2024 Annual Report: Transitioning to a New Era

As we approach the 20-year mark since the establishment of WSAS by the Washington State Legislature, I want to take a moment to recognize how far we have come as an organization. The WSAS now has over 400 members from universities, industries, national labs, and nonprofits across the state who are increasingly engaged in contributing their expertise to the state. With the help of members and staff, the Academy conducts numerous projects at the request of the state legislature and state agencies and is exploring new ways to bring a science perspective to policymaking including developing a science and technology policy fellowship program.

In FY24 the Academy held its largest symposium to date on Sustainable Aviation bringing together members of the aviation community, researchers and policymakers to discuss the technologies, infrastructure, workforce and policies needed to move towards a sustainable future. We similarly brought together experts and policymakers for a wide-ranging discussion on an emerging issue for our state and the world around 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone, a tire chemical that is deadly to some salmon species. WSAS members also supported the state in reviewing grant proposals and nominations, ensuring that they are scientifically sound.

All of this cannot be done without the hard work of our staff and members. In particular, I want to thank our outgoing Executive Director Donna Gerardi Riordan and outgoing President John Roll for their service and dedication to this organization and for helping to establish its reputation as a trusted source of independent, evidence-based advice across a growing network of policymakers in the state.

I am excited to welcome Melanie Roberts as the new WSAS Executive Director. She is a thoughtful and strategic leader who brings with her a wealth of highly relevant experience and networks in science policy both nationally and in the state. The board and I have great confidence that under Melanie’s leadership WSAS will continue to grow and help decision makers consider how to integrate science and technology for the benefit of Washington State citizens, governments and businesses.

Looking ahead, we aim to build on WSAS’s success and broaden our impact across the state. Achieving this requires engaged members—stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved with WSAS in the coming year. With the help of members, WSAS will continue to provide nonpartisan, science-based insights to guide Washington’s future.

We look forward to working with our members and partners to continue expanding the capacity for evidence-informed decision making in our great state.

Allison Campbell, Ph.D.
President

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, retired