Aspen Institute Science & Society Program

Congratulations to the 2025 winners of the National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications! The awards, given by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in partnership with Schmidt Sciences, recognize science journalists, research scientists, and science communicators who have developed creative, original work to communicate issues and advances in science, engineering, and medicine to the general public. Learn more about the winners' contributions to the understanding of science: https://ow.ly/nKEP50Xh1kE #sciencecommunication #sciencejournalism #science

REMINDER: Tomorrow (October 21 at 2:00 PM ET), join the Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA) for the second #MA3 Challenge Information Session, a conversation about reimagining how colleges and universities define, evaluate, and reward academic excellence. Awards are up to $250K for universities. Register here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeBY8Qke

Calling all future science storytellers! The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is now open for applications. This 10-week summer program helps STEM students turn research into powerful stories that connect science and society. 🗓️ Deadline: January 1, 2026 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/geTEwmJ #ScienceCommunication #STEM #ScienceAndSociety #AAAS

**Big news in science communication!** 🎙️Pfizer just launched Season 5 of Science Will Win, co-hosted by none other than Raven Baxter, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Raven the Science Maven) and Dr. Ronald Gamble. This dynamic scientist duo brings warmth, authenticity, and deep expertise to one of the industry’s most acclaimed science podcasts. Produced with Acast Creative Studios, the new season blends storytelling with science and explores the breakthroughs shaping the future of healthcare— from gene editing and RNA-based medicines to cell therapies and targeted protein degradation. We can’t wait to tune in! 🎧 Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eAWN5nQn

**NEW BLOG POST** Universities across the U.S. are rethinking how they define and reward excellence in research—and whether their systems reflect the values and ideals they profess. Academic reward structures have long prioritized publications, citations, and grant dollars. Yet, as public trust in science faces new challenges, institutions are asking how to recognize better openness, mentorship, collaboration, and engagement with communities. In our latest blog, the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program joins partners at the Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA) in exploring how academic culture can evolve to align with the public good. 🔗 Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/e8Gyd4Te This work builds on the Modernizing Academic Appointment and Advancement (MA3) Challenge, a national initiative supporting U.S. colleges and universities in reimagining hiring, review, promotion, and tenure systems. An upcoming information session on October 21st at 2pm ET will share insights and opportunities for institutions interested in participating. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ej3btt7x

🚨15 days left to apply for the 2026 Tech Policy Press Fellowship! 🚨 Since 2023, we’ve supported 15 fellows from 7 countries tackling urgent questions about AI governance, tech regulation, digital rights, and more. For our 2026 cohort, we intended to support a select group of journalists, researchers, and public policy professionals interested in original reporting and/or policy analysis at the intersection of technology and democracy. Fellows will join an international cohort for regular feedback and exchange of ideas, receive ongoing editorial guidance from Tech Policy Press staff, and participate in monthly sessions designed to support and strengthen their work. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dExabCka

🚀 New Open-Access Book Alert! Science, healthcare, and technology only make an impact if they are understood and trusted. That’s why effective communication is mission-critical. 📖 Science Communication for Scientists offers practical strategies grounded in research—and shares insights from the Alda Center’s Alda Method®, which has trained thousands of scientists to connect with audiences. This resource empowers scientists at every stage of their careers to share their work in ways that inspire trust, understanding, and impact. 🌐 Available open access now: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gh4TVs89 Authors: Laura Lindenfeld Xia Zheng Anthony Dudo John C. Besley Todd Newman #ScienceCommunication #AldaCenter #AldaMethod #OpenAccess

We are grateful to the Richard King Mellon Foundation for supporting our youth-driven, informal STEM learning program, Our Future is Science. 💡 The new #RKMF–OFIS Scholars initiative brings mentorship, science, and storytelling to Southwestern Pennsylvania—empowering students to explore how STEM can solve real-world challenges in their own communities. Thank you for helping us expand access, representation, and opportunity in STEM. OFIS is currently recruiting high school students and graduate students in STEM fields. Please share this opportunity with your networks. Applications are due December 4th!

It's not too late! Join the Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA) for the MA3 Challenge Info Session TODAY at 12pm ET / 3pm ET. With backing from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Dana Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Rita Allen Foundation, your university, college, or division, department, or center has the opportunity to apply for funding to reimagine academic appointment and advancement. Attend today's session by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/eDjGKKxc