June 2024 Member Update

JUNE 2024

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

Dear AAAS Members,

As I write this, we await imminent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court that could limit or overturn 40 years of judicial deference to subject matter expertise within federal agencies. This has the potential to fundamentally change the way scientific information is used, and by whom, in federal policymaking. The Court will answer a crucial question as part of two pending cases: When should the federal courts be able to overturn a federal rule or regulation? Known as the “Chevron doctrine” or “Chevron deference,” the judicial system currently defers to federal agencies’ expertise and public input processes to address any gaps or ambiguities in the laws they implement, so long as those interpretations are reasonable. Regardless of what happens, judges will need to be more scientifically literate.

For decades, we at AAAS have been educating judges, placing scientists in judicial fellowships, delivering “friend of the court” briefs, and providing guidance on the intersection of science and the law. After the U.S. Supreme Court decides on the future of the Chevron doctrine, AAAS is ready to expand our engagement with the judiciary. To learn more, read the email that Theresa Harris, director of the AAAS Center for Scientific Responsibility and Justice, sent to Members on Monday. And here's a video I recorded about how the decision could change the role scientific evidence plays in the judicial system.

In this issue of Member Update, we focus on science policy and artificial intelligence (AI).

Below, read about two Science & Technology Policy Fellows who work in AI.
Register for the June 25th members-only webinar, Engage with AAAS: AI’s Role in Serving Society.
Register for the 48th Annual Science & Technology Policy Forum on July 12.

We will keep you posted about developments on the Chevron doctrine. In the meantime, read this issue for more news and events.

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

How can we use AI and policy for a better world? Jesse Dunietz at NIST has ideas

Could we leave the planet’s salvation in the hands of AI? Perhaps not. We’ve seen how that movie ends. But we shouldn’t overlook its value in helping identify solutions to puzzling societal problems, says AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships alum Jesse Dunietz who now works at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Xavier Monroe: Science policy, AI and paving paths to a more equitable future

If the daunting national and global challenges we face today seem to portend a bleak future, then young policymakers and leaders are in a great position to pave paths to a bright tomorrow. Xavier Monroe, a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, is one such example — where others see problems and divisions, he sees solutions and collaboration.

MEMBER COMMUNITY

Where science gets social, facts matter, and the ideas are big.
Jump into great discussions only on AAAS Member Community.

Learn & Engage: First-ever PFAS drinking water standard and AAAS’ role
Climate impacts on wine: Thoughts & favorite wines from Members on National Wine Day
Creativity break: Get inspired by original STEAMM poetry by AAAS Members

Instructional Professor (Open Rank) in Biochemistry
The University of Chicago

OPPORTUNITIES, AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Science and Technology at the world bank webinar

AAAS offers nine awards and prizes
Nominate someone you know today
Most entries due by June 30, 2024

Become a FutureGen Scholar!
Support from AAAS-Andrew M. Sessler Fund, etc.
Apply by June 12

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

EVENTS

2024 STPF Live Chat Series
Science & Technology Policy Fellowships
June 11-October 15, 2024

AAAS Members-only Virtual Event
Engage with AAAS: AI’s Role in Serving Society
June 25, 2024

STPF Judicial Branch Fellowship Live Chat
STPF alumni who served in the U.S. judiciary
June 27, 2024

48th AAAS Science & Technology Policy Forum 
Washington DC
July 12, 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

STAY CONNECTED

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