2023 Annual Report Banner - New Directions

Welcome

In 2023, we embarked on a journey to invest in Society for Science’s future, doubling down on our mission through a comprehensive strategic planning process aimed at charting our course for the next five years. Following our centennial milestone in 2021, we recognized the need for the Society to embrace new directions — thus the theme of our 2023 annual report.

While we are entering our next chapter from a position of strength, there is work to be done to unlock our full potential. The Society stands ready and poised for the challenges that lie ahead.

Heading into 2024 and beyond, the Society will be focusing on five strategic priorities: (1) strengthening our organizational capacity and operations; (2) leading longitudinal data and impact measurement; (3) strengthening our foundational programs; (4) nurturing and activating our networks and (5) increasing access and inclusivity. Science News, meanwhile, developed a complementary strategic plan to guide its future growth. The plan includes promoting diversity, committing to accessibility and meaningful engagement, expanding its audience base and experimenting with innovative ideas.

Collectively, these “new directions” will magnify the Society’s influence and effectiveness.

An finalist presenting his research to younger students at Education Outreach Day at Regeneron ISEF, in 2023.

While we are eager to take on new challenges, the Society also takes pride in the impact we are making today. In 2023, we celebrated significant milestones, including successfully hosting competitions that were fully in person. We were also thrilled to establish a partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the new sponsor for our middle school STEM research competition, renamed the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Two Thermo Fisher JIC finalists looking at a laptop during a challenge.

We are also thrilled that Regeneron committed to continuing its title sponsorship of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from 2025 through 2029. Regeneron has been a stalwart partner of ISEF, Science Talent Search (STS) and our STEM outreach and equity programs.

Regeneron ISEF attendees standing in line in front of a large banner that reads, "The Future of Now."

Furthermore, we were honored to witness the portrayal of our work on the small screen through “Science Fair: The Series,” a captivating docuseries available on Hulu and Disney+ chronicling journeys of young innovators, engineers and scientists striving for success at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. We hope this series will inspire young minds worldwide to engage in scientific research.

Science Fair: The Series

Our outreach and equity programs continued to expand in 2023, providing support to educators and students in traditionally underrepresented communities across the country through grants, conferences and professional development opportunities. The Society awarded $245,000 in STEM Action Grants to 53 grassroots nonprofit organizations and $100,000 in STEM Research Grants to 52 educators in underserved classrooms, supporting hundreds of students and helping us to achieve our goal of ensuring that every young person with an interest in STEM has an opportunity to pursue that passion.

Two students sitting together reading lab materials on o table.

We are also thrilled to share that in its 20th year, Science News Explores, our youth-focused magazine, swept the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards, bringing home the Gold and Silver awards in the Children’s Science News category. Science News drew in readers with comprehensive coverage of pressing issues such as the record-breaking year in climate; a serialized newsletter spotlighting new depression treatments called “Electricity Saved My Brain”; and insightful features on topics like artificial intelligence, superconductors and mental health.

Cover and inside page view of Science News Explores, a magazine for kids ages 9 and up to learn about science.

It has been a tremendous year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees, whose commitment and guidance ensure the continued success of the Society. We particularly thank Marty Chalfie for his longstanding service to the Board and warmly welcome Christopher Bouton and Gary E. Knell. We look forward to their guidance in the years ahead. Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors for their steadfast support of our competitions, STEM outreach programs and journalism.

ISEF 2023 Sponsors
people profile

Maya Ajmera

President & CEO,
Society for Science

Executive Publisher, Science News

STS 1985

people profile

Mary Sue Coleman

Chair, Society for Science Board of Trustees

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