The Value of WSAS
Addressing complex problems requires an accurate understanding of the problem and useful predictions about the trade-offs of potential interventions. Gathering relevant information is challenging because it lies in silos and because it is difficult to judge the validity of various and sometimes conflicting information.
The Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) was created by state law to serve as an independent source of scientific and technical information. WSAS acts as a nonpartisan convener and honest broker, mobilizing experts across Washington and beyond to bring the best available information to policymakers and practitioners to make evidence-informed decisions in the interest of the public.
Growing with AI
How do we enable a safe, sustainable, and economically viable future for Washington agriculture in the age of AI?
Over the past year, WSAS has led a collaborative initiative to define key challenges that need to be addressed to keep Washington’s agriculture and food systems robust – with a focus on potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. Now, through our first-ever open Call for Ideas, we are surfacing promising ideas that could help Washington agriculture become more productive, resilient, and economically viable in the age of AI.
A unique resource for Washington state
Established by the Washington State Legislature to serve as a science advisory body for the state.
The Washington State Legislature funded the Academy to conduct a study to determine the value of distributed solar and storage in Washington state in order to create recommendations and options for a methodology or methodologies that utility regulators and governing bodies may use after the statutory four percent net metering threshold is met.
The Academy received a grant from the National Conference of State Legislatures to support the planning of a science policy fellowship program in Washington State.
A transformational experience
Washington State Junior Academy of Sciences
WSAS proudly supports and celebrates the next generation of scientific leaders through the Washington Junior Academy of Science (WAJAS) Program. This program recognizes exceptional high school students from across the state for outstanding original scientific research and offers opportunities to connect with the research community in Washington and beyond.
July 16, 2026
New members were elected in recognition of their scientific achievement and willingness to work on behalf of the Academy for the benefit of Washington state.
July 16, 2026
WSAS members re-elected Jonathan Yoder as Treasurer; and elected Amanda Boyd, Mary Czerwinski, John Stein, and Judith Wasserheit as new board members.
March 23, 2026
WSAS members Brian French (WSU) and Philip Bell (UW) joined WSAS Executive Director Melanie Roberts in Olympia, alongside presenters from Washington STEM and the Pacific Science Center, to discuss “The Science of STEM Education” with the bipartisan, bicameral ScITech Caucus.
