Education

Efforts to diversify representation in science and engineering require initiatives that increase diversity of thought as well.

The current system for comparing universities relies entirely on arbitrary rankings. An analytical framework for comparison can help.

Positioning universities as hubs of inclusive innovation, particularly in less inventive places, can shift local workforce demographics and accelerate growth.

A successful unionization effort among Columbia University’s postdoctoral researchers tackles bullying and financial disparities so that researchers can focus on science.

Timothy Lieuwen proposes a framework that universities can use to evaluate potential research funding relationships with oil and gas companies in light of their own values.

Radical designs for fission and fusion energy systems require engineers who are grounded in technical knowledge, adept at engaging communities in participatory design, and fluent in ethical, equity-centered communication.

The academic community needs to elucidate a nuanced understanding of what it means by impact, how it happens, and what scholars might do individually and collectively to work toward it.

Rashada Alexander is the director of AAAS’s Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program. She talks about how her fellowship experience helped her look up from the bench and find meaning in her life, and why scientists and engineers should apply for this transformational experience.

Local collaborations among schools, higher education institutions, businesses, and community groups can achieve what top-down directives cannot.

How can policymakers and education leaders build a more affordable and equitable path to higher education, particularly in STEM disciplines?

On April 8, 2024, North America will experience something that will not be visible from the continent for another 20 years: a total solar eclipse. Celestial events such as these are awe-inspiring, but public engagement opportunities like these are often seen as separate from the work of actual scientists. On this episode, we talk to astronomer Douglas Duncan about how he has worked to bridge this gap and invite the public into the joy of science.

Teaching early-career researchers the skills to engage in the policy arena could prepare them for a lifetime of high-impact engagement and invite new perspectives into the democratic process.