2026 AAAS Annual Meeting

The AAAS Annual Meeting 2026 is one of the largest and most respected gatherings of scientists, researchers, educators, policymakers, and innovators from around the world. Organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), this event brings together experts from many different scientific disciplines to share research, discuss pressing global challenges, and explore how science can make a positive impact on society.

This year’s meeting will take place from February 12 to 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Theme: “Science @ Scale”

The central theme of the 2026 meeting is “Science @ Scale”. This reflects a focus on how scientific knowledge and innovation are being used at larger scales to address major global issues — from climate change and energy systems to population health, technology policy, and socio-economic challenges. The idea is to explore how scientific work can expand beyond individual labs and papers to make a measurable difference in the world.

What Happens at the Conference

The AAAS Annual Meeting is more than a single talk or panel. It includes a mix of:

• Invited Lectures
Keynote presentations by leading scientists and thinkers on timely topics across science and technology.

• Panels and Discussions
Interactive sessions where experts debate and analyse scientific issues, often with public policy or societal implications.

• Workshops and Training Sessions
Practical workshops designed to help researchers improve skills such as science communication, research management, and public engagement.

• Research Presentations and Posters
Short talks and poster sessions featuring emerging research from graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and established investigators.

Who Attends

The meeting attracts a wide range of participants, including:

— Academic researchers and scientists across disciplines

— Science communicators and journalists

— Policymakers and government advisors

— Innovators and technology leaders

— Students and early-career researchers

It offers a unique opportunity for networking, learning about cutting-edge discoveries, and engaging with topics that influence both science and society.

Why It Matters in 2026

As the pace of technological change accelerates, the AAAS Annual Meeting provides a forum where scientific knowledge meets real-world impact. The gathering highlights how research at scale — whether in artificial intelligence, biomedical science, climate resilience, or technological innovation — can help solve complex global problems.

For anyone interested in the future of science and technology, this event is a valuable window into current trends, big ideas, and the priorities shaping research policy and innovation.