Science Community Organizations

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation with global scope formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open source community.

Open source enables a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is higher quality, better reliability, greater flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.

One of our most important activities is as a standards body, maintaining the Open Source Definition for the good of the community. The Open Source Initiative Approved License trademark and program creates a nexus of trust around which developers, users, corporations and governments can organize open source cooperation.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists is an international geological organization focused on petroleum geology.

The Society for Neuroscience is a nonprofit membership organization of basic scientists and physicians who study the brain and nervous system. Neuroscience includes the study of brain development, sensation and perception, learning and memory, movement, sleep, stress, aging and neurological and psychiatric disorders. It also includes the molecules, cells and genes responsible for nervous system functioning. Recognizing the tremendous potential for the study of the brain and nervous system as a separate field, the Society was formed in 1970. It has grown from 500 members to more than 37,000 and is the world's largest organization of scientists devoted to the study of the brain.

The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of geophysics and the education of applied geophysicists. SEG, founded in 1930, fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the near surface, and in mitigating earth hazards. The Society, which has more than 20,000 members in 110 countries, fulfills its mission through its publications, conferences, forums, Web sites, and educational opportunities.

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) is "the leader in life science education." To date, more than 9,000 educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally. The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

Our goal is to enhance the experience of women in machine learning, and thereby increase the number of women in machine learning, help women in machine learning succeed professionally, and increase the impact of women in machine learning. Toward this goal, we create opportunities for women to engage in substantive technical and professional conversations in a positive, supportive environment. We also work to increase awareness and appreciation of the achievements of women in machine learning. Our programs help women build their technical confidence and our publicity efforts help ensure that women in machine learning and their achievements are known in the community.

The American Breeders Association held its first meeting in 1903 to discuss the ‘new’ science of Genetics for practical breeding of plants and animals. In 1914, the ABA became the American Genetic Association.

Today, the AGA continues to disseminate achievements in genetics through the Journal of Heredity. The Journal, in print for over 100 years, publishes organismal research in areas of general interest to the genetics and genomics community.

The AGA funds an annual President’s Symposium, small conferences and workshops through its Special Events Awards, grad student and postdoc research through the Evolutionary, Ecological or Conservation Genomics award, and the annual Stephen J O’Brien award for the best student-authored article in Journal of Heredity.

The American Institute of Biological Sciences is the national scientific organization that promotes the use of science to inform decision-making that advances biology for the benefit of science and society. We achieve this mission independently and in collaboration with our members and business partners.

The Science Fiction Research Association (SFRA) is the oldest professional organization for the study of science fiction and fantasy literature and film. Founded in 1970, the SFRA was organized to improve classroom teaching; to encourage and assist scholarship; and to evaluate and publicize new books and magazines dealing with fantastic literature and film, teaching methods and materials, and allied media performances.

The American Institute of Mathematics, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1994 by Silicon Valley businessmen John Fry and Steve Sorenson, longtime supporters of mathematical research. The goals of AIM are to expand the frontiers of mathematical knowledge through focused research projects, through sponsored conferences, and through the development of an on-line mathematics library. In addition, AIM is interested in helping to preserve the history of mathematics through the acquisition and preservation of rare mathematical books and documents and in making these materials available to scholars of mathematical history.

The Biophysical Society was founded in 1957 to encourage development and dissemination of knowledge in biophysics. It does so through its many programs, including its meetings, publications, and committee outreach activities. The Society's members, now nearly 9,000, work in academia, industry, and in government agencies throughout the world.

The Computing Research Association (CRA) is an association of more than 200 North American academic departments of computer science, computer engineering, and related fields; laboratories and centers in industry, government, and academia engaging in basic computing research; and affiliated professional societies.

CNI is an organization dedicated to supporting the transformative promise of networked information technology for the advancement of scholarly communication and the enrichment of intellectual productivity. Some 200 institutions representing higher education, publishing, network and telecommunications, information technology, and libraries and library organizations make up CNI's Members. CNI's semi-annual Task Force Meetings bring together representatives of these constituencies to discuss ongoing and new projects and plan for future initiatives. CNI also hosts a variety of networked information projects.

The European Science Foundation (ESF) is an association of 80 member organisations devoted to scientific research in 30 European countries. Since we were established in 1974, we have coordinated a wide range of pan-European scientific initiatives, and our flexible organisation structure means we can respond quickly to new developments. ESF's core purpose is to promote high quality science at a European level.

AAPT was established in 1930 with the fundamental goal of ensuring the "dissemination of knowledge of physics, particularly by way of teaching." The Association currently has over 11,000 members in 30 countries around the world.

The OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) is an international not for profit organization committed to making quality open standards for the global geospatial community. These standards are made through a consensus process and are freely available for anyone to use to improve sharing of the world's geospatial data.

ACM, the world

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) was founded in 1945 by scientists who had worked on the Manhattan Project to develop the first atomic bombs. With 69 Nobel Laureates on its Board of Sponsors, FAS provides timely, nonpartisan technical analysis on complex global issues that hinge on science and technology. Priding itself on agility and an ability to bring together people from many disciplines and organizations, the organization often addresses critical policy topics that are not well covered by other organizations. FAS projects are organized under three main program areas: Energy and the Environment, Learning Technologies, and Strategic Security.

Applied mathematics, in partnership with computational science, is essential in solving many real-world problems. Through our publications, research, and community, the mission of SIAM is to build cooperation between mathematics and the worlds of science and technology.

In 1934, a dozen pioneering science reporters established the National Association of Science Writers at a meeting in New York. They wanted a forum in which to join forces to improve their craft and encourage conditions that promote good science writing.The association was formally incorporated in 1955 with a charter to "foster the dissemination of accurate information regarding science through all media normally devoted to informing the public."