Scientific discovery addressing humanity's biggest challenges is an opportunity to celebrate the unique role science policy plays in translating discoveries into solutions. As the world of science policy expands beyond federal agencies and the United States' Congress, scientists are finding ways to engage with policymakers at the local, state, regional, federal, and global level. In celebrating 50 years of the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, the program and the AAAS EPI Center will explore the future of science policy and how the science policy community is expanding the impact of scientific discovery, science-informed decision-making, and the role of engaged scientists. This panel will explore the important role of international grand challenges and prizes that invest in science and technology. It will discuss the expansion and evolution of state science and technology policy fellowships. The panel will showcase how and why scientists and engineers are shaping policy through civic engagement in their local communities. The future of science policy is in the unique opportunities to infuse multidisciplinary scientific evidence into the policymaking process, from international collaborations to local communities. Science policy professionals, scientists, and policymakers can work together to ensure local policies all the way up to international negotiations and treaties utilize groundbreaking science and science-informed policies to address the biggest challenges.

Location: Room 151 (Street Level), Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, DC 2001