Physicists Address Global Challenges at Leadership Meeting

International experts in physics and science policy met online January 27 for the APS Annual Leadership Meeting (ALM) to discuss the impact of research security concerns on the scientific enterprise, how to stem the flow of misinformation, and what it means to be a physicist. The Thursday sessions were free and open to the public as part of ALM, a forum for discussing the ways that the physics community can advance and diffuse the knowledge of and excitement in physics and ensure that all who want to practice physics find a welcoming and supportive environment.

The recordings are available to view online at leadership.aps.org. Highlights include:

• FBI Deputy Senior National Intelligence Officer Patrick Shiflett shared the agency’s perspective on research security risks.

• PBS Science Correspondent Miles O'Brien moderated a panel discussion about barriers to international scientific collaboration.

• Researchers from industry and academia debated how to make physics more inclusive of nontraditional career paths.

In addition to the public sessions, APS members and leaders came together for the Annual Business Meeting as well as training for Unit officers and Board members. The ALM also included a full day of congressional visits (see the article Teamwork Key to 2022 Congressional Visits Day) and the debut of a short documentary film celebrating the recipients of the Society’s highest honors (see the article The 2022 APS Medal and Society Prize Ceremony).