In this issue:

Message to Members: Advancing Sustainable Development in the Developing World

News to Note: Former Rwandan Minister Heads AAAS Center, Caribbean Division Celebrates 25th Anniversary, New Award for Public Engagement, Global Guidelines on Research Integrity, Major EPA Support for S&T Policy Fellowships, Project 2061 Develops Chemistry and Biochemistry Materials, Stem Cell Ruling, Outstanding Teachers for Every Classroom, Journalism Fellows and Interns Present Summer Work, Science SPORE Award Winner, Op-Ed Denounces Report that Mocks Research

Science Careers: Industry and Academia Careers Webinar, Upcoming Events

Announcements: 2011 Annual Meeting Registration Open, UK Investing in Science Conference, S&T Policy Fellowship Applications, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops, Join the President's Circle

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Message to Members

Advancing Sustainable Development in the Developing World

Dear Colleagues,

A central component of the AAAS mission is to advance international cooperation and science diplomacy, fostering communication and collaboration across all national borders.

In developing countries, AAAS focuses on improving the indigenous science and technology capacity that is essential to support and guide sustainable development. Underscoring this commitment, we recently welcomed former Rwandan science and technology (S&T) minister Romain Murenzi as the new director of the AAAS Center for Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development. He brings considerable expertise in building the scientific infrastructure that is vital in addressing challenges from science education to hunger, potable water, and environmental threats (see News, below).

The Center's new director was among the scientists working to prepare a set of recommendations to build Haitian science capacity to support earthquake recovery, during a July workshop organized by the AAAS Caribbean Division. Collaborative efforts to advance Haitian science and science education will continue during the Division's annual conference this month in San Juan, Puerto Rico (see News, below).

In other recent initiatives, AAAS organized a public discussion about S&T as an engine for sustainable economic growth and development in East Africa. The 2010 Annual Meeting presented a forum on developing sustainable science programs. Vital science diplomacy efforts included cooperative meetings in Cuba and The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

With the support of our members, AAAS strives to harmonize global science practices and standards that can enable society to meet pressing current needs without compromising the resources needed to sustain future generations.

Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS

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News to Note

Former Rwandan S&T Minister to Head AAAS Center for Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development
Romain Murenzi, physicist, former math teacher, and policymaker, became one of the architects of Rwanda's successful post-genocide science, technology, and education infrastructure, now one of Africa's best. At the end of July, he joined the AAAS International Office as the new director of the Center for Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development. Murenzi said that the Center should become a catalyst that helps marshal S&T resources to address sustainability challenges in the developing world, adding that AAAS "can be a good interlocutor." Read more about Murenzi's accomplishments and access details about the Center.

AAAS Caribbean Division to Celebrate 25th Anniversary
During its annual conference, 24–25 September in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Division will celebrate its creation as a hub for AAAS members in all of the islands and countries in the region -- from Venezuela up through the Dominical Republic and Haiti to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. An opening forum on the human right to the benefits of scientific progress will set the context for a panel discussion the next day that explores how this issue might be viewed in rebuilding and renewing Haiti, to advance capacity in science and science education. A neurology program will open with a plenary address on alcohol and include a session that explores gender differences in cocaine addiction. AAAS President Alice S. Huang is among the featured speakers. Read more.
Register to attend the conference.

AAAS Establishes New Award to Recognize Public Engagement: Nominations Deadline 15 October
The AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science will recognize exemplary scientific activities that promote interactive dialogue with a nonscientific, public audience. Read more about eligibility and nominations for the award, which includes a $5,000 prize and support to attend the 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting.

Singapore Conference Drafts Global Guidelines on Research Integrity
A delegation of AAAS officials joined 340 policymakers, university leaders, publishers, and government ministers from 51 countries at the 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity, held in Singapore in late July. While acknowledging national and cultural differences, delegates concluded that all scientists share a set of values that can provide global guidance in promoting research integrity -- an essential part of science's ethical responsibility to society. The draft statement, crafted during four days of comprehensive discussions and now open for revisions from all conference participants, includes peer review, proper credit for publications, and practices to pre-empt research misconduct. Read more about the conference, co-sponsored by AAAS.

S&T Policy Fellowships Program Receives Major Support from EPA
A five-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide $30.1 million in support for hundreds of scientists and engineers working at the Agency through AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships. The new award is the largest in the history of the program, which was established in 1973 and has brought the expertise of more than 2,300 scientists and engineers to congressional offices and executive branch agencies and departments. At EPA, Fellows work to further the Agency's goal to enhance the relationship between people and ecosystems, including recent activities in biodiversity and human health, water pollution, and climate change. Read more.

AAAS's Project 2061 to Develop Chemistry, Biochemistry Materials
With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, AAAS's long-term science literacy initiative is beginning a three-year project to design and test cutting-edge materials for middle school chemistry and biochemistry education, working with the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). As students in the United States struggle with science and fall behind peers in other nations, the new approaches to connect core chemistry and biochemistry ideas will develop a coherent story for teachers and students that can enhance learning. The materials will be tested in four diverse school districts (located in Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C), before being evaluated and refined. Read more.

AAAS Expresses Deep Concern about Stem Cell Ruling
Director of AAAS Science and Policy Programs Albert Teich responded to the late-August ruling by a US District judge to block federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, saying it will be "tremendously disruptive to researchers endeavoring…to improve human quality of life." He also commended the U.S. Administration and the Justice Department for acting quickly to appeal the ruling. Noting the NIH announcement that scientists who are already funded need not stop their work, Teich said "it is meager consolation, but at least projects underway can continue until current funds expire." More recently, the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit stayed the preliminary injunction thus allowing NIH to continue to award research grants until a summary judgment is filed by the US District Judge. The AAAS Board of Directors has previously affirmed embryonic stem cell research as an "extremely promising approach to developing more effective treatments for devastating conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's disease."

AAAS Journalism Fellows and Interns Present Their Summer Work
Poster presentations at AAAS in mid-August showcased the efforts of promising science journalists who spent the summer gaining real-world experience reporting to the public. A dozen AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellows worked with newspapers, magazines, and radio outlets, including National Public Radio, the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, and Scientific American. Their presentations included a new assistive technology for people with severe paralysis, the physics of amusement rides, and an imperiled Russian seed bank essential to crop diversity. Two recipients of the AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship at Science noted the impressive editorial guidance and the summer's spur to strong interest in medical and health reporting. Read more.

SDSS SkyServer Wins Science SPORE Award
The Sloan Digital SkySurvey (SDSS) SkyServer database is allowing students, professional astronomers, and astronomy enthusiasts to virtually explore almost the entire visible night sky without waiting for access to a giant telescope. An associated Web site includes classroom-directed curriculum, lectures, and games for elementary school kids. The SDSS Sky Server was awarded the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) for its contribution to astronomy education, registering some 793 million hits. One of the creators, Alexander Szalay, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, hopes that an article about the project published on 27 August in Science will foster interactions with scientists in other fields facing similar challenges. Read more and access the SkyServer.

AAAS Op-Ed Denounces Report that Mocks Research
A report by U.S. Senators Tom Coburn and John McCain that satirizes and misrepresents valid research investment as government waste was denounced by CEO Alan I. Leshner in a 25 August commentary posted on Politico.com. Leshner defended legitimate behavioral and climate research that was mocked in the report, including preserving genetic materials for disease studies; advancing research into the treatment of cocaine addiction; and a study of Venus to help explain the extent to which heat on Earth is transported by oceans versus the atmosphere. He also urged policy makers not to target federal research for budget cuts with a reminder that "sustained support for science is essential for real growth." Read more and access the commentary.

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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: 22 September
Facts and Fiction: Careers in Industry and Academia
12 noon ET; 9 am PT; 4 pm GMT

As you near the next stage of your careers, you probably have many questions about various career paths. Get answers to your questions by viewing our roundtable discussion examining facts and fiction surrounding academia and industry career options for Ph.D.-level scientists. Questions can be asked live. Free registration at www.sciencecareers.org/webinar.

Attend Upcoming Events:

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Member Benefits

Barnes & Noble
AAAS BarnesAndNoble.com Online Store
Summer Clearance Sale - 50% off former bestsellers! Shop Now.
Also receive 5% off the lowest online price on your purchase. Add items to cart and see savings at checkout. *Discount cannot be combined with other offers unless otherwise specified. Discount is not eligible on purchases of the following products: Barnes & Noble Memberships, Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, gift-wrapping, used and out of print books, shipping or handling expenses or products marked as not eligible for coupons or promotional discounts.

 

Apple
Discounts on Apple products are now also available to our international members.  Full details are below.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
There is no online option for international orders.
International AAAS members are entitled to the following discounts;
• 4% Discount on Accessories
• 6% Discount on iPods
• 6% Discount on iMac, MacBook, 13" MacBook Pro and entry 15" MacBook Pro good (entry), Mac mini, MacBook Air, Apple TV
• 8% Discount on 15" MacBook Pro (better & best), 17" MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, Apple Cinema Displays
• 12% Discount on Apple Care Protection Plan
• 17% Discount on Apple Software
• No discount on iPhone or iPad.

To place your order, please call your country representative. 
All numbers are freephone, if dialing from a landline.
PLEASE NOTE – Quote the name of the company – AAAS, and if prompted advise the agent your discount is in the Primo store. If your country is not listed below, we are not currently able to offer you a discount.

Country	Telephone
Austria	0800 293 640
Belguim FR	0800 11443
Belguim NL	0800 785 71
Denmark	80885855
Finland	0800-114488
France	0800 9089 04
Germany	0800 182 1027
Ireland	1800 923 438
Italy	800 784 372
Netherlands	0800 0292020
Norway	800-162-75
Spain	900938940
Sweden	0200 285 566
Swiss FR	0800 564 893
Swiss DE	0800 564 892
UK	0800 039 1200

FOR ORDERS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
AAAS/ Apple Online Store   
By Phone:  1 866 505 4763
The pricing and discounts seem to vary. You will have to do your own comparison shopping. This discount can not be combined with other offers, such as an educational discount.  You can see some of the latest offers here: http://www.apple.com/eppstore/amppnews

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Announcements

Registration Open: 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, 17-21 February, Washington, D.C.
Theme: "Science Without Borders"
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. Advance registration with a special discounted rate and hotel reservations are now open.
More information>>

AAAS Caribbean Division Annual Conference: 24–25 September, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico
Access information and register online.

Investing in Science: Securing Future Prosperity, 23–24 November, London, UK
What is the relevance and role of science in the 21st century?  
Join an international conference of leading industrialists, policymakers, economists and scientists to examine the critical importance of science in tackling global challenges and rebalancing economy, to be held at Chatham House, London.
Register before 22 September to benefit from the early booking rate.

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program Celebrates Landmarks and Achievements
The largest fellowship class in the 37-year history of the program includes 210 individuals from a broad range of disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages. Beginning this month, 181 S&T Policy Fellows will work in 15 different executive branch agencies and 29 Fellows start assignments in various congressional offices. For the first time this year, Fellows will be placed at the U.S. Geological Survey and the newly created National Institute for Food and Agriculture, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the AAAS Fellowships' partnership with the U.S. State Department, which launched the executive branch program.
Applications Now Open for 2011–2012 Fellowship Year: Deadline 5 December
For more information about the program and how to apply (online only), go to www.fellowships.aaas.org.

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.

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.

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More About AAAS

AAAS News & Notes appears in Science in the last issue of each month.
You can also read more about AAAS at www.aaas.org.
Science magazine is available at www.sciencemag.org.
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With your support, we can continue to speak up for you -- and advance science for the benefit of society worldwide.

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