Drawing connections between physics and public policy, APS reports and studies examine issues such as energy, defense, STEM education, and the nuclear workforce, among other topics. These reports and studies serve as tools to ensure that APS’s public policy efforts are based on data while also educating scientists, policymakers, and the general public on the role of physics to serve emerging public needs.
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The APS Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) initiates in-depth studies on topics from energy and environment to national security issues, overseen by APS Council. POPA members have also carried out smaller studies and informal reports, which may then become POPA Reports.
APS’s Government Affairs (GA) Reports examine physics and STEM policy issues, such as research security and open science. These reports underscore the data-driven approach GA takes to advancing APS’s policy priorities.
The traditional role of the American Physical Society has been to serve the physics community through the organization of technical meetings and publication of journals. Beginning in 1973, however, the Society undertook to expand its role to serve emerging public needs. As one component of its concern with the relationship between physics and public policy, the Society has undertaken a number of studies of timely technical issues. The final decision on the release of these studies is made by the APS Council, with advice from the APS Panel On Public Affairs (POPA) and from a Review Panel appointed by the Council.