American Association for the Advancement of Science - AAAS 2027
Event Date
February 18–20, 2027
Location
Chicago, IL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe AAAS Annual Meeting is the flagship gathering of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the nonprofit publisher of the journal Science and one of the world's largest general scientific societies. AAAS is a nonprofit professional society dedicated to the advancement of scientific and technological excellence across all disciplines, and to the public's understanding of science and technology, and the Annual Meeting offers a unique, interdisciplinary blend of more than 120 scientific sessions, plenary and topical lectures, workshops, e-poster presentations, and an international Expo.
The 2027 edition carries the theme Science Forward: Policy and Engagement for a Changing World. The meeting invites scientists, engineers, policymakers, communicators, and leaders across sectors to examine how evidence informs action, and how collaboration built on relationships of mutual trust ensures that science continues to serve society.
Uniquely interdisciplinary, the meeting draws researchers, educators, students, journalists, and science advocates from around the world. It is worth attending for its breadth: attendees can move across fields — from climate and health to AI and science policy — while networking with peers and hearing from leading voices in science and public engagement.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the AAAS Annual Meeting include:
- Scientific sessions and panels — multi-disciplinary panels in which experts discuss research that advances knowledge and responds to the needs of society, in 60-minute sessions where three speakers give 10-minute presentations followed by audience questions.
- Workshops — instructional, interactive sessions aimed at individuals seeking careers in science and engineering and professionals looking to sharpen their skills, with up to 3 presenters over 60 minutes.
- Plenary and topical lectures, postdoc talks, and student e-poster presentations.
- The international Expo, where organizations showcase programs, tools, and services.
- Family Science Days — historically free, public hands-on science activities and stage shows for families and students.
The 2027 theme, Science Forward: Policy and Engagement for a Changing World, explores how ideas move through — and are shaped by — the intersections of research, policy, media, and society.
Attendance
The AAAS Annual Meeting is one of the largest general-science gatherings in the world, drawing an international audience. Historical figures reported around past Chicago meetings include: the meeting may draw as many as 8,500 attendees from 60 countries. AAAS last met in Chicago in 2009, when the event drew 6,595 total attendees, including 757 newsroom registrants. For comparison, the 2013 conference in Boston drew 9,959 total attendees, including 5,365 general registrants, 3,647 Family Science Days participants, and 947 newsroom registrants. The audience spans scientists, engineers, policymakers, educators, students, and members of the press.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 AAAS Annual Meeting is open online. Online registration will be open as late as the last day of the meeting; discounted registration rates are available through January 28, 2027, and standard registration rates will be in effect thereafter.
Key points:
- Meeting badges are required to attend all sessions and events, and your badge is your ticket to enter all sessions and events associated with the 2027 AAAS Annual Meeting.
- For groups of 10 or more, contact AAAS Meetings via e-mail at meetings@aaas.org; the rate per person will be the advance member rate for the group type you are registering.
- Cancellations: for email requests received until January 27, 2027, cancellations receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee; after January 27, 2027, no refund requests will be honored.
- For questions about registration, contact meetings@aaas.org or call 202-326-6450.
History
The meeting is organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is among the oldest scientific societies in America, having been founded in Philadelphia in 1848. The Annual Meeting has grown into a premier interdisciplinary science event, rotating among major U.S. cities each February. Recent hosts include Phoenix, Arizona (February 2026); Boston, Massachusetts (February 2025); Denver, Colorado (February 2024); and Washington, D.C. (February 2023). The 2027 meeting marks a notable return to Chicago: AAAS will be heading back to Chicago, IL for the 2027 Annual Meeting after thirteen years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 AAAS Annual Meeting?
The 2027 AAAS Annual Meeting takes place February 18-20, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.
Who should attend the AAAS Annual Meeting?
The meeting invites scientists, engineers, policymakers, communicators, and leaders across sectors, along with educators, students, and members of the press. It is highly interdisciplinary, welcoming attendees from across all scientific fields.
How do I register and what are the deadlines?
Registration is completed online and stays open as late as the last day of the meeting. Discounted rates are available through January 28, 2027, with standard rates in effect thereafter. A meeting badge is required for all sessions and events.
What is the theme of the 2027 meeting?
The 2027 theme is 'Science Forward: Policy and Engagement for a Changing World,' which explores how ideas move through the intersections of research, policy, media, and society.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
The Hyatt Regency Chicago is about 17 miles from O'Hare International Airport and about 12 miles from Midway International Airport. Both are accessible by public transit, car, rideshare, taxi, or car rental, and the hotel sits steps from the L train and CTA buses. The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle.
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