News

A new initiative from the Washington State Academy of Sciences called Growing with AI will bring together the state’s tech giants and diverse farming community to tackle pressing challenges in the agriculture industry.

WAJAS is a WSAS program recognizing exceptional high school students from across the state for outstanding original scientific research and offering opportunities to connect with the research community in Washington and beyond. Fellows were publicly honored alongside Washington's top researchers at the WSAS 20th Anniversary Celebration on October 7.

Amid political polarization and uncertain federal research policy, Washington leaders are betting on stability through a unique innovation ecosystem rooted in the state’s institutions and businesses. That was a theme at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, held Tuesday evening at Seattle’s Museum of Flight.

The Washington State Legislature asked the Washington State Academy of Sciences to study the value of distributed solar power generation and storage, and to develop recommendations for future compensation methods. The WSAS’s recently published interim report details engagement with interested parties and a research plan for continued analysis.

New members were elected in recognition of their scientific achievement and willingness to work on behalf of the Academy for the benefit of Washington state.

WSAS members elected Doug Call as President-elect; Ljiljana Paša-Tolić as Secretary; Rita Fuchs and David Takeuchi as new board members; and Michael Goodchild and Julie Kmec as returning board members.

WSAS Executive Director Melanie Roberts discusses the Academy with Geekwire and shares what keeps her hopeful during this challenging time for the U.S. scientific sector.

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.

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.