Science & the City
Scientific and technological innovation can deliver powerful benefits to society; but only with the support of an engaged, science-literate public.


Many people think of science academies as venerable, old institutions whose members are appointed, with great pomp and circumstance, at the end of a long, distinguished career. But the New York Academy of Sciences has never been a “traditional” science academy. Since its founding in 1817, the Academy has welcomed non-scientists among its Members, including educators, inventors, policymakers, and science advocates of all kinds. In fact our mission — to advance scientific research, education, and policy — is dependent upon the support of an engaged, science-literate public.

"We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology."
— Carl Sagan
That’s why the Academy is committed to programs that help young people discover the excitement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). And that’s why our Science & the City program is focused on creating programming to illuminate and translate cutting-edge science for the general public.