Standing for science, standing with you

In recent weeks, the U.S. scientific community has been under assault. Cuts to federal science agencies are having real consequences: research disrupted, careers derailed, and an overall weakening of the scientific enterprise at a time when the world needs it most.

We cannot let this moment go unchallenged. Our strength lies with our community, and in moments like these, we must stand together, stay connected, and speak out.

Here are ways you can get engaged right now:

• APS campaign to protect science: We are continuing our nationwide campaign to collect your stories to share with elected officials and to work with you to submit persuasive op-eds, attend town halls, meet with your state’s congressional staff, and ensure that America’s leaders and voters understand why support for science matters.
• APS action center: The APS action center is our always-on hub to support members in contacting their elected officials about important issues, including funding for science. Visit today and make your voice heard.

Protecting members and careers

At APS, we are committed to providing a welcoming professional home to the world’s physics community through challenges, changes, and everyday moments. Recent events have affected physicists in many ways, but one thing remains constant: We stand with you, today and always.

This year, to support members who are personally facing difficult times, we are offering membership renewal at no cost. Members can select the hardship waiver option when they receive their renewal communications.

By staying connected with APS, you can:

• Use the Career Navigator to access insights, tools, and personalized guidance.
• Search our Physics Jobs for your next opportunity.
• Stay up to date with APS News, Physics Magazine, and Physics Today.
• Network with your community by joining one of our 50 units.
• Explore our library of over 50 webinars on topics like research, communication, and outreach.

Please make sure your contact information is current so you can stay connected.

Serving physics and physicists

APS is hosting the Global Physics Summit from March 16-21 in Anaheim, CA. The Summit is offering close to 15,000 scientists the opportunity to share their research and network with colleagues and peers. In uncertain times, it is important that we come together to celebrate our community and our science.

To that end, we are reaching out to ensure that speakers at the Global Physics Summit can present their work, even if they are unable to travel.

Alongside the Summit’s robust scientific program, APS and its government affairs team will be hosting a series of events:

• Protecting Science: APS Town Hall: APS leadership will hold a Town Hall on Sunday afternoon to discuss the Society's efforts to protect, promote, and defend science.
• Speak for Science workshop: This hands-on workshop will train you to be an impactful advocate on any policy topic that matters to you.
• Strategic Science Communication workshop: This event will help answer the question: “How do you communicate the impact of physics to the public?”
• Contact Congress: Government affairs staff will be in the APS Village to assist members who would like to contact their congressional delegation.

Look for details in the program. These are golden opportunities to make your voice heard.

No matter what the future holds, our commitment to advancing physics and supporting physicists will not change. As the landscape evolves, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and experiment with new ways to support and connect our global community. That is our promise to you.

Jonathan A. Bagger
APS Chief Executive Officer