SE Valley Times

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Arizona State University (ASU) have announced a five-year partnership called the AAAS + ASU Collaborative. This initiative aims to enhance scientific excellence and foster an inclusive scientific enterprise that serves society.

In its initial phase, the collaboration will introduce a joint prize, offer ASU's STEMM community membership in AAAS as Elemental Members, and host events in Washington, D.C., focusing on science-related policy topics.

"Focusing science and scientific advances on the challenges we face is essential to the advancement of society," stated ASU President Michael Crow. "This collaboration will help us do that and can become a model for how we thoughtfully advance science to impact public policy for the benefit of all people."

A significant aspect of this partnership is the creation of a prize with AAAS and its journal, Science. The ASU-Science Prize for Transformational Impact will be awarded to early-career researchers whose work focuses on solutions with clear impacts on policy. Submissions open in May 2025, with potential areas including human health, educational outcomes, and artificial intelligence applications.

"We are thrilled to be partnering in the AAAS + ASU Collaborative," said Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. "Most exciting of all is the development of a prize that will empower the next generation of scientists to create tangible benefits for society."

Additionally, ASU invites its STEMM faculty, students, and staff to join AAAS as members. This aligns with AAAS's long-term vision to mobilize scientists globally towards scientific excellence and informed decision-making. Elemental Members from ASU will engage in activities related to science communication, policy development, and networking.

AAAS and ASU also plan events in Washington focused on science-society intersections. The first event this spring will address national security implications related to energy systems.

The collaborative reflects a mission-focused model for partnerships between AAAS and higher education institutions. It embodies principles from the Vision for American Science and Technology task force led by AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh.

"This partnership reinforces the interconnected nature of the (science and technology) ecosystem," Parikh commented. "Imagine what we can accomplish when we're all working together on a bigger mission."