Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2025
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.24043 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
Table of Contents:
- In the wake of a rash of executive orders and administrative actions aimed at shaping the scale, scope, and focus of the scientific enterprise in the United States during the second Trump Presidency, we have undertaken a survey of members of the American Physical Society, the country's pre-eminent physics professional society to investigate their needs, interests, and priorities, and how their interests may differ from organizational leadership's priorities. This report provides detail on the context for the creation and implementation of the survey, as well as articulating results and some common themes found in responses. Broadly, our informal survey of APS members revealed that a majority of respondents perceive that the Society supports them, cares about their needs as physicists, and is communicating reliably and transparently. However, a sizeable proportion of respondents -- up to 30\% -- harbor concerns about the organization's actions, its prioritization of member needs over corporate interests, or its willingness to listen to members. In addition, a strong majority -- over two-thirds of respondents -- articulated a desire for more concrete and personal support from APS. While we acknowledge that the Society cannot be all things to all people, the results of our work lead us to the concern that there may indeed be a disconnect between the APS envisioned by those at the top of the organization and those who fill its ranks.