Dear Member,  

Science and technology represent our greatest hope to live longer, healthier lives; feed and nourish everyone; ensure our economic and national security; and protect the planet for future generations. The United States’ world-leading S&T enterprise has extraordinary strengths and differentiation, yet its multi-sector, multi-disciplinary framework has not been coordinated, optimized, or resourced for the 21st century. We must lift our enterprise out of its current defensive crouch to become again the protagonist of our own story. 

As part of the Science & Technology Action Committee (STAC) – a nonpartisan coalition of nonprofit, academic, foundation and corporate leaders which I co-chair – I am leading a task force of individuals from across sectors and scientific disciplines to produce a new, forward-leaning vision and pathway for a globally competitive 21 st century U.S. scientific enterprise. This actionable Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST) will be completed in time to be presented to the presidential transition team and Congressional leadership before the end of the year. In the coming weeks, you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts – stay tuned.  

This issue of Member Update explores issues related to the upcoming U.S. election. Register for the next members-only webinar Engage with AAAS: 2024 U.S. Elections on October 22 to learn how we’re working to strengthen the voice of science in an election year. Read on to learn about AAAS Members who research online information integrity and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.  

And for your monthly dose of wonder: See this video of the anatomical modeling researchers did to look at why flightless birds walk funny.