Rising Minds: Science Workshops in the Heart of Phoenix
Annual Meeting attendees can get a jump on scaling up their learning and networking opportunities by attending our AAAS led pre-conference workshops on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.
Please peruse the list below for the workshop descriptions, fees and eligibility to attend. Tickets for these workshops can be added during your Meeting Registration. Space is limited so act quickly!
THURSDAY MORNING WORKSHOPS
Communicating with the Media About Science
Thursday, 2/12, 9:00 am–1:00 pm: Training workshop focuses on engaging with the media about scientific research and expertise.
All registrants are eligible to sign up. $50
Courtroom Science Communication
Thursday, 2/12, 9:00 am–12:00 am: Workshop includes watching a mock trial with lawyers, judges and scientists to learn how science communication skills can support judicial decision-making.
All registrants are eligible to sign up. $50
Opportunity by Design: Exploring Risk Tolerance & the Innovator’s Mindset
Thursday, 2/12, 9:00 am-1:00 pm: Workshop for higher education faculty and leaders to explore the concept of institutional risk tolerance and the importance of adopting an innovator’s mindset in higher education.
All registrants are eligible to sign up. $50
Science Engagement with People of Faith
Thursday, 2/12, 9:00 am–12:00 pm: Workshop that is intended for participants interested in religious inclusion in science spaces, including museums, classrooms, labs, on social media, in policy discussions, or in public settings.
All registrants are eligible to sign up. $50
Unlocking NSF Funding for STEM Educators & Researchers
Thursday 2/12, 9:00 am-1:00 pm: Workshop designed for faculty and researchers at all career stages who are interested in applying for NSF STEMM Education pathway grants.
All registrants are eligible to sign up. $50
THURSDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Engaging Scientists and Engineers in Policy (ESEP) Town Hall
Thursday, 2/12 12:00 pm–1:00 pm: The town hall serves as a one-stop source for attendees interested in science policy, broadly defined, to find out about relevant sessions at the AAAS Annual Meeting, understand some of the nuances among the sessions, and for the session organizers and participants to have an opportunity to network and benefit from learning about each other’s events.
All registrants are eligible to sign up. FREE
Thursday, 2/12 1:30 pm–4:30 pm: An abbreviated version of the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop. This “science policy 101” workshop covers an introduction to science and technology (S&T) policy, introduction to the research and development budget, the role of S&T in policy, an introduction to Congress, and the basic elements of science communication.
Only Deluxe Student, E-poster and Session Aide registrants are eligible to sign up. FREE