2026 MEETING THEME: SCIENCE @ SCALE

Science is at a pivotal moment in which we are reexamining the role of the federal government in supporting basic research; seeking alternative ways for science to inform policy in the wake of the Chevron Doctrine being overturned; and exploring how science must be implemented at scale for meaningful impact in different contexts at the local, regional, national, and global levels.  Yet, challenges and opportunities, such as energy transitions, the future of democracy, and AI-for-all, persist at unprecedented rates, urgency, and scale.  These initiatives are complex socio-technical systems that require holistic in-depth studies of interdependent phenomena and necessitate multiple disciplines and disparate parties to be at the table.  Successful implementation at scale demands ethics and trust as shared core values as well as alignment of competing interests, cultures, timescales, and incentives. 

Science @ Scale – invites us to celebrate discovery, probe evidence-based policy innovation, and embrace the challenge of implementing science and policy at scale for the benefit of society.  We will highlight opportunities for communities of scientists, policy makers, and the citizenry to work together and explore how science and policy can be developed at scale for impact.