In this issue:

Message to Members: Report from the AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy

News to Note: News from the Forum, Delegation Visits Myanmar, Data Reaffirms Global Climate Change, Risk of Nuclear Terror, Probe of Climate Scientist, Congressional Visits Day, Communicating Climate Change, America COMPETES Act, Earth Day Expo, Resources for Skin Health Education, Art of S&T Exhibit

Science Careers: Join LinkedIn; Upcoming Events

Announcements: 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, Science and Human Rights Coalition Meeting, Science Video Contest for K-12 Students, Summer Leadership Institute Meeting, World Conference on Research Integrity, Mentor Awards Nominations, Regional Division Meetings, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops, AAAS Receives Grant for International Engagement, AAAS President's Circle

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Message to Members

Report from the AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy

Dear Colleagues,

International scientific engagement, US competitiveness, energy and climate change, global health, and the budget outlook for science research and development (R&D) were among the topics discussed during the 35th annual AAAS Forum on S&T Policy. More than 500 US and foreign leaders from government, education, and business attended the nation's premier S&T policy conference, held 13-14 May in Washington, D.C.

Speakers included John P. Holdren, President Obama's Science Adviser, who gave a keynote address summarizing Obama's science and technology initiatives from the past year and emphasizing how central energy and climate are to US science policy; Patrick Gallagher, Director of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), who addressed the need to promote the manufacturing sector to drive innovation; and Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant US Secretary of State, who discussed the role of science diplomacy in advancing global health. US Representative Vernon J. Ehlers delivered the William D. Carey Lecture, open and free to the public, urging scientists and engineers to join the political process. (See News from the AAAS Forum, below.)

The annual Forum is an initiative of the AAAS Research and Development Budget and Policy Program, which released the 283-page comprehensive analysis, AAAS Report XXXV: Research and Development FY 2011, during the meeting. Established in 1976, the program provides independent, continually updated coverage and analysis of R&D funding trends and budget legislation as a service to the science, engineering, and policy-making communities. You'll find more information about this and other AAAS Science and Policy Programs at http://www.aaas.org/spp.

Thank you for your membership support of our initiatives to advance high quality science policy and increased federal funding for research so critical in meeting global challenges.

Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS

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News to Note

News from the AAAS Forum on S&T Policy
To see presentations and listen to podcasts from the Forum, go to http://www.aaas.org/news/press_room/forum.

AAAS-Led Delegation Visits Myanmar S&T Leaders
Nobel laureate Peter Agre, chairman of the AAAS Board of Directors, led a six-member delegation to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, for three days of meetings with high level ministers. The meetings included the Ministry of Science and Technology, which is installing "bio-digesters" that capture methane from organic waste for conversion to electricity; the Health Ministry's efforts to control malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases; and the Forestry Ministry, which is working in 40 conservation areas. The trip was seen as an important first step in connecting the scientific community with American counterparts through science diplomacy. Read more.

Panel Offers Data to Reaffirm Global Climate Change
A panel of distinguished scientists reviewed a broad range of data and research that affirms a clear human link to global climate disruptions during a Capitol Hill briefing organized by AAAS and sponsored by 13 mainstream American science organizations. Noting that climate change science has been subject to an array of attacks in recent months, the panel also said that skepticism is an integral part of the process of science—but without specifics, alternate hypotheses, and facts, skepticism is worthless and does not advance the science. The panel deconstructed arguments commonly offered by skeptics, saying if they want their work to have impact, they must ensure the science is transparent and nonpartisan by conducting research, writing papers, and submitting their work for peer review. Read more and view PowerPoint presentations from the briefing.

Capitol Hill Briefing Addresses the Risk of Nuclear Terror
A Harvard University specialist in nuclear security said that, despite solid gains, the world is not yet on track to secure nuclear materials within four years, as advocated by the Obama administration. Matthew Bunn told the AAAS-organized briefing that "nuclear terrorism is a real threat" that must be addressed at the highest levels of government in the United States and other nations. Bunn warned that there is reasonably credible information that al-Qaida operatives are interested in acquiring nuclear materials, and added that usable materials are kept in hundreds of buildings and bunkers in dozens of countries. Read more about ideas for a broad approach to nuclear security.

AAAS Board of Directors Questions Probe of Climate Scientist
Calling the investigation of climate researcher Michael Mann "an apparently political action," the AAAS Board has asked Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli to either justify his probe or end it. Cuccinelli has requested detailed information from the University of Virginia on five grants for climate change research while Mann was on the faculty from 1999 to 2005, saying he is investigating whether Mann defrauded taxpayers. The AAAS Board acknowledged the responsibility of state and federal officials to oversee the proper use of grant funds, but said the request "goes far beyond what is needed to determine financial propriety…" and could have a chilling effect on scientific research. Read more and access the full text of the statement.

Scientists Visit Capitol Hill to Urge Continued Federal R&D Support
More than 300 scientists, engineers, educators, students, and technology experts, representing many scientific societies, met with members of Congress and their staffs to reinforce support for federal investment in R&D as part of the 2010 Science, Engineering, and Technology Congressional Visits Day. The day before their appointments, participants attended an orientation at AAAS, during which top science policy officials outlined the federal government's S&T priorities. A presentation pinpointed the critical elements of communicating scientific research and its potential applications to emphasize that a strong federal science budget is a driver for the economy and job creation. Read more about the orientation and Congressional Visits Day, now in its 15th year.

Video Viewed as Powerful Tool in Communicating Climate Change
A social science researcher and filmmaker, who is a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow assigned to the US Environmental Protection Agency, is evaluating various sociological approaches to public engagement and communication with policy makers. During a lecture co-sponsored by AAAS and the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Sabrina McCormick used the images from the aftermath of the 2008 California fires to illustrate that video is more powerful than written materials in presenting the risks and dangers of wildfires and other extreme weather events that may be associated with climate change. Read more about the history of science series that began last year.

AAAS Voices Support for Reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act
In a 26 April letter to two key US Representatives, AAAS urged reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which supports the innovative research and excellence in science and mathematics education essential in keeping the United States "at the forefront of technological development and economic growth." The bill was passed by the House Committee on Science and Technology on 28 April. Read the full text of the letter.
Note: The American COMPETES Act, which failed on two previous attempts to pass the full House, was passed 28 May.

AAAS Promotes Green Innovation and Education at Earth Day Expo
As thousands celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the US Environmental Protection Agency on the National Mall, AAAS offered green energy demonstrations as part of the 2010 National Sustainable Design Expo. Students in Spark Club, AAAS's after-school curriculum for 6th-8th graders, focused on wind turbines and solar power systems. The goal of exposing middle-school students to the science behind wind and solar energy is not only to teach physics and engineering, but also to promote the use of technology to benefit society and the environment. Read more about Spark Club, currently under way in seven Washington, D.C., schools, and other Expo exhibits.

AAAS Offers New Resources for Skin Health Education
The AAAS Skin Deep Project has released its latest set of educational tools promoting skin health, including standards-based science lesson plans for middle and high school students. The tools include a skin care investigation activity, which covers basic facts about skin cancer such as symptoms, causes, and prevention, and a virtual dermatology lab for junior scientists. These new tools complete the project, launched in 2005 and funded by Neutrogena. Read more and access all of the project's teacher and student resources on Science NetLinks.

AAAS Exhibit Explores the Dimensions of Art and Science
Bronze and wood sculptures by an aerospace engineer/architect/artist; topology-inspired laminated wood and mahogany sculptures by a research chemist/artist; oil paintings that draw from a three-dimensional shape derived by mathematician Werner Boy; geometry- inspired large-scale computer graphics; paintings and sculptures showing emergent phenomena—all celebrate the nexus of art and science at a new exhibit in the AAAS Gallery. The show by "ComplexUs," a group of artists and scientists from Richmond, Virginia, was organized by the AAAS Art of Science and Technology program. On view through 10 September, AAAS Gallery hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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:

Join Science Careers on LinkedIn
Keep up with career articles, funding announcements, and discuss career advancement with other AAAS members on the Science Careers LinkedIn group.

Attend Upcoming Events

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Announcements

Save the Date: 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, 17-21 February, Washington, D.C.
The meeting is a platform for the most current thinking and research findings in science, technology, and policy. The program crosses conventional disciplinary borders. It features strong presentations from leading experts and a rare opportunity to meet and speak with eminent scientists who share your interests and passion for science. For details, go to www.aaas.org/meetings and sign up for updates throughout the year.

AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition Meeting: 26-27 July
The meeting will open with a panel discussion on the topic "Enjoying the Benefits of Scientific Progress: Access, Innovation and Impediments" and will continue the following day with presentations, workshops, and working meetings on human rights issues central to the mission of the coalition. Sessions will include: "Climate Change: Rights and Responsibilities," "Human Rights and Professional Ethics: Developments and Dilemmas," and "The Next Generation: Incorporating Human Rights into Science Curricula." The meeting is open to all scientists and representatives of scientific organizations. It will be held at AAAS Headquarters and there is no fee for participation. Register here.

Third Annual "Dance Your Ph.D." Contest: Deadline 1 September
This contest, which is open to anyone with a Ph.D. or pursuing a Ph.D. in a science-related field, asks scientists to transform their research into an interpretive dance. Winners of each of the four categories (physics, chemistry, biology, and social sciences) will receive $500, then compete head-to-head for an additional $500 grand prize for best overall dance. Submissions are due by 1 September 2010. All winning dances will be screened at the Imagine Science Film Festival in New York City in mid-October, where the best overall dance will be determined by a panel of judges and the audience. A more detailed description of the rules and how to enter can be found at http://gonzolabs.org/dance/.

USA Science & Engineering Festival Kavli Science Video Contest for K-12 Students: Entry Deadline 15 July
"Why is Science Cool?" Create a short video that answers the question by exploring a scientific concept, showing the wonders of nature, explaining what scientific discovery has done for us in the past or will do for us in the future, or perhaps introducing a great scientist or engineer. Entries for the contest, sponsored by The Kavli Foundation and conducted in partnership with SciVee, are due by 15 July. Prize money goes to the organization the student is representing (be it a school, after-school program, or other outreach program). Students win electronics prizes and either a trip to the Expo in Washington, D.C., for a screening on the National Mall, or tickets for a VIP event to meet the Mythbusters. More information.

SACNAS 2nd Summer Leadership Institute Meeting: 19-23 July, Washington, D.C.
The Institute is part of an ambitious, year-round initiative funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and aimed at strengthening strategic leadership skills of SACNAS postdocs and science professionals who will serve their communities at the national and local levels. Learn more about the meeting at AAAS.

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.

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 meetings are scheduled for September.

Sign Up for 2010 Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops
Designed for 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 take a benchmarks-based learning approach to science, mathematics, and technology. Read more and register to attend one of the workshops listed below.

AAAS Receives Grant for International Engagement in Bioscience
The AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy (CSTSP) has received a grant from the US Department of State to host a series of international meetings and provide collaborative grants to build peer-to-peer relationships and trust among scientists involved in bioscience. One meeting to be held in Washington, D.C., and four meetings to be scheduled in the Middle East and North Africa regions, will focus on infectious disease research. Learn more about CSTSP.

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 or call +1 (202) 326-6636 for more information.

2010 Awards Announcements

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More About AAAS

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