Speaking Out for U.S. Science Funding
Since 1976, our R&D Budget and Policy Program has been a leading voice urging the support and levels of federal investment vital to advancing innovation. Each spring, our Forum on Science and Technology Policy convenes the major U.S. public meeting to debate budget and policy issues facing the S&T community.

Throughout the year, AAAS speaks directly to policy makers and the public in other forums including U.S. Senate committees, letters to lawmakers, and media commentaries, urging funding across all fields of scientific research and science education.


Reporting on the R&D Budget
The program provides timely, objective, and accurate statistics and analyses of federal R&D support. The first of two annual reports examines budget proposals for the coming fiscal year; the second reports final appropriations. Frequent updates are posted on our website.

Read the analysis of budget proposals including historical trends and projections, individual agency budgets, and disciplinary funding levels by accessing the AAAS Report XXXI for FY 2007.
Keep up with current activities through monthly e-mails by signing the R&D
guest book to receive AAAS R&D Funding Updates.


Fostering Public Understanding and Support
The program informs public discussion and increases input into scientific research and policy agendas by creating a forum for dialogue among policy makers, the general public, and the scientific community.

Our Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology hosts outreach activities, including events with leading experts and authors, to forge better understanding on complex issues such as security, stem cell research, climate change, and evolution.


Promoting Sound Science Policy
Integrating science into policy that serves society is a major component of the AAAS mission. Our Center for Science, Technology, and Congress provides timely, objective information to lawmakers on current S&T issues and assists the science and engineering community in working with legislators. The newsletter, Science and Technology in Congress, is available online.
AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships add the expertise of scientists and engineers to Capitol Hill offices and U.S. government agencies. The AAAS Leadership Seminar in S&T Policy offers an annual “crash course” featuring key people directly involved in federal policy making.


Find Out More about AAAS Programs
With our members' support, we undertake numerous major initiatives to increase the support and funding vital to advancing science and serving society. Learn more about AAAS Programs to improve science education, boost science careers, foster international scientific cooperation, and promote sound science policy.