Dr. Shirley M. Malcom, the AAAS Director of Education and Human Resources Programs (EHR), presented “The Other Impact Factor AAAS: Supporting Diversity in Science.” Impact factor is a widely accepted indicator of significance for expansion of certain scientific discussion; however, Malcom presented another kind of ‘impact factor’ based on the idea that the AAAS is more than the publisher of Science journals and has a prominent role in shaping science.

Malcom introduced the book, The Establishment of Science in America, which was published in 1998 to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of AAAS. This book depicts the early days of AAAS, demonstrating that unlike other associations, AAAS has always sent female scientists to academic conferences. In its early years, not many women participated in the sciences. Maria Mitchell, an astronomer and the first female member of AAAS, was a memorable exception. She explored ways for more women to serve in science through education. The first elected fellows of AAAS in 1874 included Ellen Swallow Richards, the first woman faculty member at MIT. The social scientist W. E. B. Du Bois was the first African-American member in 1900, and later elected as a fellow. Fighting against all forms of intolerance, AAAS was a home to whomever came into the science community.
AAAS elected Mina Reese as its first female president in the late 1960s. Subsequently, AAAS has had presidents from minority groups. In fact, more than 40% of AAAS presidents come from such groups. Presidents, Board members, and Officers of AAAS represent diversity not only in gender and race, but in opinions, ideas, and fields.

AAAS has also been engaged in activities for social change. SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans) has a special relationship with AAAS. AAAS has also tackled issues in science for young researchers, the disabled, and ‘double bind’ groups (minority women) through resolutions and statements relating to diversity and discrimination. Inside the organization, the Council of AAAS recently approved a policy to revoke the status of elected fellows in cases of proven misconduct including harassment. Another example is the introduction of a fully accessible meeting for scientists with disabilities, beginning with the 1976 AAAS annual meeting in Boston.
As a non-profit organization, AAAS provides opportunities for all entities including corporations to affirm the value of diversity. AAAS regularly challenges legally organizations such as higher education institutions to expand diversity and inclusion in their activities.

Efforts towards diversity have not been limited to the United States, but have been made throughout the world. AAAS contributed to several meetings for women on science and technology, such as the Nairobi Conference in Africa, as well working with women in the Middle East, Asia, South America and Central America. This contribution included developing a network with various local organizations and scientists worldwide. Works for education of diversity and inclusion led by AAAS include ‘The Vision and Change’ and ‘SEA Change,’ which provide support to raise awareness.

According to Malcom, AAAS/Science “represents the science and the science community” in “aspirations that we have to be open, diverse and welcoming to all people to become a force for science.”