2024 AAAS Annual Meeting…and you!

Speed Networking with the AAAS STPF Community

We kicked off the Annual Meeting in Denver with a speed networking session, giving a chance for 50+ alumni and current fellows of the program who were at the meeting to meet each other, as well as an opportunity for friends to reconnect. With a total of five rounds, the STPF network was enjoy themselves and chatting away!

Activities in the Alumni Lounge

Due to popular demand, the Alumni Lounge was brought back in an even bigger space this year. The Lounge became a quiet respite from the hum of the annual meeting, with a constant flow of coffee and tea, comfortable couches, more outlets than one could need and plenty of swag. STPF alumni also gathered for a group photo, taking both a serious and a fun one, of course! Download them here.

The Candid Career Conversation series was brought offline, featuring alumni, from left to right, Rashada Alexander, Christina Barstow, Kevin Cooke and Adela Ramos. The group talked about “The New Normal,” how things have changed since the pandemic, from the future becoming more technology-driven, to universities adapting to hybrid or remote educational models, to remote work.

For those who were curious about what other STPF alumni are up to, from left to right, Gillian Bowser, Christie Canaria and Jonathan Felbinger shared the ideas and projects they’re currently working on at the Alumni Innovation Showcase. Gillian: Addressing climate change and NCA5. Christie: How I Can CHIPS (Can Help Inform Policy for Science.) Jonathan: Physics at the forefront of technology.

In “AI & Science Policy Advice,” the AAAS STPF AI Cohort – Serena Booth, Soribel Feliz, Cynthia Lee, Eoghan Stafford, Kiri Wagstaff, Rebecca Voglewede – spoke about their work on the Hill and answered some tough questions from the audience on what the future of AI in policy holds. This session was a full house with 150 people in rolling attendance and more standing!

Scientific Sessions and Deep Conversations

From left to right, Clare Valentine, Kristen Uhlenbrock and STPF alum Arti Garg, founder and chair of Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL), gave advice on how to “Become an Advocate for Science Policy in Your Local Community.” An underappreciated action is true community engagement and when driving change in communities, building relationships and trust is key to making people feel heard.

During the workshop “Engaging Policymakers Across a Political Difference,” panelist and STPF alum Amanda Shores organized a fun workshop for attendees to learn how to communicate and engage with policymakers across different backgrounds and political contexts. A tip from Amanda: “Tell stories. It’s not unusual for people to refute facts, but it’s much harder to refute experience,” from X post of Feb. 17 2024.

The Annual STPF SciPol Shindig

On Friday night, STPF threw the annual Science Policy Networking Mixer, supported by the Moore Foundation. There were more than 200 scientists, current fellows, STPF alumni and others in the scientific and policy community in attendance. Recognizing the expanse and breadth of this community’s never-ending and cutting-edge work, “You can’t live your life…without touching science and technology, from the moment you get up to the time you go to bed,” said AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh. Celebrating science and policy, it was a lively night with food and refreshments.

Having just celebrated AAAS STPF’s 50th anniversary and AAAS’s 175th anniversary last year, the program looks forward to continuing to bring scientists and engineers to the policy space in Washington, DC. The 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting will be held in Boston, MA from February 13-15. Want to submit a proposal or workshop? Submit your idea by May 6, 2024!