Dear Members,

This week's U.S. government shutdown throws the STEMM community into even more uncertainty and disruption. We know that this is taking a personal toll on many AAAS Members. Please know that we stand with you and are working hard to protect and strengthen science.

AAAS has issued a statement urging our political leaders to get back to the negotiating table to ensure that American innovation and competitiveness remain strong. In case you missed it, please look in your inbox for the email I sent on Wednesday about the implications of the shutdown and some of what AAAS is doing. You can also watch the recording of a special briefing we held last week on the federal budget and what you can do to advocate for science funding.

In this fraught moment, it's important to remember that science continues to have bipartisan support in Congress. We heard it directly from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who joined us recently when we celebrated the Golden Goose Award. Know of a “silly sounding” basic research discovery that has had an outsized impact on society? Nominate researchers today for next year’s award.

We each have a part in informing science policy, even in a challenging environment. If you are seeking ways to learn from and engage with experts in education, science policy, research and business investment, I hope you will join us October 22-24 at the AAAS Forum on S&T Policy in the Washington, D.C. region. In its 49th year, the Forum will cover how science-driven decisions transform society from the ground up — particularly in the areas of food production, climate and health.

Before I sign off, I hope you can take time to enjoy a moment of wonder: Einstein and Hawking were right about black holes.

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