With more than 138,000 members and 275 affiliated societies, AAAS serves as an authoritative source for information on the latest developments in science and bridges gaps among scientists, policy-makers and the public to advance science and science education. Founded in Philadelphia in 1848, AAAS is among the oldest societies in America. Anyone may join AAAS simply by paying membership dues. A membership guarantees a subscription to Science. This is achieved by publishing The American Naturalist and by holding an annual meeting with a scientific program of symposia and contributed papers and posters.
Most members teach and conduct research at colleges and universities.
Others conduct research in various government laboratories, nonprofit research institutions and industry. Founded in 1906, the Society is based in Bethesda, Maryland, on the campus of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. The Institute of Biology is the professional body for UK biologists. It was founded in 1950, obtained a Royal Charter in 1979, and is a registered charity. Its 16500 members work in industry, research, education and healthcare, amongst other areas.