The American Association for the Advancement of Science has announced the selection of Craig Just, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering and assistant faculty researcher at IIHR--Hydroscience & Engineering, as one of only 15 food and water security researchers as the 2018-19 AAAS Alan I. Leshner Leadership Institute Public Engagement Fellows. Just and the other scientists were chosen for having demonstrated leadership and excellence in their research careers and an interest in promoting meaningful dialogue between science and society.

The water security work of the incoming AAAS Leshner Fellows draws from varied disciplines, including anthropology, civil engineering, biological and environmental sciences, geography, hydrology, political science and economics, plant genetics and horticulture.

Just was chosen as an AAAS Leshner Fellow for demonstrating clear commitment from scientists and researchers within the food and water security research community to engage the public on many critical issues. The AAAS Leshner Fellows program, now in its third year, builds on the long-standing commitment of AAAS to science communication and public engagement.

The AAAS Leshner Fellows will meet in June 2018 at AAAS headquarters in Washington, D.C. for a week of intensive public engagement and science communication training, networking and public engagement plan development.

Throughout the year following training, AAAS Leshner Fellows will develop and implement public engagement activities, train other scientists in their communities and work to increase capacity for public engagement at their institutions. AAAS staff will provide ongoing support and continuing professional development throughout their fellowship year.

The Leshner Leadership Institute was established in 2015 through philanthropic support. The Institute is managed by the AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology, established in 2004 by Alan I. Leshner, now chief executive officer emeritus of AAAS.