Work with us

The Washington State Academy of Sciences is a trusted and valuable resource for independent, expert advice for Washington State agencies, the Legislature, and others. Those who request WSAS to carry out a project depend upon WSAS’s reputation for independence and our unique ability to bring together leading experts, weigh the evidence, and produce reports that inform important policies and decisions. We gather experts across disciplines who volunteer their services on committees to provide objective and scientifically-sound advice.

WSAS tailors its activities to the needs of the sponsor. Projects typically take anywhere from six to 18 months to complete, although some more urgent projects may be completed in a shorter time and some broader or more complex projects may take a longer time.

Before a contract or grant is finalized, staff and board members work with the sponsor to determine the specific set of questions to be addressed. A formal “statement of work” is developed that defines the scope, timeline, and budget of the project and serves as the basis for determining the expertise and the balance of perspectives needed on the project committee. The statement of work is approved by the WSAS Executive Committee.

Grants, contracts, and gifts from states, foundations, individuals, and other sources enable us to address critical issues on behalf of the state. From time to time, a project may have one or several sponsors. The Academy generally does not compete for federal or state contracts.

Costs vary with the type and scope of the activity. Multi-year consensus reports are a greater financial investment than workshops or roundtables. The Academy works to keep costs low and continually reviews its policies and procedures to improve efficiency.