger for outstanding contributions in neurobiology research based on methods of molecular and cell biology. Access information and entry forms.

Attend the 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity: 21-24 July, Singapore
Should research integrity be grounded in shared global principles? Join colleagues from around the world in Singapore, 21-24 July, to explore answers to this question and become part of a global approach to the responsible conduct of research. The conference is co-sponsored by AAAS. Access information and register online.

Apply for the GE & Science Prize: Deadline 1 August
The GE & Science Prize for Young Life Scientists recognizes and rewards outstanding Ph.D. graduate students from around the world for their work within the field of molecular biology. Access information and entry forms to apply for the $25,000 prize.

Attend a AAAS Regional Division Meeting
Four regional divisions of AAAS carry out the objectives of the association in their respective territories, focusing on science-related matters of local concern. Two divisions report upcoming meetings.

Sign Up for 2010 Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops
As US officials consider new education standards in mathematics and English, a long-term AAAS science literacy initiative continues its efforts to encourage a standards-based approach to science education and to set specific learning goals for K-12 students. The workshops, designed for science teachers, curriculum specialists, and other educators and researchers, demonstrate how participants can use the conceptual strand maps in Atlas 1 and Atlas 2, along with other Project 2061 resources, to take a benchmarks-based learning approach to science, mathematics, and technology. The goal of the workshops is to prepare educators to foster their students' science literacy -- enabling individuals to use science to make well-informed decisions in areas related to science and technology that are relevant in their daily lives, such as personal health and the use of energy resources. Read more and register to attend one of the workshops listed below.

Apply for Thousands of Grants, Millions in Funding through GrantsNet
GrantsNet is your one-stop resource to find funds for research and training in the sciences. GrantsNet's database has some 2,500+ funding programs from government, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations. This resource offers the most comprehensive database of funding opportunities for research scientists and administrators, undergraduate and graduate students, career counselors, and financial aid specialists. www.GrantsNet.org

Join the AAAS President's Circle
AAAS's undertaking to advance science in the service of society is an enormous one, especially now as we are increasingly called upon by the administration and Congress, the science community, and the public to speak up for science on a host of global issues. You can help to ensure that the voice of science -- your voice -- is heard by becoming a part of the President's Circle today with a philanthropic contribution of $500 or more. You will receive updates about our activities and invitations to AAAS events. You will also be invited to participate in a Live 2010 Webinar to be hosted later this year. Visit us online at www.tinyurl.com/dye8kn or call +1 (202) 326-6636 for more information.

 

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