The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Arizona State University (ASU) have announced a five-year partnership aimed at advancing scientific excellence and fostering a more inclusive and impactful scientific enterprise. Dubbed the AAAS + ASU Collaborative, the initiative seeks to amplify strategies that connect science with societal needs and promote research that informs policy.
A cornerstone of this partnership is the newly established ASU-Science Prize for Transformational Research, which will be awarded annually to early-career researchers whose innovative work directly addresses pressing societal challenges. The prize, developed in collaboration with AAAS and its flagship journal Science, will recognize groundbreaking research that uses novel methods to produce actionable insights with clear policy implications. Topics for consideration range from human health and education to artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. Submissions for the prize will open in May 2025.
The Collaborative also includes efforts to engage ASU’s STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) community. ASU faculty, students, and staff will be invited to join AAAS as Elemental Members, forming cohorts focused on science communication, policy, and early-career development. These groups will contribute to AAAS initiatives and inform future activities aimed at deepening the integration of science and society.
Additionally, the partnership will host events in Washington, D.C., that explore the intersection of science and societal challenges. The first event, scheduled for spring 2025, will examine the national security implications of energy systems and transitions.
On a broader level, the AAAS + ASU Collaborative serves as a model for mission-driven partnerships between higher education institutions and scientific organizations. The initiative aligns with the Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST), a forthcoming task force report chaired by AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh, which highlights the critical role universities play in driving innovation and maintaining trust in the scientific enterprise.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing science that is inclusive, solutions-focused, and aligned with the values and needs of diverse communities.
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