Our Value
Many issues facing Washington State — from salmon recovery to the clean energy transition — hinge on science and technology. Effectively addressing these issues requires solid scientific input. WSAS serves as a bridge between scientists and policymakers. We mobilize experts within and beyond the Academy to provide independent, unbiased, evidence-based scientific and engineering assessments on issues that impact the citizens, governments and businesses of Washington State.
AI for Washington State
Using Artificial Intelligence to explore, discover and understand
September 25, 2024 | Seattle, WA
The 17th annual WSAS symposium brought together scientists, industry professionals, policymakers and others to discuss the many opportunities and challenges emerging from this rapidly evolving technology.
A unique resource for Washington state
Modeled after the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
The Washington State Legislature funded the Academy to conduct a study to determine the value of distributed solar and storage in Washington state in order to create recommendations and options for a methodology or methodologies that utility regulators and governing bodies may use after the statutory four percent net metering threshold is met.
The Academy received a grant from the National Conference of State Legislatures to support the planning of a science policy fellowship program in Washington State.
March 17, 2025
2022 AJAS delegate Kevin Shen of Olympia, WA took seventh place at the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the U.S.’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Shen was awarded $70,000 for building a custom flight computer to control a 3D-printed airplane with oblique wings.
December 9, 2024
WSAS showcases another extraordinary year of serving as Washington’s independent scientific and technical advisory body. The Academy thanks outgoing executive director Donna Gerardi Riordan and outgoing president John Roll for their service and welcomes Melanie Roberts as its new executive director.
November 3, 2024
The WSAS Board of Directors announced the selection of Melanie Roberts as WSAS’s next Executive Director. Roberts brings over 20 years of experience as a science, technology, and innovation policy practitioner focused on increasing the benefits of science for society. Roberts assumed her new role on November 1, 2024.
