Dear Member,

The prolonged U.S. government shutdown has set a record. That’s nothing to celebrate and it’s no way to govern. Once the government reopens, AAAS will continue to push Congress to pass full-year appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026—especially for science agencies. Join us by making your voice heard with your federal representatives.

While our work continues in Washington, alongside hundreds of scientists, engineers and students, AAAS President Theresa Maldonado and I attended the AAAS Caribbean Division meeting. Over the past four decades, this division has strengthened our connections in the region and advanced collaboration within the regional scientific community. The event marked the beginning of a new era for this part of the world. AAAS is strategically shifting from a regional division structure to a Local Science Engagement Network in Puerto Rico to deepen our efforts to mobilize scientists and spur community engagement.

The recent AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy explored how scientific and technical expertise can be used at every level of decision-making, from local to international. Over three days and 25+ sessions, nearly 300 farmers, scientists, agricultural groups, and consumers explored tools and approaches to make sure that science keeps being used for the benefit of all and rebuilding the trust needed to make that happen.

During the past month, I’ve been heartened to see AAAS members reaching out to support and offer their skills and guidance freely on our online Member Community platform. Offering mutual support helps us stay connected and work toward shared goals. This is something that one of our newest members, Robert Putnam, speaks to in this month’s member spotlight.

Even in trying times, science progresses. I just learned that bumblebees can spread their positive attitude to other bees—and couldn’t we all use more of that.

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