In this issue:

Message to Members: 2011 Annual Meeting -- Science Without Borders

News to Note: New U.S. Science Envoys, Visiting Scholar David Hamburg, New S&T Policy Fellows, Green Chemistry, Romain Murenzi Podcast, AAAS Senior Adviser Honored by Japan, Transition from Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Risk Assessment, Climate Geoengineering, Science and Human Rights, Science SPORE Award, Scientific Collaboration Conferences Held in Jordan, Election Impact on R&D Funding, Eppendorf/Science Prize Winner

Science Careers: Upcoming Events

Announcements: 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting, AAAS Annual Election, S&T Policy Fellowships Applications, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshop, Mass Media Fellowships Applications, Minority Science Writers Internships Applications, Call for Papers: IBRO World Conference, CFC Campaign, President's Circle

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Message to Members

2011 Annual Meeting — Science Without Borders

Dear Colleagues,

The Annual Meeting is one of the most widely recognized pan-science events, with hundreds of networking opportunities and broad global media coverage. An exceptional array of speakers will gather at the 2011 AAAS Annual Meeting from 17-21 February in Washington, D.C.

The meeting's theme -- Science Without Borders -- integrates interdisciplinary science, both across research and teaching, that utilizes diverse approaches as well as the diversity of its practitioners. The program will highlight science and teaching that cross conventional borders or break out from silos, especially in ground-breaking areas of research that highlight new and exciting developments in support of science, technology, and education. Sessions will feature strong scientific content to illustrate the interface of different disciplines or will exemplify a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.

Outstanding plenary lectures including a plenary panel on biosecurity, topical speakers, three specialty seminars, and 151 symposia across 12 tracks will present the latest scientific thinking and developments in brain and behavior, energy, climate change, emerging science and technology, security, sustainability, science and society, and other issues of global concern. The broad range of activities, which will be covered by members of the national and international media, also includes student poster sessions, special sessions for science educators, career development workshops, and the Meet the Scientists series at Family Science Days.

The AAAS Annual Meeting is the culmination of extensive efforts from the AAAS sections, divisions, and committees, and the members of the Scientific Program Committee, which I gratefully acknowledge.

You are invited to join thousands of your peers from around the world. I look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C.

Sincerely,

Alice S. Huang, Ph.D.
AAAS President and
Senior Faculty Associate in Biology,
California Institute of Technology

P.S. You can review the complete 2011Annual Meeting program, develop your personal itinerary, and register at www.aaas.org/meetings.

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News to Note

AAAS Congratulates New U.S. Science Envoys
Three new science envoys, past AAAS President Rita Colwell (1995-96), former AAAS Board member Alice Gast (2006-10), and Science author Gebisa Ejeta will visit South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Central Asian/Caucasus region, working to build new science and technology collaborations. Selected by the U.S. Department of State, science envoys travel as private citizens and use the knowledge and insights they gain to advise the Executive Branch and the scientific community. During the mid-September event that named the new envoys, outgoing envoy and Science Editor-in-Chief Bruce Alberts' successful work in Indonesia was cited as he received the prestigious George Brown Award. Read more.

AAAS Senior Adviser Norman Neureiter is Honored by Japan
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and silver Star decoration has been awarded to Norman P. Neureiter, the first director and now a senior adviser to the AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy. Neureiter was cited for his "significant career contributions in promoting science and technology exchange between Japan and the United States" as he received one of the highest honors given by the Japanese government during an early November ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. He also is a senior adviser to the AAAS Center for Diplomacy. Read more about Neureiter's work to advance scientific cooperation.

AAAS Welcomes Security and Public Health Expert David Hamburg
The AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy (CSTSP) and the International Office welcome visiting scholar David A. Hamburg, psychiatrist-physician, Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, former president of AAAS and the Institute of Medicine, and president emeritus of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Hamburg's diverse experience spans public health, national security, diplomacy, and policy. In recent years, he has published several books on the prevention of mass violence and has advanced new initiatives in the United Nations and European Union on the prevention of genocide. Hamburg's broad expertise will support AAAS's goal to advance the integration of science and policy for national and international security. Read more.

New Science & Technology Policy Fellows Add to Cumulative Impact
Since 1973, more than 2,300 AAAS Fellows have stepped from pure science into public policy during assignments in the U.S. Congress and nearly 20 executive branch agencies. Scores have stayed to build high-impact careers in government, including Kerri-Ann Jones who became a AAAS Diplomacy Fellow in 1985 and today is assistant secretary of state for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. This year's class includes Jim Head, a space programs specialist working with the U.S. Department of State; Danielle Evers, a neuroscientist with the President's Council of Advisors for Science & Technology; Robin Broughton, a microbiologist at the NIH National Cancer Institute; and John Lamoreux, an ecologist and conservation biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Read more about the program established to expand S&T leadership by training policy-savvy scientists and engineers.

Green Chemistry Pioneer Urges Fellows to Find New Solutions to Old Problems
Paul Anastas called for cleaner, more efficient solutions in areas ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals during a presentation to AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows. The science adviser to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development said re-solving old problems is vital, as some science-driven improvements in past decades have sometimes come with high cost to the environment and human health. He cited purifying water using acutely lethal substances that have persistent byproducts as one example. Anastas focused on the critical contribution of scientists to public policy, telling the Fellows: "I can think of few experiences that you would ever have that will be more positive, more fruitful, more rewarding, and have a higher impact, than the AAAS Fellowship." Read more.

Murenzi Podcast: Science, Development and Rwandan Coffee
Romain Murenzi, Director of the AAAS Center on Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development, discussed his home country's S&T success as a template for nations worldwide during a recent interview. As a minister in the Rwandan government from 2001 to 2009, Murenzi helped implement a science-for-development strategy that is transforming a nation devastated by genocide into the East African country with the best food security. He cited advances in coffee bean quality and production, leading to new markets in North America and Europe, as one example of the use of science and technology to enhance capability. Murenzi described the international role that should be played by the AAAS Center in achieving Millennium Development Goals, especially for environmental stability and global partnerships. Read more and listen to the interview.

Energy Experts Foresee Slow Transition from Fossil Fuels
During a panel discussion at AAAS on meeting worldwide energy demands -- the first in a series on "Science and Society: Global Challenges"—speakers noted that despite dire predictions, supplies of fossil fuels will not run out any time soon. The experts also said that there are compelling non-supply reasons to switch from the fossil fuels that currently provide about 80 percent of the world's energy to energy alternatives. One problem is transport from volatile regions such as the Middle East and energy security; another is greenhouse gas emissions from stationary facilities that generate heat and power. The panelists emphasized the urgency of advancing public understanding of climate and energy as serious issues and listed steps that can be taken now to start weaning the United States from fossil fuels. Read more.

Computer Models Increase Potential for Nuclear Risk Assessment
Nuclear engineer Man-Sung Yim told a Capitol Hill gathering organized by AAAS that high-powered computer models can help nuclear watch dogs decide where to focus limited resources among countries with the potential to go nuclear -- although they cannot yet predict which nations will actually seek nuclear weapons. The models aid the detection of potential threats as well as the identification of key variables that considerably "inhibit" proliferation, Yim said. He posed the critical question for the nuclear power industry as it attracts a growing number of developing nations: "Can the peaceful use of nuclear power be expanded without affecting the world's nuclear proliferation?" The event was part of AAAS's Congressional Science and Security Seminar Series. Read more.

Author and Historian Questions Climate "Geoengineering"
James Rodger Fleming, speaking at an October seminar co-sponsored by AAAS, said that a century of schemes to control weather and climate offers a cautionary tale to those who back what is now known as "geoengineering." He calls his recently published book, "Fixing the Sky: The Checkered History of Weather and Climate Control," his "first attempt at tragic-comedy," an account of both humorous and threatening efforts to control the environment. Fleming urges a middle path that emphasizes continued computer modeling and research "indoors" on geoengineering ideas while also emphasizing carbon emissions reduction and adaptation to climate changes. Much of the research for his book was done while a AAAS Roger Revelle Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Read more and access video highlights.

AAAS Caribbean Division Explores Link between Science and Human Rights
During the 25th annual conference, scientists, educators, students, community organizations, and human rights experts discussed the emerging global recognition of the human right to the benefits of scientific progress and how broader recognition of the right might improve daily life in the Caribbean Basin, Latin America, and beyond. Citing the devastating earthquake in Haiti last January, one researcher emphasized the lack of science knowledge that caused scores of people to rush back into buildings for shelter, a reflex that increased the number of deaths and injuries. Speakers focused on areas such as health, the environment, and education, saying that human rights provides the framework to identify needs while science provides the tools to address those needs. An initiative to support Haiti in rebuilding the nation's S&T infrastructure, which AAAS has joined, also was discussed, with Rwanda cited as an example of the role of science in a nation's rebirth. Read more and access the full text of remarks from several speakers.

Rutgers Physics Site Wins Science SPORE Award
The use of slow-motion video and other innovative techniques to help students grasp physics concepts through the presentation of everyday activities -- such as demonstrating Newton's Laws of Motion on rollerblades -- has won the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE). The website, created by the Rutgers Physics Teaching Technology Resource, has proven extremely popular with students and teachers internationally in classes ranging from middle schools to universities. Science publishes an article by recipients of the award explaining their project (see the 29 October issue). Read more and access the prize-winning site.

AAAS Sponsors Meetings in Jordan: New Networks in Middle East, North Africa
Two recent conferences held in Amman, Jordan focused on significant steps being taken by scientists and mathematicians from Morocco to Pakistan to develop collaborative networks with regional and international colleagues. The first meeting discussed ways to identify and support math and science talent among pre-college students, drawing more than 90 scientists and policymakers from 17 countries. The second meeting covered international collaboration in the biosciences with new networks in training and research, attracting more than 60 researchers, university administrators, and laboratory heads from 15 countries. These events and three additional meetings planned to expand on the themes continue the engagement of AAAS in the region, which in recent years has included delegations to Kuwait, Iran, and Syria. Read more.

AAAS Post-Election Analysis: Impact on U.S. R&D Funding
Patrick Clemins, director of the AAAS R&D Budget and Policy Program, has analyzed how an expected push for reduced federal spending following U.S. midterm elections "could have a significant impact on federal R&D investment." Clemens also noted that R&D may be spared the worst of the cuts, citing remarks by President Barack Obama in his 3 November press conference: "I don't think we should be cutting back on research and development." However, the 2010 Republican Agenda does include a goal to cut discretionary non-military spending to 2008 levels -- including agencies that sponsor science and health research -- which would cause R&D funding to fall 12.3 percent, according to a report in The New York Times. Read more and access the full post-election analysis and the accompanying budget chart.

Postdoc Fellow Christopher Gregg Wins Eppendorf & Science Prize
Christopher Gregg's research into how the parental origin of a gene affects its expression in the developing and adult brains of offspring has won the 2010 grand prize in the international Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology, which recognizes outstanding young early-career scientists. The postdoctoral fellow in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Department at Harvard University said that his interests are focused on determining whether gene expression programs are altered by stresses and environmental effects experienced by parents -- possibly revealing pathways "that prepare offspring for the environment into which they will be born." His 1,000-word essay was published in the 5 November issue of Science. Read more about the winner and the two finalists.

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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.

Attend Upcoming Events:

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Member Benefits

Apple discount
For U.S. orders: The AAAS/ Apple online store is at:
http://www.apple.com/eppstore/aaas
For all other countries:  Please send an email to memuser@aaas.org with the subject "Apple_Discount"  You will be immediately sent an email with detailed instructions.
 

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Announcements

Exhibitor information: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2011/exhibitors/
Sponsorship opportunities: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2011/brand/

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.

Vote in the AAAS Annual Election
During November, all AAAS members will receive a ballot for the 2010 election of general and section officers: President-Elect, members of the Board of Directors, and members of the Committee on Nominations. Members of the 24 AAAS Sections will receive ballots for Chairman Elect, Member-at-Large of the Section Committee, and Electorate Nominating Committee. Access the slate of candidates.

Apply for the AAAS S&T Policy Fellows 2011-2012 Class: Deadline 5 December
For more information about the program and how to apply (online only), go to www.fellowships.aaas.org.

Sign Up for Final 2010 Atlas of Science Literacy Workshop
Hampton, Connecticut, USA, 1–3 December
More info

AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowships: Apply by 15 January
The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship seeks to increase communication skills in student scientists. The Fellowship places senior undergraduate and graduate science, engineering, and mathematics students at media sites nationwide to work as science reporters for ten weeks. Past sites include the Chicago Tribune, Scientific American and NPR. AAAS selects 15-20 Fellows each summer. $4,500 stipend plus travel expenses. Visit http://www.aaas.org/programs/education/MassMedia/ for an application and more information.

AAAS Minority Science Writers Internships: Apply by 1 March
The journal Science invites minority undergraduate students with a serious interest in science writing to apply for 10-week paid summer internships in Washington, D.C. The interns experience first-hand the process of covering the S&T issues that shape our global economy, under the guidance of award-winning reporters and editors. Find out more and access the application for the 2011 class.

Call for Papers: 8th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience
14-18 July, Florence, Italy
Registration/poster abstract submission will be open on 1 December 2010. Themes include development, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neuropsychology, neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinformatics, and neuroelectronics. Visit www.ibro2011.org for Preliminary Program.

U.S. Federal Workers Can Support AAAS through the CFC
U.S. government employees can select AAAS on the Combined Federal Campaign's national/international list, supporting innovations in science, engineering, and technology to serve society around the world. Your donation through CFC helps to enhance science education, infuse policy issues like climate change with sound science, ensure national security, improve international relations, promote scientific integrity, and much more. The contribution period is 1 September to 15 December. AAAS's CFC number is 10134.

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. Visit us online at www.tinyurl.com/dye8kn or call +1-202-326-6636 for more information.

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More About AAAS

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