Society for Science & the Public

Society for Science & the Public is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of science and public engagement with scientific research. Founded in the early 20th century, it champions scientific literacy through prestigious competitions, educational outreach, and award-winning publications. Its mission centers on informing, educating, and inspiring the public on the vital role of science in human progress and democratic society.

History

The organization was established in 1921 by newspaper magnate Edward W. Scripps and zoologist William Emerson Ritter as the Science Service, with its first offices in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Its original mandate was to distribute accurate science news to newspapers across the United States, countering sensationalism. A pivotal early project was the creation of the Science News-Letter, a weekly digest that evolved into the modern magazine Science News. Throughout the mid-20th century, it expanded its role, managing major national competitions like the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and later fostering international student research fairs. The organization adopted its current name in 2008 to better reflect its public mission, having been headquartered in Washington, D.C. since 1962.

Programs and initiatives

Core initiatives focus on identifying and nurturing young scientific talent through globally recognized competitions. The flagship program is the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, formerly known as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and Intel Science Talent Search. It also organizes the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest international pre-college science fair, in partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Additional outreach includes the Broadcom MASTERS competition for middle school students and the Advancing STEM Equity Initiative, which provides research grants and mentorship to underrepresented communities. These programs often involve partnerships with institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Geographic Society.

Publications

The organization is the publisher of Science News, an award-winning biweekly magazine and digital platform that covers cutting-edge discoveries across all scientific disciplines for a general audience. Originally launched as the Science News-Letter in 1922, the publication is renowned for its concise, accessible reporting on research from major institutions like NASA, CERN, and the National Institutes of Health. It also produces Science News Explores, a digital publication aimed at younger readers and educators. The editorial content is independent and often cited by major media outlets such as The New York Times and the BBC.

Awards and competitions

It administers some of the most coveted awards in youth science. The top award in the Regeneron Science Talent Search is a $250,000 prize, with winners frequently going on to distinguished careers, earning honors like the Nobel Prize and MacArthur Fellowship. At the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, students compete for millions in awards, including the Gordon E. Moore Award and trips to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Stockholm. The organization also bestows the SSP Fellowship to outstanding educators and the SSP Community Innovation Award to support local science fairs. Alumni of these competitions have become leaders at organizations like the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Harvard University.

Governance and funding

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of leaders from academia, industry, and media, with current leadership under President and CEO Maya Ajmera. Primary funding is derived from a mix of philanthropic grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donations. Major sponsors have included Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Broadcom Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. It also receives support from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense. Financial operations and program impact are detailed in annual reports publicly available from its headquarters in Washington, D.C..

Category:Scientific organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Science education organizations Category:Organizations established in 1921