In a landmark initiative, the American Institute of Physics (AIP) has launched its first annual 2025 Research Agenda, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing critical issues at the intersection of history, policy, and culture in the physical sciences. This transformative step reflects AIP’s commitment to fostering meaningful change in the way science is practiced and by whom.
Developed over months of consultation with stakeholders, including AIP’s 10 Member Societies, the agenda identifies key areas where social science, policy analysis, and historical research can provide valuable insights. AIP’s unique position within the scientific community enables it to draw on the expertise of staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to create a research agenda that bridges disciplines and promotes progress.
AIP’s research team, comprising social scientists, historians, librarians, policy analysts, and archivists, will focus on the following five key areas throughout the year:
• Supporting Future Leaders: Investigating the challenges and needs of emerging scientific society leaders to enhance support and leadership development.
• Celebrating Quantum Science: Documenting a century of groundbreaking advancements in quantum science and technology, highlighting its transformative global impact.
• Government Workforce Analysis: Examining trends in the U.S. government’s physical science workforce to inform policies and strategic planning.
• Education in Climate Sciences: Piloting studies to explore educational pathways in climate, atmospheric, and oceanic sciences, with an emphasis on broadening participation and access.
• Showcasing Diversity in Science: Unveiling the diverse individuals and contributions that have shaped the physical sciences over decades, emphasizing representation and inclusion.
AIP aims to engage with the global physical sciences community throughout the year to raise awareness of these topics, promote thought leadership, and encourage collaborative initiatives. By aligning historical and social research with scientific exploration, AIP seeks to provide context and solutions for pressing challenges in the scientific community.
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