Overview
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is an international non-profit scientific society founded in 1848 in the United States. It promotes scientific research, education and cooperation across disciplines, and publishes the Science family of journals.
Its mission is to advance science, engineering and innovation for the benefit of society. AAAS emphasises scientific integrity, evidence-based decision-making and public understanding of research.
Mission and focus areas
AAAS supports scientific research, science policy, education, public engagement and international cooperation. Its activities address climate change, biodiversity, public health, emerging technologies, scientific ethics and equitable participation in science.
Although sustainable finance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration are not its primary functions, its publications provide scientific evidence relevant to sustainability assessments. Research published through its journals can inform climate risk analysis, environmental due diligence and evaluation of emerging technologies.
Structure and governance
AAAS operates as a membership-based non-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors, elected officers and a representative Council. Its governance framework includes scientific disciplinary sections and committees supporting organisational priorities and professional engagement.
Chief Executive Officer Sudip S. Parikh leads its executive operations, supported by specialist teams overseeing publishing, programmes, finance, policy and international affairs. Its activities are supported by membership, publishing operations, philanthropy and programme funding.
Programs and offerings
AAAS publishes Science and associated peer-reviewed journals, providing research across the natural, physical and social sciences. It also produces science policy analysis, educational resources and public engagement materials.
Its programmes include Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, the annual AAAS Meeting and initiatives supporting science communication, international cooperation and workforce inclusion. The AAAS Learning Hub provides professional development courses and online educational events.
AAAS also supports scientific responsibility, human rights and the application of research to public policy. For finance and sustainability practitioners, its publications offer evidence relevant to environmental risk assessment, technological change, public health and long-term investment considerations.
AAAS MISSION: Advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all. Advancing Science, Serving Society.
