Professional organizations within the science and technology fields are the focus of this part of our web guide.
Professional associations or bodies are organizations that usually seek to advance the fields of science and technology, the interests of individuals and organizations who are engaged in these fields, and the public interest. In the United States, such organizations are typically non-profit business leagues or educational institutions, not including college or university science or technology programs. In other countries, they may take a variety of legal forms.
The roles of professional organizations are individually defined. Such an organization might be created to maintain control or oversight of the legitimate practice of a profession or field, or it might be charged with safeguarding the public interest. Others represent the interest of the professional practitioners within their membership. Although professional associations often have commonalities in purpose and activities, they are not easily defined. Some have statutory authority, while others do not.
Professional bodies are sometimes involved in accrediting degrees, defining and examining the skills and competencies required to practice, and granting professional certifications to indicate that an individual is qualified in the subject area. Many professional bodies also act as learned societies for the academic disciplines underlying the professions.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is an example of such a professional organization. The IEEE is a global organization focused on advancing technology and innovations. It offers resources for education, networking, and professional development.
An association for IT professionals, CompTIA provides training, networking opportunities, industry insights, and certification in the IT professions.
The Association for Women in Computing (AWC) supports women in technology careers, offering networking events, mentorship, and resources.
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is dedicated to increasing the representation of Native Americans in the STEM fields, providing scholarships, training, and networking resources.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) is focused on applied mathematics and computational science, offering conferences, publications, and career support.
The American Affiliation (ASA) is a Christian religious organization of scientists and people in science-related disciplines. Its stated purpose is to investigate any area regarding Christian faith and science, and it publishes a journal that covers topics related to science from a Christian viewpoint.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) is an international society for practitioners in the fields of operations research, management science, and analytics. It was established in 1995 through the merger of the Operations Research Society of America and the Institute of Management Sciences. INFORMS administers the honor society, Omega Rho.
These are just a few, and there are many other professional organizations representing the science and technology fields. These and any others are appropriate resources for this category.
Recommended Resources
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
The AAFS is a multi-disciplinary professional organization designed to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, education, research, and practice improvements and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences. Despite its name, the AAFS is an international organization with members in over seventy countries. The organization publishes the "Journal of Forensic Sciences," and has consulted on the development of the CSI television series. Membership information is provided.
https://www.aafs.org/
American Association for Science and Technology
The US-based international, non-profit organization's stated goal is to promote cooperation among scientists, defend scientific freedom, encourage scientific responsibility, and support scientific education and outreach for the betterment of humanity. AASS was the first permanent organization established to promote science and engineering nationally and is the largest scientific society. Member benefits, qualifications, and responsibilities are defined.
http://www.aascit.org
American Scientific Affiliation, The
The ASA is a Christian religious organization of scientists and people in science-related disciplines. Its stated purpose is to "investigate any area relating Christian faith and science." The organization publishes a journal, "Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith," which covers topics related to science from a Christian viewpoint. Its history, constitution, bylaws, meeting schedules, chapters, publications, brochures, and memberships are featured.
https://network.asa3.org/
Association for Information Science and Technology
Formed in 1937, the ASIS&T is a non-profit membership organization for information professionals. Founded as the American Documentation Institute, it became the American Society for Information Science in 1968 and the American Society for Information Science and Technology in 2000. It took its current name in 2013 while retaining its ASIS&T acronym. It publishes the "Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology." Membership data, programs, and services are outlined.
https://www.asist.org/
Association of Science and Technology Centers
Based in Washington, D.C., the ASTC is a non-profit global organization that provides professional support for science centers, museums, and related institutions. Its goal is to increase awareness of its members' contributions to their communities and the field of informal STEM learning. Founded in 1973, the ASTC represents members in about fifty countries. Member benefits, program guidelines, conferences, events, initiatives, impact, and contact information are posted.
https://www.astc.org/
Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
Headquartered in Berkeley, California, the CTNS is an interdisciplinary program that promotes dialogue between theology and the natural sciences. Founded as an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union in 1981, CTNS is engaged in topics such as physics, cosmology, evolutionary biology, genetics, and neuroscience, as well as Christian theology, ethics, and spirituality. The organization's history and profile are provided, along with a staff directory and involvement opportunities.
https://www.ctns.org/
Humanities & Social Sciences Online
Headquartered at the History Department at Michigan State University, H-Net is an independent, non-profit, scholarly association for scholars, teachers, advanced students, and related professionals. Its edited networks publish peer-reviewed essays, multimedia materials, and discussions for colleagues and other interested people. Subscribers can post images, audio, video, and text, view user profiles, and carry on discussions with colleagues. Contacts are provided.
https://networks.h-net.org/
Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
INFORMS is a professional organization for those working in operations research. The site provides information on the awards bestowed by the organization and how to participate in the work of the organization. It also introduces the organization's history, membership benefits, professional development, and research and teaching projects. The site also provides access to a number of useful databases, including working papers, books, and other publications and resources.
https://www.informs.org/
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is a congressionally chartered organization that serves as the collective scientific national academy of the United States. Its three subdivisions operate as quasi-independent organizations: the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine. NASEM serves as public policy advisors, research institutes, think tanks, and consultants. Contacts are provided.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/
Science & Technology Action Committee
STAC is a group of twenty-five non-profit, academic, foundation, and corporate leaders dedicated to strengthening science and technology in the United States. Its strategy includes increasing federal funding and improving STEM funding at all levels through investment, leadership, and coordination. Its co-chairs, members, and funders are identified, along with advocacy issues, endorsers, a statement regarding the state of science in America, and its action plan.
https://sciencetechaction.org/
TechLatino is a national community organization for Latino technology professionals, businesses, and students. It empowers and advances Latino engagement with science and technology by providing opportunities for growth and recognizing the importance of cultural representation in these fields. Its key initiatives include cybersecurity careers, wireless connectivity, education, and networking. Its membership programs, events, career center, and contacts are featured.
https://techlatino.org/
