July 2024 Member Update

JULY 2024

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

Dear Member,

Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the “Chevron doctrine,” reversing 40 years of precedent that deferred to federal agencies in interpreting ambiguous laws when developing policies and regulations. This will fundamentally change federal decision-making as courts increasingly review the science behind regulations. With more than a century of expertise at the intersection of science and the law, AAAS stands ready to meet the new challenges facing the courts. We are committed to training scientists on legal frameworks and communicating science effectively to judges; engaging judges on the scientific method and the strengths and weaknesses of available evidence; and partnering with the legal community on recommendations around emerging issues. Read our full statement.

Also top of mind has been the China-US relationship. Last month, I traveled to China where I had open and frank conversations with leaders of the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, and Tsinghua University. I also visited the US Embassy in Beijing for a key conversation with US officials in China.

I’m not naïve – many tensions are pulling the US and China apart. Despite the daily doses of challenging news, let’s not forget that we live in a golden age of science. On our best, most optimistic days, ethical science collaboration performed with transparency and reciprocity has the potential to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and protect the planet. On our worst, most pessimistic days, we pull apart and erect barriers that slow progress, and worse, use science to cause harm. Both of these visions are possible, but neither is inevitable. Visits and conversations like the ones I had are essential to determine if further steps are possible.

This issue of Member Update brings you more stories in science diplomacy. See what transpired at the science diplomacy course we hosted last month in Trieste, Italy, and meet 16 ambassadors to the U.S.

And for your dose of wonder: Genetically engineered sea urchins may one day be the go-to model organisms for scientific research.

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

Collage of three images of people at a meeting

International experts convene in Italy to learn from real-world scenarios

From role-playing exercises to real-world scenarios, diplomats and STEMM professionals from around the world convened to level up their science diplomacy skills in Italy last month. “Without a doubt it has been one of the best experiences ever,” said one scientist.

Ambassadors share insights with AAAS in conversation series

Taking the time to think and collaborate on science through an international lens is vital. The Center for Science Diplomacy hosts a series of intimate conversations with ambassadors to bring together the realms of diplomacy and science.

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How did we do? Check out our 2023 Annual Report
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AAAS Members got buzzy celebrating National Pollinator Month

Scientific Information Officer, National Eye Institute, NIH
Bethesda, Maryland

EVENTS

48th AAAS Science & Technology Policy Forum 
Washington DC | Grand Hyatt
July 12, 2024

AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships (STPF)
July Live Chat: What’s it Like to be a Fellow?
July 23, 2024

TOP NEWS FROM SCIENCE

white words on blue background that read science shaping tomorrow. AAAS Annual Meeting, Boston, February 13-15, 2025

2025 AAAS Annual Meeting: Science Shaping Tomorrow

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July 2024 Member Update

International experts convene in Italy to learn from real-world scenarios

Ambassadors share insights with AAAS in conversation series

NEWS & UPDATES

MEMBER COMMUNITY

TOP NEWS FROM SCIENCE

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