News Release 14-045
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships Program receives 2014 Public Service Award for a group
Program has facilitated public policy service of over 2,500 scientists and engineers
March 27, 2014
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Today the National Science Board (NSB) announced that a long-running program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the recipient of its 2014 Public Service Award for a group. AAAS' Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program connects science with policy and fosters a network of science and engineering leaders who understand government and policymaking.
NSB's Public Service Award for a group honors exemplary public service in promoting public understanding of science and engineering. For over 40 years, AAAS has collaborated with professional science and technology societies and others to sponsor scientists and engineers for public service in congressional offices and committees and in federal agencies.
"This program has an incredible history and has had such a positive impact," said Ruth David, chair of the NSB's Committee on Honorary Awards. "AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships have given over 2,500 scientists and engineers the opportunity to work in congressional offices or with federal agencies, learning about policymaking and contributing their skills and insights."
In 1973, the first cohort of Science &Technology Policy Fellows served in congressional offices, providing their scientific expertise to policy-makers facing increasingly technical legislative issues. AAAS now partners with 15 federal agencies, many congressional offices and committees, and more than 30 professional scientific societies to operate the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships. While contributing their knowledge to policymakers, the Fellows learn first-hand about what goes into policymaking.
Alumni of the program carry their experiences into many realms. Some chose to stay in public service while others contribute their science and policy insights to non-profit or private sectors. Former Fellows can be found serving as senior policy leaders in government, industry, as well as at universities, foundations and non-governmental organizations.
"AAAS is honored to be acknowledged with such a prestigious award," said Cynthia Robinson, director of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships. "We take great pride that it recognizes the public service contributions of the Science & Technology Policy Fellows, and the important role of our partner societies and the host offices and mentors who have participated over the past 41 years."
The Board will present AAAS with NSB's Public Service Award for a group on May 6, 2014, during the National Science Foundation (NSF)/NSB Annual Awards Ceremony held in Washington, D.C. Recipients of the NSB's Public Service Award for an individual and Vannevar Bush Award will also be honored, along with NSF's Waterman awardee. Past Public Service Award groups include National Public Radio's Science Desk, The Exploratorium, and the television drama, NUMB3RS.
About the National Science Board
The National Science Board (NSB) is the policymaking body for the National Science Foundation. NSB also advises the President and Congress on science and engineering policy issues. The Board's 24 members are drawn primarily from universities and industry and represent a variety of science and engineering disciplines. Selected for their eminence in research, education or public service and records of distinguished service, Board members serve six-year terms. NSF's Director is an ex officio 25th member of the Board. Visit NSB's website for more information.
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Media Contacts
Nadine Lymn, National Science Board, (703) 292-2490, email: nlymn@nsf.gov
Katharine Zambon, AAAS, (202) 326-6434, email: kzambon@aaas.org
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.
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