Policy & Advocacy

The APS Office of Public Affairs (OPA) was established to facilitate communication between physicists, the public, and government on scientific issues of concern to APS members and to the nation as a whole. OPA coordinates the interaction between APS in the federal government, directs the efforts of the Physics in Government Network (our national group of grassroots scientist-activists), and sponsors fellowships.

Contact Us:   [email protected]   |   (202) 662-8700

Policy Analysis

Cato Institute ThumbThe Cato Institute’s Opposing Views on Science Funding Show the Need for Physics Advocacy
At a briefing on Capitol Hill, the Cato Institute made a case against government support for science, but it actually showed why we need to speak out in favor of that funding.

The Capitol building and dome thumbnailThe Open Access Wrecking Ball
In an age of electronic communication, everyone expects to have access to information on the Web instantly and without using a credit card to get it.

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) talks with students during a reception thumbnailInnovation Pipeline Reception Highlights Ways to Keep America Competitive in 21st Century
During the reception, several speakers addressed strategies for strengthening the innovator pipeline.

Hands Typing ThumbnailClearer Grant Titles Can Help Ward Off Funding Critics
Grant titles have come under fire from some members of Congress who say the scientists’ research is a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.

APS Interns Representative FortnerAPS Office of Public Affairs Interns: A Little Recycling Goes a Long Way
Letter to the Editor authored by two Northern Illinois University undergraduate students

 Gray Arrow View all policy analysis

Quick Links

Issues

To serve the needs of its membership and the general public, APS concerns itself with a number of issues that affect both the physics community and the nation as a whole.

Competitiveness & Innovation
National Security
Education
Energy & Environment
Research Funding
Visa Policy