American Association for the Advancement of Science

Created on September 20, 1848, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) serves as a not-for-profit forum that works to address various issues facing the scientific community in the United States. During the debate regarding stem cell research that erupted in 2001, the AAAS supported the use of embryonic stem cells as a means of ameliorating or curing the many conditions and diseases that might be affected by such work. The AAAS has served as one of the staunchest advocates for stem cell research, although it has also encouraged the development of ethical guidelines that would prevent misuse and abuse of such research. As a leading forum for discussions regarding such studies, the AAAS has taken a leading role in developing support for ...