Page 10 - Summer2019

The qualitative and quantitative responses received from voices to the table, making the Society stronger. Potential
stakeholder interviews and the surveys were clear: the top tactics in support of this goal could be
priority of the ASA must be to stay true to our mission of - oifering technical sessions or workshops in partnership
generating, disseminating, and promoting the knowledge with industry and practitioners, focused on practical
and practical applications of acoustics. The Society can better applications of acoustics;
position itselfto achieve this mission by proactively identify- - hosting a well-advertised career fair; and/or
ing and promoting emerging scientific discoveries and their - increasing the number of papers that the ASA publishes
applications in acoustics, more so than we have in the past. on the practical applications of acoustics.
The challenges we face in achieving this are varied, including
the difliculty predicting what emerging areas will have a long- The third priority initiative relates to one from the 2015 Plan
impact on our field. Also, the existing structures under on Awareness of Acoustics: we seek to improve communi-
which the ASA Technical Council is organized and operates cation, outreach, and public relations in all areas related to
may limit scientific cross-fertilization and the ability of the acoustics. We cannot be relevant if no one outside of our
Society to integrate emerging areas nimbly, Although specific Society knows about what we do. The research revealed sev-
tactics toward achieving this goal have not been decided on, eral key focus areas: communication and outreach to K-12
potential ones include pipelines, funding agencies, governing bodies that oversee
. hosting regular workshops on emerging technologies and public policy, and society at large. Potential tactics toward
issues related to acoustics; this goal could be
- defining a number of interdisciplinary grand challenges in - creating a proactive communication and marketing
acoustics.sin1ilarto those announced bythe National Acad- plan aimed at building and sustaining recognition of
emy ofEngineering (engmeeringchallengesnrg); and/or the relevance of acoustics;
. dedicating more ti.me to cross-disciplinary interactions - helping members to become more adept at science com-
and discussions at the biannual meetings. munication; and/or
. developing more standards, policy statements, and
We considered this strategic initiative to be most important guidelines in acoustics that are relevant to our communi-
and will be aggressively moving forward on tactics toward ties at large.
achieving this goal.
Finally, although the ASA has made improvements as to how
The second strategic initiative is to improve engagement with we approach member engagement and diversity since the last
people who do not work in academic institutions, particularly strategic plan (acousticlinkl A’ 1‘-F 18-PC), continued member
practitioners, consultants, and those in industry. Currently, engagement is still a priority and has been identified as the
about 38% of ASA members are employed at a college or fourth prirnaryinitiative. In particular, the data highlightedthe
university, whereas 32% are consultants or work in indus- fact that the ASA could improve the engagement of members
try, 9% are employed by government or govemment-related who are unable to regularly attend the its biannual meetings. (A
institutions, followed by other employer categories with majority of members do not attend meetings!) Tactics to explore
smaller percentages. Responses from the gathered data clearly in support of this goal could be
indicated that those who are not at an academic institution - strengthening the regional chapters program so that
had different perceptions about the role and benefits of the members have an opportunity to engage with the Society
Society than do academic members. Better engagement of at amore local level;
those working in the practical applications of acoustics, while - offering more on-line professional development or continu-
continuing to provide great value to those from academic ing edumtion opportunities for members at alllevels; andlor
institutions, will help the ASA to stay truer to its mission, - sponsoring pop-up events in between meetings.
as stated above, and can help position the Society to better
accomplish the first goal of identifying and promoting emerg- I am so grateful to all of you who engaged in the interviews
ing scientific areas and their applications. Multidisciplinary and surveys. Your input has been invaluable in helping the
in all areas of the ASA is something for which the leadership leadership to outline these priority initiatives for the next
believes the ASA should strive for because diversity of back- three to five years. At the Spring 2019 Louisville Meeting, the
grounds, training, career paths, and career stages brings many Executive Council plans to approve the new strategic plan
B | Anuu-en=1bugy| Summer 24119