2021 Annual Forum

Part 1: New Constructs for Science Policy

This session took place on March 25, 2021.

The next four years may feature changes in not only the direction of science policy, but also the structure of the U.S. research system itself. Our keynote speaker discussed President Biden’s elevation of the science adviser role to Cabinet status and the expected priorities of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Afterwards, a panel of experts from Congress, academia, and industry discussed the prospects of legislative proposals to alter how science agencies are structured, such as the Endless Frontier Act. Panelists will also explore options for promoting the domestic STEM workforce and maintaining an open scientific environment amid geopolitical tensions. Thanks to those society leaders who joined us in exploring how federal policy shifts may change how the physical sciences enterprise functions in America.

Keynote

Neal Lane, Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Rice University; former director of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy

Panel

Richard Obermann, Democratic Chief of Staff, U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
“Congressional Perspectives on Evolving Science Policy Issues”

Cherilyn Pascoe, Republican Deputy Policy Director, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
(withdrew)

Victor McCrary, Vice President for Research and Graduate Programs, University of the District of Columbia / Vice Chair of the National Science Board

Robert Atkinson, Founder and President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
“Science Policy in an Age of China Competition”

Rita Colwell, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland at College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health / Former Director of the National Science Foundation
“Science Policy in the Age of Interdisciplinary Science”

Part 2: Future of Association Convening: Envisioning for The Sciences (FACETS)

This session took place on April 22, 2021. Scroll down past the agenda to view a recording of the sesssion.

AIP has just released its latest Letter Report, FACETS, which examines how scientific societies and associations might re-imagine and optimize the meetings of the future to communicate science and serve scientists at all career stages, given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical sciences. Members of our expert panel will describe opportunities and ideas for new ways to exchange science, support professional growth, build community, and develop partnerships. Hear thoughts on how societies can continue to deliver unique value, through evolving forms and mediums, to be even more impactful to members and the broader research community.

Agenda

Welcome
Michael Moloney, Chief Executive Officer, AIP

The FACETS Report: Major Ideas and Section Overview
Session Chair: Christine McEntee, Chair of FACETS, Principal, CWMcEntee LLC, Former CEO, American Geophysical Union

Short introductions of report topics, setting the stage for breakout room discussions:

• Structures and Forms of Convening - Christine McEntee, FACETS Chair
• Future of Science Exchange - Brian Papa, Associate Executive Director, American Meteorological Society
• Accessibility and Audience Reach - Lily Wang, Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty and Inclusion, College of Engineering, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, former president of Acoustical Society of America
• Conference Partnerships - Lauren Kane, Chief Strategy Officer, Morressier
• Building a Sustainable Business Model - Kevin Marvel, Executive Officer, American Astronomical Society

Breakout Discussions
Participants will have their choice of breakout rooms, related to report topics that most interest them.

Frameworks to Break the Mold of Traditional Approaches to Conference Planning
Christine McEntee, Chair of FACETS, will give a brief introduction

Breakout Discussions
Participants discuss how to put elements of the report into practice, and share experiences with their society’s efforts to embrace innovation in evolving their meetings.

Open Discussion
FACETS panelists and participants exchange additional insights and takeaways.

Recordings and Transcripts of Assembly Sessions

One group’s discussion on departing from traditional approaches to planning/Making Room for innovation

Another group’s discussion on departing from traditional approaches to planning/Making Room for innovation