This year, the AAAS Annual Meeting was held here in San Diego from February 18-22^nd. The meeting was a great chance for scientists and science enthusiasts to hear about topics related to scientific advancements, achievements, and directions. MySDscience covered the event, and more articles are to follow! AAAS President and Nobel Laureate Peter C. Agre led a meeting that included an array of scientists, engineers, educators, and policy makers for the 176^th meeting. Attendees from across the U.S., as well as throughout the world joined to hear panelists and top scientists discuss hot topics in science. Subjects ranged from translational and personalized medicine to marine science and laser technology. 

There were many exciting talks and events throughout the course of the five days, and many scientific leaders gave exceptional insight into some of the most up and coming trends in scientific advancement. Experts discussed educational outreach, coupled with career development in the sciences, leading inspirational discussions and planning future strategies to encourage scientific development in the U.S. A significant emphasis was also placed on the need for scientists to effectively communicate about scientific endeavors to the general public. Issues such as communicating to state and local governments to how science is portrayed in society raised important questions that all scientists should consider. Scientific funding was also another topic of interest, with debates on how to better fund the sciences, and how to teach younger generations the importance of science and innovation. Other topics included energy, global science policy, environmental issues and human health. 

Clearly, San Diego brings immense expertise and excitement to the field in each of these regards, and the forum for the meeting could not have been more appropriate. I know that each of us that attended the meeting leave with a better understanding of our role as scientists, and are inspired to continue science education advancement in our communities. 

More information about the meeting can be found on the website www.aaas.org/meetings/2010/

Look for more articles from MySDscience with more in depth coverage of some of the topics and speakers coming soon!