American Association for the Advancement of Science: A History of Scientific Advocacy
Founded in the mid-19th century, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) stands as one of the most influential organizations dedicated to the promotion of science and engineering in the United States. From its humble beginnings as a small group of researchers to its current role as a global advocate for evidence-based policy, the AAAS has spent over 175 years fostering collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines.
The Creation of a National Scientific Body
The AAAS was established on September 20, 1848, at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It emerged as a reformation of the Association of American Geologists and Naturalists, with a significantly broadened mission: to serve as the first permanent national organization to promote science and engineering and to represent the interests of American researchers across all fields.
William Charles Redfield was appointed as the first president due to his comprehensive organizational plans. The society's founding constitution emphasized the promotion of scientific dialogue to enable greater collaboration, which the founders believed would increase the efficiency of research and accelerate scientific progress. Additionally, the association sought to expand the resources available to the scientific community through active advocacy.
At its inception, the AAAS consisted of 78 members. Among them was Matthew Fontaine Maury of the USN, who played a pivotal role in the organization's early scientific contributions.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Early Scientific Cooperation
On September 22, 1848, Matthew Fontaine Maury presented a report on his Wind and Current Charts, noting that hundreds of ship navigators were submitting voyage logs to the United States Naval Observatory. To improve these charts, William Barton Rogers—a professor at the University of Virginia and future founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—proposed a committee to request aid from the Secretary of the Navy in procuring foreign navigation data.
This committee included Rogers, Professor Joseph Henry, Professor Benjamin Peirce, Professor James H. Coffin, and Professor Stephen Alexander. This effort marked an early and successful example of organized scientific cooperation.
Breaking Gender Barriers
The AAAS began diversifying its membership early in its history. In 1850, the association accepted its first female members: astronomer Maria Mitchell and entomologist Margaretta Morris. Later, in 1859, science educator Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps was elected to the society.
Growth, Dormancy, and Recovery
By 1860, the association had grown to over 2,000 members. However, the American Civil War brought a period of dormancy. The August 1861 meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, was postponed indefinitely following the Battle of Bull Run, the war's first major engagement.
The AAAS was resurrected in 1866, with Frederick Barnard presiding over the first post-war meeting in New York City. During this era, the association opened membership to all individuals regardless of their scientific credentials, though it introduced the prestigious title of Fellow of the AAAS for well-respected scientists within the organization.
Challenges and Competition
The late 19th century brought challenges as several specialized learned societies were founded, including the National Academy of Sciences (1863), the American Chemical Society (1876), and the National Geographic Society (1888). Furthermore, the association's reputation suffered when its third president, Alexander Dallas Bache, used the society as a lobbying tool for the US Coast Survey, leading some prominent scientists to lose interest.
The Twentieth Century and the Rise of 'Big Science'
A major turning point occurred in 1900 when the journal Science became the official publication of the AAAS, providing a steady stream of revenue through advertising and subscriptions. The AAAS eventually became the sole owner of the journal in 1946.
The post-World War II era of big science—characterized by massive technical breakthroughs in nuclear power, space flight, and the discovery of DNA—sparked a surge in public interest. This growth was further amplified by the strategic business decisions of editors Dael Wolfle (1954–1970) and William D. Carey (1974–1985). In 1973, the society expanded its influence into policy with the establishment of the Congressional Fellowship program, supported by a $10,000 donation from William T. Golden.
Modern Advocacy and Global Impact
In the 21st century, the AAAS has focused heavily on the intersection of science, policy, and ethics. Under the leadership of CEO Alan I. Leshner (2001–2015), the organization opposed the inclusion of non-scientific content, such as intelligent design or creationism, in school science curricula.
The association has also taken firm stances on global crises. In December 2006, the AAAS issued an official statement declaring that human-caused global climate change is a growing threat to society and calling for immediate control of greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond climate change, the AAAS has utilized science for humanitarian and diplomatic purposes. In 2007, it used satellite imagery to document human rights abuses in Burma, and in 2008, it launched the Center for Science Diplomacy to foster international cooperation. More recently, in 2012, the AAAS campaigned against U.S. federal budget sequestration, warning that such cuts would severely hinder scientific progress.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 20, 1848, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- First President: William Charles Redfield.
- Official Publication: Science (Official since 1900; sole owner since 1946).
- First Female Members: Maria Mitchell and Margaretta Morris (1850).
- Key Programs: Congressional Fellowship program (est. 1973) and Center for Science Diplomacy (est. 2008).
| Year | Event/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1848 | Foundation of AAAS | First permanent national organization for science and engineering. |
| 1850 | First women admitted | Inclusion of Maria Mitchell and Margaretta Morris. |
| 1861-1866 | Civil War Dormancy | Activities paused until the 1866 New York City meeting. |
| 1900 | Partnership with Science | Established an official publication and revenue stream. |
| 2006 | Climate Change Statement | Official recognition of human-caused global warming. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of the AAAS?
The AAAS was created to promote scientific dialogue and collaboration nationally, allowing researchers across all fields to use resources more efficiently and accelerate scientific progress.
Who were the first women to join the AAAS?
The first female members accepted into the association in 1850 were astronomer Maria Mitchell and entomologist Margaretta Morris.
How did the American Civil War affect the association?
The AAAS became dormant during the war; specifically, its August 1861 meeting in Nashville was postponed indefinitely following the Battle of Bull Run. It did not resume meetings until 1866.
What is the relationship between the AAAS and the journal Science?
Science became the official publication of the AAAS in 1900, and the association became the sole owner of the journal in 1946.
What is the AAAS's position on climate change?
The AAAS officially stated in 2006 that scientific evidence clearly shows global climate change caused by human activities is occurring and represents a growing threat to society.