AAAS Adds a New Twist to 'Science of Our Senses' and 'Meet the Scientists' Encounters at the Expo!

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) – a maestro at making science come alive for K-12 students, teachers and the public – will once more bring its magic to the Festival next year, returning as a major sponsor and presenting a reprise of its wildly popular "Meet the Scientists" and "Science of Our Senses" hands-on encounters at Festival Expo 2014 – but this time with an added twist!

One of the founding sponsors of the USA Science & Engineering Festival, AAAS – the world's largest general scientific society – has long been a Festival partner, sharing common goals with the event in science outreach, says Tiffany Lohwater, AAAS Director of Meetings and Public Engagement. "Our focus on, and commitment to, public outreach and educating local communities throughout the country about the importance and excitement of science is closely related to the work of the Festival, which is why the AAAS is proud to be returning," says Tiffany.

AAAS will serve as a Nobelium-level sponsor for the 2014 Festival and Expo, bringing with it the outreach expertise that Festival goers have come to expect from this Washington, D.C.-based organization: up-close-and-personal interaction with working scientists!

Building upon the excitement it generated at last year's Expo, AAAS will return once more with its dynamic "Science of Our Senses" exhibits and its array of "Meet the Scientists" stage shows during Expo weekend next April. Says Tiffany. "These hands-on events were a huge success among visitors last year since these experiences gave children and families an exciting look at what our five senses are, and the chance to personally meet scientists from various disciplines to learn about their research."

At the Expo 2014, AAAS will expand upon these themes in interesting ways. Its "Brain Meets World: The Science of the Senses" exhibits will take you deep inside the mysteries of how the brain processes the neuro-signals of our senses. "These exhibits will include meeting scientists who are working in this exciting field," says Lohwater, "and chemical researchers who study how the brain processes different smells."

AAAS will also conduct its popular "Meet the Scientists" stage shows again, giving festival attendees the chance to connect with researchers from a wide range of fields in dynamic ways. And this coming February, the "Meet the Scientists" program will play an important role at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Chicago where the outreach program will connect thousands of Chicago-area students and their families with science during Family Science Days.

"Whether at the Festival or through the other outreach initiatives we are involved in, our aim at AAAS is to contribute to a better understanding of science and the vital contributions that scientists make to our lives -- in addition to the fact that science is fun and exciting!" says Tiffany.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science, (AAAS), is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association. In addition to organizing membership activities, AAAS publishes the journal Science, as well as many scientific newsletters, books and reports, and spearheads programs that raise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.

We thank AAAS and all of our Festival Sponsors for helping us to inspire the innovators of tomorrow!