Membership in scientific societies has been slowly declining over the past quarter-century. Why? This change is part of a broader trend, as membership in many civic institutions has been declining for decades. This point was presciently made by Robert Putnam in his book Bowling Alone, published in 2000. Putnam noted that for most of the 20th century, a majority of people belonged to multiple civic groups, including bowling leagues, book clubs, neighborhood associations, parent-teacher organizations, rotary clubs, and many others. However, starting in the late 20th century and continuing to the present day, there has been a dramatic decline in participation in all of these types of civic groups.
Does it matter what scientific journal you publish your latest findings in? Many journals associated with non-profit scientific societies have been around for decades (some for over a century) and represent the gold standard in their fields. However, since 2000 there has been a massive proliferation of for-profit journals that have made it challenging for society journals to maintain their pipeline of submissions.
What is the purpose of scientific societies? This feels like a natural question to ask, given that this is my first month as President of ASPET. Leading ASPET in the right direction requires an understanding of the society’s purpose.
Listen to ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, share insight into the internal workings of ASPET, an overview of ASPET’s accomplishments this year and what’s coming up next, ASPET 2026, and bid farewell and welcome upcoming President Dr. Randy Hall.
Listen to ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, discuss the ASPET SURF Summer program, the Norman Weiner Lecture, ASPET 2026 and more!
Listen to ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, discuss ASPET 2025, ASPET 2026 session proposals, the Society’s online events, and more!
ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, welcomes you to ASPET 2025, gives updates on ASPET Divisions, the Washington Fellows program and more!
Listen to ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, give updates on the recent science policy announcements, registration discounts for the ASPET 2025 Annual Meeting, the Washington Fellows program and more!
Listen to ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, give updates on ASPET 2025 registration, ASPET Discovery, the Journal Editorial Fellows and more!
Listen to ASPET President, Dr. Carol Beck, give updates on ASPET 2025 registration, ASPET’s mentoring programs and more!
