The George Washington University announced it has accepted an invitation to join one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific societies as a founding Institutional Member.
The new partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) provides free AAAS Elemental Memberships to all GW faculty, staff, postdocs and students. AAAS Elemental Memberships and benefits can be claimed online.
AAAS Elemental Members gain access to AAAS member communities, updates and policy alerts, educational resources, training courses and professional development programming. These new tools will help GW scholars advance their careers and connect with peers and collaborators.
“As an Institutional Member of AAAS, GW joins a global community that is advancing innovation and discovery, celebrating scientific excellence and advocating for science-informed decisions and actions,” said GW Provost Christopher Alan Bracey. “This engagement deepens our existing relationship with AAAS and serves as further recognition of our scholars and their far-reaching impact.”
Founded in 1848, AAAS is an international, nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technology for the benefit of all people. The organization has individual members in more than 91 countries and is the publisher of the Science family of journals.
AAAS’s expansive mission includes evidence-based policy and advocacy, public engagement and science communications, science diplomacy, STEM education and the ethical conduct of research.
“At a time when speaking up for science and evidence-based decision-making is more essential than ever, Institutional Membership strengthens AAAS’s voice and helps to keep the GW research community empowered, informed, and connected,” said AAAS Chief Executive Officer Sudip Parikh. “We’re proud to welcome GW as a founding Institutional Member and to working more closely with the GW community.”
Claiming a free AAAS membership also makes individuals eligible for members-only honors and builds eligibility toward the four-year membership requirement for election as a AAAS Fellow. AAAS Fellows are a distinguished set of scholars who have been recognized for their contributions and achievements across disciplines.
Nearly 90 current and historical AAAS Fellows were elected while affiliated with GW, dating back to 1909.
“AAAS membership has been invaluable for me. They are my go-to source of information on a range of issues—from the science itself, to policy, to funding. And now more than ever we need staunch advocates for science,” said Chemistry Department Chair and AAAS Fellow Christopher Cahill. “AAAS does a lot of the ‘heavy lifting’ and makes it easier for the rest of us to get informed and involved. I’m excited about the new partnership as I am eager for the broader GW community to have access to these benefits.”
GW’s partnership with AAAS has strengthened and expanded in recent years. The university showcased pioneering research, led high-profile discussions and engaged with prospective students and alumni at AAAS’s annual meetings in 2024 and 2025. Holden Thorp, the editor-in-chief of Science, joined GW’s chemistry faculty in fall 2023. And Frank Sesno, professor of media and public affairs and executive director of the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future, regularly emcees the organization’s Golden Goose awards.
