TLDR: If you’re attending AAAS in Phoenix, join us at the SNAP reception! Check out our new Medium blog, and stay tuned for upcoming initiatives including Stance on Science, SciPol Course modules, and a SciPol Hackathon.

AAAS 2026

The AAAS Meeting is right around the corner on February 12-14 in Phoenix, AZ! At the meeting, five SNAP members (Miles Arnett, Isako Di Tomassi, JP Flores, Erin Morrow, and Alex Rich) will be speaking on a plenary panel discussing the work SNAP has done and is continuing to do. Several members are also presenting their work in the E-poster session, and SNAP will be at booth 605, so you can meet members in person to get connected with our initiatives. Come have a drink on us at the SNAP reception (RSVP here) on Friday, Feb. 13th!

SNAP Blog - Science Policy in a SNAP

We recently started a blog! Read our first post on our website or read and give us a follow on Medium! You’ll hear from a variety of SNAP member voices on science and science-policy topics. Have an idea for a post? Contact us and let us know.

Stance on Science

We want to know where candidates across the country stand on scientific issues that affect our communities. Stance on Science will focus on asking science policy-related questions of candidates running in local, state, and national races during the 2026 elections. SNAP will then share their responses on our website so voters can better understand where candidates stand on science issues before they cast their ballots.

We need more volunteers! If you’re interested in helping in your state as a state lead or a volunteer, fill out this sign-up form. We will be in touch with more information and resources. Want to learn more about what this entails? Reach out to snapscipolorg@gmail.com with any questions. The following 20 states still need at least one state lead:

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Vermont

SciPol Course

SNAP is developing a modular science policy curriculum covering topics such as What is Science Policy?, How Government Works, Writing for Policymakers, Science Communication & Public Speaking, and Science Diplomacy. These resources are designed to educate students at our home institutions, support emerging university science policy groups, and strengthen early-career engagement nationwide. We are undergoing an intensive course development phase and wrapping up our first stage of curriculum refinement and implementation, positioning us for a spring rollout and formal launch!

SciPol Hackathon

SNAP’s hackathon is a project-focused initiative where we are gathering early-career researchers over a period of time to create a science policy technical product, a multimedia piece or a written piece. Each team makes a presentation for the competition and the presentations will be evaluated by domain experts for potential impact, creativity, and novelty. Learn more and submit ideas here.

Writing in the Works

SNAP members are working on a manuscript for a special edition of The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science: The Public’s Science–A New Social Contract for American Research Policy. This paper will lay out our vision for how to integrate science communication and advocacy into graduate training. The final version will be published in the fall.

SNAP is also working on a Special Report for BioScience about how to effectively organize grassroots advocacy, with our fall initiatives as case studies.

SCIENCE TALK ‘26

Several members of SNAP will be attending SCIENCE TALK ’26 in Portland, Oregon in March. SNAP will be holding a panel discussion on mobilizing early-career researchers for nationwide initiatives! Check out more information at the SCIENCE TALK ‘26 program tab.

Will you be there, too? Let us know - we’d love to connect in person!

External Opportunities

✨SNAPper Highlights and Achievements ✨

Check out these recent works by SNAP members and works mentioning SNAP members or initiatives!