January 2025 Member Update

JANUARY 2025

SPOTLIGHTS | NEWS & UPDATES | MEMBER COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS

Dear Member,

2025 will be a year of challenge, opportunity, and change for the scientific enterprise.

Our members have told us they are experiencing a range of responses in anticipation of the inevitable shifts that new leadership will bring. But one thing is clear: The scientific community is looking to AAAS for leadership. And we are ready for the challenge.

First and foremost, we are deeply engaged now to seize this opportunity to help shape the future of STEMM. As my co-authors and I wrote in a recent Science editorial, "what got America to this point will not get the country to where it needs to go. A new vision is required to respond to an evolving global science and technology ecosystem." The Task Force on a Vision for American Science & Technology (VAST) , which I chair, will soon unveil concrete avenues for action at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston to achieve a new, aspirational vision for the U.S. scientific enterprise. I hope to see you in Boston.

We are also responding to this moment by sharing our considerable experience and resources to mobilize AAAS Members to connect and get more involved with their communities – from the professional to the personal. Now more than ever, we must focus on forging crucial relationships that build connection, trust, and belonging. Throughout the year, we will roll out a series of opportunities and events designed to empower those of you who wish to get involved to engage in strategic and productive ways. We will highlight them here and on Member Community.

Another powerful way you can impact the STEMM community is by voting in the AAAS Annual Election by January 30. This is your chance to exercise your right as a member to cast your vote for President-elect, members of the Board of Directors, and Section leaders.

There is surely much in store for us in the weeks and months ahead. As a reminder of what’s possible, let me leave you with a link to the 2024 Science Breakthroughs of the Year. I wish you a happy new year and look forward to what we can accomplish together.

Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer, AAAS
Executive Publisher, Science Journals

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