2026: A Year of Progress for the Academy
President Matt Humbard set the tone for the year 2026 in his message to members:
“We have come together as a board of directors to ensure the academy’s future and have worked on a strategic plan with the National Association of Academies of Science (NAAS). In 2026, we will implement this new strategic plan, which includes increased member engagement and more events with affiliate organizations. We recognize that we need to be more present and engaged, and to develop relevant programming for the DC metro area with our affiliates.”
Several members of the board attended a strategic planning meeting on Dec. 15, 2025 for a day-long workshop. It was facilitated by consultant Rachel Owen, who was hired through a generous grant from the NAAS. Ms. Owen led the team through a series of discussions to clarify our strategic areas. These were identified as (1) Junior Academy & STEM pipeline; (2) Mentorship & community engagement; (3) Journal & knowledge sharing; (4) Governance, operations & professionalization; (5) Finance, fundraising, & business model; (6) Partnerships & external positioning. The team believes that a focus on these areas will lead to successful outcomes in the Academy’s future.
A detailed report will be forthcoming from the planning consultant, and the board will begin to implement the plan. The result of strategic planning is not a passive document, but an energized team of volunteers aligned to a common vision with specific objectives to pursue. President Humbard and the rest of the team invite all members to join them in making the Academy better in 2026!
Board of Managers of the Washington Academy of Sciences
Tributes to the Washington Academy of Sciences on its 125th Anniversary
In May 2023 The Washington Academy of Sciences celebrated its 125th Anniversary in conjunction with its Annual Awards Banquet. Special highlights of this event included tributes to the Academy from four leading scientists in the Washington DC area. Following are short videos of their presentations:
Dr. S. Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
Dr. S. Panchanathan, previous Director of the National Science Foundation, offers encouraging comments about the educational work of the Washington Academy of Sciences.
Dr. William Phillips, National Institute of Science and Technology
Dr. Phillips won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997 for his development of techniques for the study and manipulation of single cold atoms, which led to more precise GPS location mapping, precision clocks and other practical solutions.
Dr. Vint Cerf, Google Inc.
Dr. Cerf was one of the early developers of the internet. He has been a long-time member and supporter of the Washington Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Laurie Locascio, Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Dr. Locascio recently retired as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). From 2017 to 2022, Locascio served as Vice President for Research at the University of Maryland.
The board members of the Washington Academy of Sciences are grateful for the recognition offered to the Academy by these leading science and management leaders from the DC area!
Past Presentations
The Washington Academy of Sciences now includes on this website an archive of audio, video and slide presentations sponsored or submitted by members of the Academy. Please visit our presentations page for a list of these fascinating presentations!
