AAAS Meeting 2024 Focuses on 'Science at Scale' and Current Challenges

The annual conference explores how big data, collaboration, and AI are transforming scientific research and discovery.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, is focusing on 'Science at Scale' – a theme reflecting a pivotal shift in how research is conducted. This includes leveraging massive datasets, advanced computing, and unprecedented collaboration to tackle complex challenges across disciplines.

Why it matters

The 'Science at Scale' approach represents a fundamental shift in the scientific landscape, as researchers increasingly turn to big data, interdisciplinary collaboration, and AI to accelerate the pace of discovery and address global issues. This transition has significant implications for how scientific research is conducted and the types of problems that can be solved.

The details

The meeting will highlight how researchers are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science to tackle critical real-world problems, such as assisting farmers and combating human trafficking. Additionally, the collaborative environment fostered at the AAAS event is crucial for accelerating innovation, as complex challenges rarely yield to single-investigator solutions. The meeting will also feature the Improbable Research Show, which showcases unconventional scientific investigations that push the boundaries of understanding.

  • The AAAS annual meeting is taking place in Phoenix, Arizona in 2024.
  • The inaugural ASU–Science Prize winners will be recognized at the 2024 AAAS meeting for their work using AI to address critical issues.

The players

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

The AAAS is the publisher of the prestigious journal Science and organizer of the annual AAAS meeting, which is a leading forum for scientific research and discovery.

ASU–Science Prize

An award recognizing researchers who are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address critical real-world problems.

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What’s next

The AAAS meeting will continue to be a crucial platform for showcasing the latest advancements in data-driven scientific research and collaboration.

The takeaway

The 'Science at Scale' approach represents a significant evolution in how scientific research is conducted, with big data, AI, and interdisciplinary collaboration playing central roles in accelerating discovery and addressing global challenges. This transition has far-reaching implications for the future of scientific inquiry.